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American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer, known for his 1970s solo hits and prolific session work. Born in Burbank, California, Gold was the son of composer Ernest Gold and singer Marni Nixon. He achieved solo success with hits like 'Lonely Boy' and 'Thank You for Being a Friend', the latter becoming iconic as the theme to 'The Golden Girls'. He was a highly sought-after session musician, notably playing on numerous hits for Linda Ronstadt. He also co-founded the band Wax UK with Graham Gouldman.

• Gold's mother, Marni Nixon, was a famous 'ghost singer' who provided the singing voices for actresses like Audrey Hepburn in 'My Fair Lady' and Natalie Wood in 'West Side Story'.
• He played virtually all the instruments on his biggest solo hits, 'Lonely Boy' and 'Thank You for Being a Friend', showcasing his multi-instrumental talent.
• The song 'Thank You for Being a Friend' achieved massive cultural recognition when it was used as the theme song for the hugely popular NBC sitcom 'The Golden Girls' (1985-1992), long after its initial 1978 release.
• As a session musician, his distinctive piano intro and drumming were crucial elements on Linda Ronstadt's mega-hit 'You're No Good'.
• He co-founded the band Wax UK with 10cc's Graham Gouldman in the early 1980s, achieving UK hits like 'Right Between the Eyes' and 'Bridge to Your Heart'.
• Gold died of kidney cancer on June 3, 2011, at his home in Encino, California, at the age of 59.