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Nashville, Tennessee (The Triumph Tour)

William Lee Golden, “The Boot” (June 26, 2009) (archived)

The Oak Ridge Boys' William Lee Golden not only met Michael Jackson, he was serenaded by him… Golden shared memories of their 1981 meeting at Nashville's Municipal Auditorium, where The Jackson 5 surprised Golden with a cover of the Oaks' biggest hit.

"The Jacksons were on the top of their game that night," Golden recalls. "They were incredible singers and dancers. Michael had an exceptional talent that shone 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 sang 'Elvira' to me and my sons. It was an evening we will never forget."

Golden and his sons also performed that night, singing 'Happy Birthday' to Jackson, who'd just turned 23 years old.

"I was amazed to watch him over the years as he accomplished even higher achievements and became one of the world's greatest entertainers," says Golden. "Michael 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."

Rusty Golden (William Lee Golden’s son), comment on Douglas Harrison’s “Averyfineline” blog (July 14, 2009) (archived)

When Michael and his brothers came out of their dressing room and saw Dad, they all broke into the chorus of “ELVIRA” as it was the #1 song in the nation at that time (pop and country). BUT…after the singing was over, Michael turned to me and said, “I remember when the Oak Ridge Boys were the #1 Gospel Group. Do they still sing Gospel??” I told him that yes they did and then he went onto tell me that he LOVED Gospel music… mentioning Andrae Crouch, Rev. James Cleveland and a few others. Yes, I know that those were NOT SG artists, but remember, MJ was after all BLACK and that’s the type gospel music they knew. He mentioned how much his mother Katherine was also a huge fan of “Gospel Music”.

OK…as far as the look on his face in this picture (Image 001)…..here’s the TRUE STORY!!

Seconds before the camera flash went off, a Jackson’s aide rushed up to MJ and handed him a Sharpie pen and about 25 or so cocktail sized napkins into his “GLOVE” and then said “Hey Mikey….the promoter wants you to sign these”. I well remember the aide getting out of the way of the shot but MJ is looking straight at him and no….not too happy. More mad than sad. After the flashes of about 10 cameras went off, Michael just sorta’ said to anyone who could hear…”Don’t we have any regular pictures to sign? I mean c’mon man…NAPKINS????”

Hahahahahahaha!!!!!!

That’s the TRUE STORY of the look on his face in that picture. Up until then he was a very quiet yet pleasant superstar who was happy to talk about Gospel Music.