'Lonely Boy' Composer Andrew Gold Dies In Encino At 59

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Andrew Gold, a singer, musician and composer whose songs included the 1977 hit "Lonely Boy," has died. He was 59.

His sister, Melani Gold Friedman, tells the Los Angeles Times that Gold died in his sleep Friday at his home in Encino. She says he had cancer but had been responding to treatment.

Gold was a multi-instrumental player whose popular singles included "Thank You for Being a Friend" and the British hit "Never Let Her Slip Away."

He was in Linda Rondstadt's band, arranged songs for and performed on several Rondstadt albums, including "Heart Like a Wheel," and did session work for artists such as James Taylor and Carly Simon.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)