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Beyond the Song: Christmas with Chris Golden

Beyond the Song by Jantina Baksteen: Christmas with Chris Golden

In this edition of Beyond the Song, I want to share Chris Golden’s Christmas song called, “Santa’s Prayer.” I reached out to Chris to find out about this song and what Christmas is like at his place. What is it like, spending the most wonderful time of the year at the Golden’s? Find out as Chris and I chat about “Santa’s Prayer.”

Jantina Baksteen: You have an amazing song on radio this Christmas season, called “Santa’s Prayer.” Will you share with SGNScoops how this song came to you?

Chris Golden: I played drums for Restless Heart for about five months and during their Christmas tour. It was my favorite song we did on the Christmas Tour. I later found out my friend Aaron Boswell had written it over 25 years ago. I am a fan of his writing and knew I wanted to record my own version. I think it is a classic in the making.

JB: What is the message of this song?

CG: Santa talks to Jesus (we are all Santa) and says “I am just a pawn…you were born a king…and the greatest gift they will ever receive is the love that brings Santa to his knees.”

JB: How do you dress up for this season?

CG: About like I always do. But a little extra! Time to bring out the velvet, gold and red scarves, 3/4 coat, sparkles and boots. 

Chris Golden and his dad William Golden

JB: What is your personal Santa’s prayer, and what is your prayer for the world, especially in this time of sadness because of the crisis that holds the world in its grip?

CG: Have mercy on us Lord, bless our loved ones, keep them from danger, let you angels watch over us, guide us, guard us, forgive us; and when life is over, give us all a home in heaven without the loss of one.

JB: How can we receive the greatest gift ?

CG: It is given freely, all we have to do is humble ourselves and ask for it.

JB: What is your greatest memory of Christmas?

CG: Too many great memories. My childhood: Going home to south Alabama, visiting my cousins, sleeping on the floor, eating too much, trying Aunt Rowena’s eggnog, playing and singing at every get together.

As a grown up: My three children running downstairs to see what was waiting. Laughter, music.

JB: What was it like to have your dad featured in the video of that song?

CG: Dad is a natural and I am blessed to still have my father. He is a natural and it was a real blessing to have him be a major part of the video.

Chris Golden and his family

JB: Do you have a personal wish for this 2020 Christmas?

CG: That all my family and friends have good health.

JB: As we look towards 2021, what will we see coming from you?

CG: More videos, maybe a series. I will do select road dates, and continue to produce other artists. I have also been working on a project with my family…my father, brothers, and children.. we have recorded 31 songs with Ben Isaacs and Michael Sykes producing, and already have six documentary-style videos in the can, of the making of the album with three generations of Goldens. 

JB: What does a tender ‘Tennessee Christmas’ look like at your home? 

CG: Traditions, family! Traditions: Gumbo on Christmas Eve, read the Bible story in Luke 2, play music and sing with the kids, ride through the neighborhood Christmas Eve and ring my sleigh bells around midnight. You can hear them a half mile away. It brings me joy. It’s a wonderful life!

We hope all of our readers have enjoyed this glimpse into a Golden Christmas, and that you will enjoy this song by Chris Golden, entitled “Santa’s Prayer.”

Thanks so much, Chris, for this wonderful song, and for sharing your family traditions with SGNScoops. We wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas, and God’s blessings for 2021 and all the new plans you’re working on.

By Jantina Baksteen

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Chris Golden is Grateful

Chris Golden was born into country music royalty as the son of William Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys. Raised in music, Chris has naturally assumed such roles as an engineer, sound man, promoter, photographer, and many more throughout the industry. The gifted vocalist, songwriter, and instrumentalist played with the Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama, and Restless Heart, as well as with his brother, Rusty, as the Goldens.

In the current decade, Chris has released eight solo recordings, in both country and Christian country music. His songs and videos have been recognized by leading music magazines as well as the ICGMA and the ICM Awards. His latest recording, “Grateful,” has generated the top single of the same name. 

Chris was recently interviewed by Jantina Baksteen.

JB: Can you share your testimony with us?

CG: I was raised in church and first gave my heart to the Lord at a revival in South Alabama when I was about 13 or 14 years old. Out of high school, I slipped away from my raising and started living the lifestyle that pleased me. You would have thought I had forgotten everything I had been taught. Sometimes a man has to take the long way around to come back to the things he holds dear. I rededicated my life in 1998, but didn’t get baptized until I was in my mid 40’s. It was after, what I believe to be an angel, told me to “play for the One who gave you the gift.” I got baptized in the Jordan last year on a trip to Israel and a white dove landed 10 feet from me. I knew it was a God wink letting me know I am right where he wants me. 

JB: What’s your favorite Bible verse and why?

CG: Luke 6:31 “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” because it is the great commandment, the golden rule. 

JB: Your current radio song is “Grateful,” from the same titled album. Can you tell us something about that song? 

CG: I did not write it, but in those cases I always try to pick songs I wish I had written, songs that resonate with my core. I was listening to songs pitched to my father by Dave Cobb (producer for Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, others) for the Oaks’ latest project. I knew at first listen I would record it but I actually shot the video before I even recorded the song. We have a family farm in south Alabama, and the cotton was in full bloom. I only had a small window before it was picked, so on a whim I gathered some cameras and tripods, rented a drone, and shot the video with help from my cousin Ron and a friend from Nashville. We filmed around the Holiness Church where I gave my heart to Jesus and where I first sang, and the little graveyard where all my people are, so it became a special project for me. I was grateful for it to receive Video of the Year at both the ICM Awards at the Opry House, and the ICGMA. At the time we filmed it, I didn’t even know who wrote the song because I thought it was named “The Road That Lies Ahead.” Turns out it was named “Grateful,” which has been my hashtag for the last several years. “Grateful” for each opportunity to sing. It was written by Bill DiLuigi, Troy Castellano, and Reed Waddle. 

JB: How is “Grateful” doing on the radio charts?

CG: SGNScoops had it as the No. 1 Christian Country song a while back. It is a special song which seems to keep giving and I am glad it got its due. I am very humbled and “Grateful” to radio and all who made it happen. 

JB: You have a quote on the web page that says: “Music is my life, my gift, my love.” Can you explain that?

CG: Music is who I am. I know where the gift comes from and I thank the Lord for it. He promised to exalt me if I put him first, so I play for the One who gave me the gift. When I put my hands on a piano, guitar, drums, mandolin, or any instrument, or when I sing… I am giving God the praise. 

JB: Is there anything fans might not know about you?

CG: Music has allowed me to go places I never dreamed I would go, and to perform for every living President. Although I play several instruments and have been fortunate to have always made my living playing and singing, I flunked band in high school.

JB: What is on the horizon for you in the near future?

CG: I sang on the Huckabee show recently, and at least three more singles off the new album before it is said and done. I plan to shoot as many videos as well. I have been busy in the studio producing Elaine Roy’s (The Roys) new solo album, a band from Indiana, Faith Country, and also producing award winning singer/songwriter Greg McDougal. On the weekends I got out and do live performances, and will also be doing several select Christmas shows this year. 

JB: What would be on top of your bucket list?

CG: That list is way too long for me. I need a bigger bucket. 

You can find Chris Golden on the web at chrisgolden.net and that will lead you to all his social media sites. 

By Jantina Baksteen

First published by the SGNScoops Magazine in October 2019