William Lee Golden began his musical career nearly 70 years ago in rural South Alabama by singing on his grandfather’s weekly radio show. From those beginnings, Golden developed a lifelong love of music and harmony, especially the type performed by country, gospel and pop quartettes. Since joining the Oak Ridge Boys in 1965, he and his bandmates have sold over thirty million records.
While most people are aware of his musical talents, few are aware of his other artistic accomplishments. In addition to his musical creativity, William Lee is also an accomplished photographer.
Over the years, William Lee has refined his photographic skills, and he has received widespread recognition for many of his images. These days, he primarily images landscape and scenic views from around the country that he captures while on tour with the Oak Ridge Boys.
Recently, William Lee published a book of some of his favorite photos titled “Golden Memories – Landscape Photographs Captured on Tour with The Oak Ridge Boys”. To introduce his book, he was feted in an artist lounge and book signing celebration held at Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center on Saturday, Apr. 11.
During the event, William Lee participated in a question and answer session moderated by Monthaven Executive Director Cheryl Stritchik. For over an hour, he described his photographic journey and techniques, and he told the stories behind some of his favorite works, including a sunrise silhouetting two people fishing out on Old Hickory Lake.
“When I first saw the sun beginning to realize, my attention was immediately drawn to the two people fishing in the early morning, a man and young boy,” said William Lee. “It made me think of a grandfather teaching his grandson how to fish.”
At the conclusion of the question and answer session, William Lee mingled with his fans, signing copies of his book and taking selfies with them.
I want everyone to see what I am seeing when I am on tour."