Herhsell Golden has been in or around music for most of his life. He’s been a drummer and he’s fronted bands, but now, he’s stepping into the forefront after releasing three singles in the past year.
Each of those three singles puts Golden’s love for traditional country music on full display, each layered in steel and fiddle and a strong vocal that could have lived in the 80s with one of his heroes, George Strait.
We caught up with Golden to discuss his traditional country influences, each of his three singles, the support he’s received so far, his plans for the rest of the year and more!
Pro Country: Who are some of your biggest musical influences that have shaped your sound?
Hershell Golden: Don Williams, Vern Gosdin, George Strait and Merle Haggard would have to be the top 4, but so many have had an impact on my writing and style.
PC: When did you realize that you wanted to pursue music as a career?
HG: I’ve played music since I was 10 years old, but playing professionally since I was 21. I’ve bounced back and forth from drumming to fronting bands most of that time. For the past two years, I’ve had the desire to take it to another level, that is, if people would listen [laughs].
PC: What was the first album you bought with your own money?
HG: The first cassette tape I bought was George Strait’s #7 album. Still my favorite to this day.
PC: What emotions were you feeling as you were preparing to release music for the first time with your debut single “I’ve Got It Good”?
HG: That song hasn’t been released to radio yet; I don’t even know if it will be, but the feedback I received from it on all other platforms of streaming totally blew me away. I was very nervous to see what the listening crowd thought of it. I was very blown away with response I got from it.
PC: “Nothin’ Good About Goodbye” is our favorite song you’ve released so far. Can you talk about the inspiration behind that song?
HG: I can’t credit this song to a personal experience. I wrote it one morning while I was driving from Kingwood to Sweeny, TX, and it just came to me. I’ve always been drawn to leaving songs, and it came to me rather quickly. I’ve always said I tend to write heartbreak songs, but really no personal connection was involved
PC: Of the three singles you have released, “Nothin’ Good About Goodbye” has earned the highest number of streams and listens. What do you think it is about that song that has allowed it to connect with listeners the way it has?
HG: I think “Nothin’ Good About Goodbye” is very simple and to the point. Lots of listeners can relate to it because it doesn’t get too detailed in the story; it’s just a “love that went south” kind of tune.
PC: Your newest single “Just to Prove to You” puts a positive spin on losing love and happiness afterwards. How true does the story of that song ring to your life?
HG: “Just like my current release “Nothin’ Good About Goodbye,” it just came to me, so I wrote it down. No real connection to any personal experience
PC: All three of your singles have been very well received from your family, friends and fans. What has their support meant to you over the past year that you have been releasing music?
HG: The support I’ve received from them is UNREAL. I’m blessed beyond words to have such great friends and fans. My mind is blown.
PC: 2020 has thrown the plans of many out the window. Of the things you can control, what are your plans for 2020?
HG: Back in the studio, and hopefully cut a song that is worthy to be released!
PC: Is there anything you’d like to add?
HG: Country music fans are awesome, and I will continue to put out music. God bless them all; it keeps me determined to get better
*Images courtesy of Hershell Golden Facebook Page*
Pro Country 
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