Home > News & Advice > News Obituaries > Ari Gold (1974–2021), trailblazing LGBTQ musician and DJ

Ari Gold (1974–2021), trailblazing LGBTQ musician and DJ

by Linnea Crowther

Ari Gold was a singer, songwriter, and DJ known for songs including “Where the Music Takes You.”

Out, Jewish, and proud

Gold grew up in an Orthodox Jewish family and began singing professionally as a child, including singing a song for the cartoon “Jem and the Holograms.” He released his self-titled debut album in 2001, beginning a career that included proudly speaking out about being gay and Jewish. His popular dance singles included “I’ll Be Here,” “Wave of You,” and “Love Wasn’t Built in a Day.” Gold won two Outmusic Awards, for his albums “Ari Gold” and “Space Under Sun,” as well as an Independent Music Award for “Love Wasn’t Built in a Day.” He sang with musicians including Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, and Cyndi Lauper, and he was a spokesmodel for Boy George’s clothing line. In 2019 and 2020, as Gold was undergoing chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, he created the podcast “A Kiki from the Cancer Ward” in order to remain creative during his treatment.

Tributes to Ari Gold

Full obituary: Rolling Stone

View More Legacy Videos

More Stories