WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN

'William Lee Golden' (born January 12, 1939), a native of Brewton, AL, joined The Oak Ridge Boys (then a Southern Gospel group) in 1965. He is credited with pushing the group to move in a more innovative direction in the late 1960's and early 1970's. The decision would eventually get them snubbed in Southern Gospel Music but would lead to world-wide success and fame by 1981 after they transitioned to Country and Pop music. Golden is widely known for his waist length beard and hair and has become one of the most recognizable faces in the entertainment industry. Golden was voted out of The Oak Ridge Boys in 1987 and replaced by Steve Sanders, a former gospel singer as well. Sanders left the group in 1995 and Golden returned on New Years Eve, 1995. He lives in Hendersonville, TN with his wife, Brenda, and their son.