1972

WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN

I joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1972 and it would change my life in many ways. Back when I first met William Lee Golden, the baritone singer for the Oak Ridge Boys, I thought he was the most charismatic person I had encountered since J.D. Sumner. People like William always influence the way you live your life whether you realize it or not.

Playing with the ORB was a wonderful education for me, as a musician and in terms of how an artist’s image plays a role in entertainment. William is a “fashionista” of the biggest sort. He helped me to realize that how you present yourself can give you an edge, especially in the music business. I remember that when I first met him, he was in his Warren Beatty/GQ phase. Over the years his look morphed into what it is today. He looks like a “wise man,” and just for the record… he is!

Of all the ORB members, William is the one I have stayed close with all these years. We relate on a lot of levels, from musical taste to the meaning of life. Love the guy!

The Oak Ridge Boys have sold over 40 million records (RIAA). Forty-five years after forming, they are still performing.

“I’ve been a fan and friend of Tony’s since the day I saw him.
He was a sixteen-year old boy sitting on telephone books while playing the piano with the Dixie Melody Boys Quartet.”

William Lee Golden

Oak Ridge Boys Fancy Free album cover shoot (1979).

WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN, THE GOSPEL ROCKSTAR LINDA THOMPSON, ELVIS’S GIRLFRIEND AND MISS TENNESSEE

William Lee Golden, me, and Linda Thompson at the BMI Awards in (1975).