William Lee Golden Reflects on The Oak Ridge Boys Farewell Tour, Legacy, and New Music

The Country Music Hall of Famer discusses the Farewell Tour and what’s next for the group.

Written by Amanda Tempel

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

The The Oak Ridge Boys have been a cornerstone of country music for decades, and as the group embarks on its Farewell Tour, longtime member William Lee Golden reflects on a career defined by harmony, faith, and connection with fans. He also opens up about the loss of beloved singer Joe Bonsall and how the group has navigated a year of profound change.

In this conversation, Golden discusses welcoming Ben James into the group, recording new music during the farewell run, and exploring creative passions beyond the stage. From songwriting and photography to family and legacy, he shares what continues to inspire him as the Oak Ridge Boys take their final bow on the road.

William Lee Golden on The Oak Ridge Boys’ Farewell Tour

• What fans can expect from the Farewell Tour

• Honoring Joe Bonsall’s legacy

• How Ben James has reshaped the group’s sound

• Recording new music with Dave Cobb

• William Lee Golden’s first songwriting experience

Interview: William Lee Golden on the Farewell Tour, Legacy, and New Music

Amanda: The The Oak Ridge Boys are currently on their Farewell Tour. What can fans expect from your shows?

William Lee Golden: We’ll be doing a lot of Oak Ridge Boys songs. As you probably know, we lost one of our singers last year, Joe Bonsall, who had been with us for 50 years. It was heart-wrenching for all of us.

We had a tough year with the losses we went through, but God works in mysterious ways. Just when things felt darkest, a new light started to shine for us.

William Lee Golden: We have a young singer who joined us about a year and a half ago when Joe passed him the baton and the microphone. Joe called him and said, “Ben, the Oak Ridge Boys need you. Get your singing britches on and go with ’em.”

Joe really passed the torch to Ben James. He’s a young singer that Tony Brown heard and immediately believed in.

William Lee Golden: Tony Brown told him, “You’ve got that high lonesome sound I haven’t heard in 35 years — except for one guy. You’re a new generation with a Vince Gill voice.” That’s a great compliment for any young singer.

Ben brings new energy and a new sound to the Oak Ridge Boys. I’ve got grandkids older than Ben, but the people are loving him. He’s getting rave reviews everywhere we go.

William Lee Golden: Watching Joe struggle with ALS for two years was incredibly hard. But Ben has been a godsend for us. Singing together again has been healing.

Music has healing power — mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. After everything we went through, singing our songs together again has lifted us up.

New Music from The Oak Ridge Boys

Amanda: I want to talk about new music. Last year, you released Mama’s Boys and worked with Dave Cobb again. What does he bring out in the Oak Ridge Boys?

William Lee Golden: Dave is a young guy, but he’s produced so many incredible artists like Chris Stapleton. He’s winning awards everywhere now.

We’ve known Dave about 15 years. Our first album with him was The Boys Are Back, and Mama’s Boys is our fifth album together.

William Lee Golden: One song on that album, “Come On Home,” really took off. The video ended up winning a Telly Award, which is pretty unique for a group of old guys like us.

Each song on the album focuses on mothers, all with different perspectives. That project meant a lot to us.

Amanda: I remember one of the earliest country music videos was yours — “Easy” from the Y’all Come Back Saloon era. What do you remember about those early days?

William Lee Golden: Videos were just starting back then. One of our earliest was “I’ll Be True to You.”

It really tells you how long we’ve been around. But once we start singing together, I forget how old I am.

Amanda: You recently wrote your very first song. What inspired you to start songwriting?

William Lee Golden: Music has always been part of my life. My sister taught me how to play guitar and sing harmony when I was six years old.

The song I wrote was inspired by my youngest son, Solomon. He used to leave me messages saying, “Dad, I got my heart on you.” That phrase stayed with me.

William Lee Golden: When I was missing him one weekend, I started writing my feelings down. That’s how the song came together.

I recorded it a cappella on my phone and sent it to him. It was me singing my heart out to my son.

Amanda: Beyond music, you’re also very creative. Have you been working on photography or painting?

William Lee Golden: During the pandemic, I turned off the news and brought my family together. We recorded 34 songs — three albums’ worth.

I also worked on my autobiography during that time and began organizing my photography. I have a photo book coming out with around 250 landscape photos from my travels.

Amanda: You recorded music with your family, including your late son Rusty. That must be such a meaningful legacy.

William Lee Golden: It truly is. Those are the things I treasure most.

When you focus on positive things — family, creativity, music — amazing things can happen. Music has healing power, and we feel that every day.

Amanda: As you say goodbye to the road, what do you want to say to the fans who have supported you for decades?

William Lee Golden: Our fans become more than fans — they become friends. You should never take them for granted.

We treasure them and their support. They’re another family to us.

Amanda: William Lee Golden, it’s been an honor. Thank you so much.

William Lee Golden: Thank you for having me. I hope we get to do it again.

William Lee Golden & Oak Ridge Boys Farewell Tour FAQ

Are The Oak Ridge Boys really retiring?

Yes. The group has announced its Farewell Tour as a way to celebrate decades of music and connect with fans one final time on the road, while honoring their legacy together.

Who replaced Joe Bonsall in The Oak Ridge Boys?

Joe Bonsall passed the microphone to Ben James, a younger vocalist who has brought new energy and a fresh sound to the legendary group.

Is Ben James a permanent member?

Ben James has been fully embraced by the group and fans alike, serving as the new tenor voice as the Oak Ridge Boys continue their Farewell Tour.

Are The Oak Ridge Boys releasing new music during the Farewell Tour?

Yes. Despite the farewell run, the group has continued recording new music, including recent projects produced by Dave Cobb.

For tour dates, music, and official updates from The Oak Ridge Boys, visit their official website and follow along as the legendary group continues its Farewell Tour.

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