Woody Wright and Friends concert returns for 15th year

Jul. 13—ALEXANDRIA — The Oak Ridge Boys, Gordon Mote and Russ Taff are among the acts that have performed at the Madison County 4-H Fair.

Chris Golden will join that list on July 23 for the 15th Annual Woody & Friends Concert.

Golden is the son of William Lee Golden, a longtime vocalist with the Oak Ridge Boys.

He served as the drummer for the Mighty Oaks Band, the Oak Ridge Boys' backing band.

Golden left the Mighty Oaks Band in 2014 to pursue a solo career. It was during that time that his repertoire changed due to what he calls an angelic visitation.

"I had an angel tell me I needed to play for the one who gave me the gift," he said.

Before that, he went on the road with Alabama and Restless Heart for a short while.

Golden characterized his music as thoroughly "Golden," resembling the style of his family's band, The Goldens. He described it as country rock with a pop kick and a gospel message.

He said he's excited to play for audiences at the Madison County 4-H Fair. He is especially excited to make music with his friend and colleague, Woody Wright.

He and Wright are expected to perform a few songs separately before coming together near the end of their set.

Audiences should expect a mixture of country, rock-n-roll, pop and gospel, Golden said.

Golden will be performing a few songs written by his late brother, Rusty, who passed away earlier this month. He was 65.

"It's been quite a blow to our family," Golden said.

Rusty's loss wasn't the only blow to the family. Golden and his family are also mourning the loss of Joe Bonsall, a longtime friend and former colleague.

Bonsall passed away Tuesday from complications related to his ALS. He was 76.

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