‘My main focus is shining a light on The Reason for the Season, Jesus.’

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

Chris Golden knows the opportunity to sing about the one who gave him the gift is always special, but he probably didn’t know just how special his appearance at Glensboro Baptist Church could be.

Golden, one of the top names in Inspirational Country Music is scheduled to present his Christmas concert at Glensboro on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.

The concert was booked in the summer when Robert Stopher, a well-known gospel music enthusiast and a member at Glensboro contacted Golden, who had never performed in Lawrenceburg. 

Tragically, Mr. Stopher passed away August 29 after a battle with COVID-19. The family was hit for a second time a week later when Mr. Stopher’s son, Robby, also lost his battle against Covid. 

But Robert Stopher’s wife, Cynthia, has pressed on to host the concert.

“Every invitation is an answer to a prayer,” Golden said in an email. “Mr. Stopher was the kind gentleman who invited me to come sing at Glensboro. His wife contacted me to let me know he had passed away but that she wanted to carry on and have the concert in his honor. I am honored to do just that.”

Golden has been one of the most successful artists in Inspirational Country since going solo in 2014 after 17 years as a member of The Oak Ridge Boys’ Mighty Oaks Band. He’s been named as Absolutely Gospel Music’s country gospel Artist of the Year in 2018 and was named the Inspirational Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year in 2019 and has had numerous No. 1 songs on the various country gospel charts. 

He brings a mixture of those songs and Christmas seasonal standards to his concerts at this time of year. “As with every Christmas concert, I first sing a few of the songs I have had on the radio the last few years before I go into Christmas mode. After that, I try to touch on every aspect of the season…the kids, the romance, the sing-alongs, but my main focus is shining a light on The Reason for the Season, Jesus.”

It is consistent with Golden’s practice since he started flying solo. His regular concerts are enjoyable worship experiences that engage the audience. His Christmas concert promises to be the same. One song that Golden says will be a part of the evening is one he released last year just in time for the Christmas season, Santa’s Prayer.

“Santa’s prayer is Santa talking to Jesus,” Golden says before reciting a lyric, “‘I am just a pawn, You are a King…Sure they will like my gifts, but the greatest gift they will ever receive is YOU!” I shot a video starring my dad which I am very proud of. Check it out on YouTube.”

Golden’s father is William Lee Golden, longtime baritone of The Oak Ridge Boys.

It was not the only recent family collaboration the Goldens put together. William Lee got his sons, Chris, Rusty and Craig along with bass Aaron McCune, together to record three albums that will be released in 2022. One is a gospel album which includes a cut, “Come and Dine,” that has already been released to radio and climbed to the top of the country gospel charts. It is also available on YouTube.

Chris’ children also appear on the album making three generations of the Golden family on the project.

“We are having fun,” Chris says. “It was Dad’s vision to get us all together again and the (Covid) pandemic afforded us the opportunity to all be in town at the same time. Rusty had been working overseas for four or five years, Dad on the road with The Oaks, me doing solo dates and all the kids in college.”

In addition, Craig Golden travels with country music star Jimmie Allen.

“We found ourselves at home and had just been through an emotional time saying a long goodbye to my mother who was battling pancreatic cancer,” Chris says. “Music has always been a healing balm for us and it helped us to heal to be all together.”

Chris said the project started with gospel songs, “some I had never heard and wound up with 13 cuts. Dad wanted to take us back to the music that influenced him as a boy.”

The Goldens went on to record an album of country classics and another of country rock tunes. Included in those albums are covers of “You Are My Sunshine,” “Jambalaya,” “If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again,” and “Long and Winding Road.”

“We toured together for 9 years in the 80s and 90s (as The Goldens), but had never recorded together. It is special,” Chris said. 

Like everyone else, Chris Golden was forced to drastically change his work when the pandemic hit in March 2020. His concert work was drastically limited, so it meant more time in the studio and more time producing. “The work we did then is now paying off. I produced six out of the Top 50 songs in the December Christian Country Charts,” he said. 

Chris added that he is also excited about some new solo songs he worked on during the pandemic.

Chris Golden’s concerts are known for a combination of hymns, old gospel songs and some newer of his newer hits. The focus is always on Christ and His work. It should be no different at Glensboro Baptist.

If you go…

Chris Golden in concert, Glensboro Baptist Church, 2910 Glensboro Road, Lawrenceburg, Ky.  Concert begins at 6 p.m. There is no admission charge, but a love offering will be received. 

Glensboro Baptist Church is located approximately nine miles from Lawrenceburg, Ky. on Highway 44. From the Lawrenceburg Walmart (intersection of the 127 Bypass and 44), go west on Highway 44, toward Taylorsville. The church will be on the right in the village of Glensboro.