Billy Goldenberg enjoyed a memorable career composing and writing music for an array of shows including 1970s TV hits Columbo and Kojak.
Best known for his work on television and film, he was the musical director for the 1968 Elvis Presley Comeback Special, marking Presley’s spectacular return to live performance.
Mr Goldenberg worked alongside Hollywood legend, Steven Spielberg, on projects including his 1971 film Duel.
The two-time Emmy award winner has now died at his home in New York aged 84.
Winning the gongs for his work on Queen of the Stardust Ballroom, The Lives of Benjamin Franklin, King and Rage of Angel, Mr Goldenberg was nominated a total of 23 times.
He was born William Leon Goldenberg in Brooklyn on February 10, 1936 and his father was a well known percussionist, teacher and author.
The composer graduated from Columbia College in 1957 and by 1960 he had launched a Broadway career writing music for An Evening With Mike Nichols and Elaine May.
Close friends have posted their condolences on social media.
American conductor, author and composer, Leonard Slatkin, said: “His name might not be familiar, but his music is, whether the soundtrack for Colombo, his show with Bea Arthur or a myriad of films.
“He was an important voice in the music world. A kinder, gentler person never existed.”
My dear friend Billy Goldenberg passed away this morning. His name might not be familiar, but his music is, whether the soundtrack for “Columbo,” his show with Bea Arthur or a myriad of films. He was an important voice in the music world. A kinder, gentler person never existed. pic.twitter.com/PhbhBwo50I
— Leonard Slatkin (@LeonardSlatkin) August 5, 2020
Mr Goldenberg collaborated with Alan and Marilyn Bergman on the musical Ballroom.
Mr Bergman said: “Billy was one of the rare composers who was also a dramatist. Lots of people can write melodies, but you could tell Billy the situation, what the characters were feeling, and his music would reflect that.”
Mr Goldenberg was the subject of his friend Gary Gerani’s documentary, and he has since released a promotional trailer online.
Mr Gerani said he was editing the footage when he got the “heartbreaking news”.
@BettyBuckley @BebeNeuwirth @Daryl_Roth @Rosie @CallMeAdamNYC @BroadwayWorld – We lost the amazing BILLY GOLDENBERG yesterday – met him while working with #BeaArthur on her 1-woman show – was the composer of “Ballroom” & MD on specials with Elvis, Ann-Margaret and more 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/ua5tEMPFcz
— Dan (@dancindanw) August 5, 2020
A memorial service is expected to be held in California at a later date. The only known survivors of Mr Goldenberg are his cousins.
