Andrew Gold Dead at 59

He came from a show-business family but made his name on his own talents. Andrew Gold who had a major hit with "Lonely Boy" in April of 1977 has died from a heart attack at the age of 59.

Andrew's Father, Ernest Gold was well known as a composer of movie soundtracks...His Mother, Marni Nixon provided the singing voices for a long list of stars who were,...well, vocally challenged. Most notably ..Audry Hepburn in "My Fair Lady" and Deborah Kerr in "The King and I".

The L.A. native began writing songs at age 13. By the early 1970s, he was working as a musician, songwriter and record producer. He was a member of the Los Angeles band Bryndle. In 1975, Gold set out on a solo career and released four albums during that decade.

Of course, the song he is best known for is the 1977 hit "Lonely Boy" but he was also quite well known for his follow-up to that hit, "Thank You For Being A Friend". While nowhere nearly as successful as "Lonely Boy" on the music charts, "Friend" was heard for years as the theme to the TV show "Golden Girls".

Gold also composed and performed the theme to the very popular "Mad About You" starring Paul Riser and Helen Hunt.

The year 1975 also marked Gold's successful collaboration with Art Garfunkel. He played all the instruments on Garfunkel's No. 1 UK hit, "I Only Have Eyes For You."

Aside from Garfunkel, Gold also worked with or produced music for artists including Cher, Brian Wilson, Don Henley, Celine Dion and members of the Beatles.

He is survived by his wife and three daughters.