THE JACKSON 5 SING “ELVIRA” - WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN SINGS "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" TO
MICHAEL
Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden hangs out backstage with the Jackson 5 in Nashville, late August 1981
Nashville, TN -- The Jackson 5 visited Nashville's Municipal Auditorium in 1981 and grabbed this photo opportunity immediately after serenading William Lee Golden of The Oak Ridge Boys and his sons with the Oaks’ then current number-one hit, "Elvira". William Lee Golden and family returned the favor, singing "Happy Birthday" to Michael, who had just turned 23 years old. They presented Michael with a birthday cake immediately after this photo was taken.
"I took my sons to see The Jacksons at the Nashville Arena in late 1981. It was rumored at the time that it would be their last tour together. I love great entertainment and music of all styles and make a point to see the masters. The Jacksons were on the top of their game that night. They were incredible singers and dancers. Michael had an exceptional talent that shown the brightest. Backstage I was able to meet them all. They were very gracious. At that time, Elvira was at the top of the Pop charts and to my surprise they sung Elvira to me and my sons. It was an evening we will never forget. I was amazed to watch him over the years as he accomplished even higher achievements and became one of the world's greatest entertainers
My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
– William Lee Golden (The Oak Ridge Boys)
"It’s a terrible loss to the entertainment world. Michael – all the Jackson 5 were great – but Michael kind of stood out as a fantastic talent. He had the whole ball of wax -- Not only a great voice, but the ability, flexible ability, and dancing. He was a great entertainer and I respect that about him.
We chit-chatted for a moment about our mutual respect for the legendary James Brown. He, Jackson, had a lot of the same enthusiastic abilities and performing at the same time, I thought. He was the new generation of (James Brown)."
-- William Lee Golden told Nashville's WKRN-News 2
About The Oak Ridge Boys The Oak Ridge Boys have one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. Their string of hits includes the pop chart-topper Elvira, as well as Bobbie Sue, Dream On, Thank God For Kids, American Made,
I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes, Fancy Free, Leaving Louisiana In
The Broad Daylight and many others. They've scored 12 gold, three platinum, and one double platinum album, plus one double platinum single, and had more than a dozen national Number One singles and over 30 Top Ten hits.
The four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of the Oak Ridge Boys have earned
them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry
and fan accolades. The Oak Ridge Boys continue to tour extensively,
performing over 160 concerts each year. Every time they step before an
audience, the Oaks bring three decades of charted singles to bear on a stage
show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere.
