William Lee Golden just celebrated his 84th birthday on January 12, a number that for many indicates it is past time to retire and enjoy a life of relaxation. Fortunately, Golden isn’t most people. The octogenarian, who is a longtime member of The Oak Ridge Boys, and now also fronts the family band, William Golden and The Goldens, works hard to stay as healthy as possible, in spite of his advancing years.
“I feel like that I have to activate myself every single day,” Golden tells Taste of Country. “If you don’t, you sit down for a little while and the next thing you know, you get up and you got to get your balance if you’re not careful. I try to stay active, though. Yesterday, I did 200 sit-ups.”
Golden does a lot more than sit-ups. The country music legend also does a lot of walking, both for his physical and mental health.
“I walk anywhere from three to seven miles a day,” Golden reveals. “I have walked 12 miles in a day several times. There is a six-mile path that I have that I try to walk every day. It always makes my day.”
Golden first joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1965, and has spent most of his career as part of the legendary group. With almost six decades in music, even he can’t believe how much time has lapsed.
“The years have been slipping by me pretty fast lately,” Golden admits. “But you know what? I’ll take all of them that I can get. I’m happy to have another birthday.”
Not that it’s easy being in his 80s. The Alabama native acknowledges that there is a downside to being 84 as well, as many of his friends did not have the luxury of advancing in age as he has.
“There’s good and bad about being old, I guess,” Golden concedes. “We get to celebrate another year. But there is the sadness of losing friends along the way that sometimes is the downside of being old. But you know what? Those are treasured friends and treasured memories always. We stand on a lot of their shoulders.”
Inspired by the extended time off of the road because of the pandemic, Golden released the three-album Golden Classics with his sons, as part of The Goldens.
“Going into the studio with my boys was a dream come true,” Golden said when announcing the release of Golden Classics. ”At times, I wondered if it was ever going to happen. Now, after nearly two years since starting this project and what turned into a three-volume set will finally be available for the world to hear. ”
William Lee Golden and The Goldens just released their cover of the Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling.” Find all of their music here. All of The Oak Ridge Boys’ music and tour dates are available at OakRidgeBoys.com.