Andrew Gold 'Lonely Boy' Singer Dies Aged 59

Andrew Gold, the American singer-songwriter best known for 70s hits 'Lonely Boy' and 'Never Let Her Slip Away', has died at the age of 59. The LA Times reports that Gold, who had been receiving treatment for cancer, died in his sleep last Friday (3 June).

As well as being a recording artist in his own right, Gold also worked as a record producer as well as being a highly regarded session musician and a member of Linda Ronstadt's band. He'd also worked with James Taylor, Carly Simon and Louden Wainwright III.

In addition to his hit singles, Gold was also known as the composer of 'Thank You For Being A Friend' -- the theme tune to the hit 80s sitcom, 'The Golden Girls'. He was also behind the theme song to NBC's 'Mad About You'.

"Andrew was so enormously talented it almost seemed effortless," Ronstadt told the LA Times, adding: "He was a real cornerstone of those early records... He was so bubbly and so smart and we were so impressed with what a good musician he was."

Gold is survived by his wife, Leslie Kogan, his mother, two sisters and three daughters.

Watch the video for Andrew Gold's 'Lonely Boy'