Double Emmy winner dies at 84

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 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 myriad films.

“He was an important voice in the music world.

“A kinder, gentler person never existed.”

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”.

A memorial service is expected to be held in California at a later date.

The only known survivors of Mr Goldenberg are cousins.

Billy Goldenberg, ‘an important voice’ for music