Giving Back

Those who know Rusty agree: his heart for others is as big as his love for music.  There are many musicians who show love and care for others by donating their time and talents to worthy causes through performing - and Rusty is one of them.  

Often his giving back is around his passions: patriotic ventures & support for military personnel, support for those in recovery, honoring the legacy of other musicians, and caring for his own community and his own family roots. such as his performances at and support for Farm Aid as his own grandfather was a farmer.  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as his father has the same type of heart for others.  (photos to the right show Rusty performing at Farm Aid in Lincoln, Nebraska, and with Willie Nelson at Farm Aid 2 in Austin, TX).  

Below are a few ways in which Rusty has given generously of his time and musical talent to minister to others and help with worthy causes:

Service to the Troops

Rusty was on tour in the Middle East for five years (2015 - 2020), performing in Bahrain, Dubai, and many other locations.  During that time, he was honored to be asked to perform for the men and women serving in the US military stationed overseas.   He regularly contributed his musical talents for social functions and at the chapel services and Sunday services on the Navy base in the Kingdom of Bahrain.  He shares:

"We ask a lot of those who wear our uniform. We ask them to leave their loved ones, to travel great distances, to risk injury, even to be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. They are dedicated. They are honorable. They represent the best of our country, and we are grateful.

I took a job overseas in November 2015 and as worried as my mother was about my being in the Middle East, I assured her that I lived and performed approximately 2 miles from the USA Naval Base. I became friends with many of our soldiers and was honored to perform at many functions on the base starting my first month, playing their social functions, Christmas party, etc. By the 3rd year, I was the featured music guest at the base chapel. I was singing Gospel songs in the Middle East. The Good Lord places us in areas throughout our lives that may not have been part of our plan, but I am thankful that He allowed me to be of 'service' in my own way."

The Chapel at the US Navy Base in the Kingdom of Bahrain

As much as Rusty loves being with his family, he chose to stay in the Middle East during certain times, including Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and would perform for them. He reminds fans about the sacrifice the troops are making being so far away from family and friends: "I'm not the only one away from home at the holidays.  So thankful for their service!"

A church service program where Rusty was playing the special music for the offertory.  The Pastor during Rusty's time in Bahrain, is Navy Chaplain John Eastman, now stationed at the Pensacola Naval Base in Pensacola, FL. (home of the famous Blue Angels)

Plaque in the shape of an oar, presented to Rusty from the service men and women at the U.S. Naval Base Chapel in the Kingdom of Bahrain, for his love and ministry service in giving his time and musical talents.

The plaque reads:  

Rusty Golden

O Trinity of love and power! Our brethren shield in danger's hour!

From rock and tempest, fire and foe, Protect them wheresoe'er they go;

Thus evermore shall rise to Thee, Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

(Navy Hymn, 4th verse)

"Fair winds and following seas from your NSA Bahrain Chapel family"

The Comer Barn Restoration Project 

Rusty, as part of William Lee Golden and The Goldens, along with other great artists and musicians, were on hand to perform at this benefit hosted by the Preservation Foundation. The event supported the preservation and restoration work needed for the community of Gallatin, in Sumner County, TN.

Details here: https://fb.me/e/2pc3SIfdc



Humphreys County Remembers 

Rusty, with the William Lee Golden and The Golden's Band, joined Twitty and Lynn at Loretta Lynn's Ranch & Campground, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic flood on August 21st 2021 that altered the lives of so many in Humphreys County. This will be a night to celebrate the resiliency and determination of all the residents that bonded together to rebuild their community, as well as remember with fondness all those that were tragically lost.



Country for a Cause: An Annual Benefit to Help the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

Hosts T.G. Sheppard and Kelly Lang, along with special guest artists Rusty Golden as part of William Lee Golden and The Goldens, John Rich, The Isaacs, Michelle Wright, John Berry, Richard Lynch, Rhonda Vincent, Wendy Moten, John Ford Coley, T. Graham Brown, Billy Yates, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, and Devon O’Day, came together to support this wonderful charity.



A Celebration to Honor the Life & Legacy of Legendary Songwriter Jimbeau Himson

Rusty joined The Oak Ridge Boys, Jeffrey Steele and others, for this livestreaming and in-person concert at 3rd and Lindsley, to celebrate the life of one of  Rusty's closest friends and fellow songwriters: Jimbeau Hinson.  

In addition to performing songs he co-wrote with Jimbeau, Rusty played piano and keyboards for other guest artists.  

Host: Devon O'Day of WSM / Opry Radio.  

Click the image to the right to be taken to http://jimbeauhinson.com/ where there is a recording of Rusty participating in the beautiful celebration of life for his beloved friend, Jimbeau Hinson.