Introduction
Title: Wisdom, Faith, and Harmony — An Intimate Conversation with William Lee Golden of The Oak Ridge Boys
It’s a quiet August morning in 2025, and William Lee Golden sits beneath the soft Tennessee light that filters through his farmhouse windows — a sight as timeless as the man himself. His long silver hair, flowing beard, and calm presence make him look less like a country star and more like a storyteller who’s lived every lyric he ever sang. At 86 years old, Golden remains the soulful anchor of The Oak Ridge Boys, a group whose harmonies have defined American music for generations. But as our conversation unfolds, it’s clear that his legacy extends far beyond the stage.
“I’ve seen the highs and the lows,” Golden says, his voice gentle yet steady — the kind of tone that carries both wisdom and weathered miles. “But through it all, I’ve learned that what matters most isn’t the applause. It’s the people you share the road with, and the memories you build along the way.”
For over five decades, The Oak Ridge Boys have been pillars of country and gospel music — bridging faith, family, and harmony in a way few groups ever could. From their chart-topping hits like “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue” to their heartfelt gospel roots, the Boys have sung about love, loss, and redemption with an honesty that resonates across generations. Golden, one of the original members, has lived every beat of that journey — through triumph, heartbreak, and reinvention.
In our conversation, Golden reflects deeply on those years, especially in the wake of loss. The passing of fellow Oak Ridge Boys tenor Joe Bonsall earlier in 2024 hit the group hard. Golden pauses when I bring it up, his eyes softening. “Joe was more than a singer — he was our brother,” he says quietly. “We shared stages, laughter, prayers, and long nights on the bus. Losing him wasn’t just losing a voice. It was losing part of our heartbeat.”
He takes a deep breath before continuing. “But you keep singing. Because that’s what Joe would’ve wanted — that’s what we all promised each other long ago. The music never stops. It just changes shape.”
Golden speaks often about faith, and it’s clear that it anchors everything he does — from his family life to his art. “Faith gives me strength,” he explains. “It carried me through dark times — through sickness, loss, and doubt. And it reminds me that even the hardest days are part of a bigger plan.”
When asked about what keeps him going after so many years in the spotlight, his answer comes easily: “Gratitude. Every morning I wake up, I thank God for another day. I get to sing, I get to paint, I get to see my family — and I get to still feel the music.”
Golden has also spent recent years focusing on his art and photography — creative outlets that reveal another side of his storytelling. His paintings, often inspired by nature and the landscapes of Tennessee, reflect the same warmth and spirituality that define his music. “When I paint,” he says with a smile, “it’s like singing without sound. You still tell a story — just through color instead of melody.”
As we talk about the future of The Oak Ridge Boys, Golden acknowledges that time moves differently now. “We’ve had a good run,” he says, “and we’re grateful for every mile. The world’s changed, but our message hasn’t. We still believe in harmony — not just in music, but in life. Harmony means finding common ground, even when things feel divided.”
It’s that belief that has made the Oak Ridge Boys more than just a band — they’re a living symbol of resilience and unity. Even as members have come and gone, their music continues to remind audiences that hope, family, and faith never go out of style.
As our interview winds down, Golden leans back, looking out over the fields outside his home. “You know,” he says softly, “we’ve sung to presidents, we’ve sung in churches, and we’ve sung in little bars off the highway. And no matter where we are, I always think — this is where I’m meant to be.”
He smiles, that familiar sparkle in his eyes. “We’ve lived a blessed life. And as long as I’ve got breath in me, I’ll keep sharing the gift God gave me — because that’s what music’s all about. It’s about giving back.”
In that moment, it’s clear that William Lee Golden isn’t just a singer — he’s a living bridge between generations, a man who’s carried faith through fame and found peace in purpose. His story, like the songs of The Oak Ridge Boys, reminds us that even after all the years and miles, harmony — in music and in life — still matters most.