Emmy Winning Billy Goldenberg, we say goodbye…
One of the last great composers has left the stage. There are over 192 credits listed for composer, Billy Goldenberg, the songwriter, music director and conductor. Goldenberg added his dramatic, evocative, dreamy and groovy style to so many popular films, tv movies and television themes, you might not have known, was his.
He is an Emmy Award winning composer who garnered over 25 Emmy nominations, and created some of the most haunting melodies, trippy electronics, and catchy themes than are unequaled.Â
From Steven Spielberg's 1971 "Duel"; his combination of electronic and orchestral music for Rod Serling's 1969 "Night Gallery" pilot; and his grandly romantic 1971, "Ransom for a Dead Man," the second "Columbo" pilot that sold the famous Peter Falk series. -Variety
I had the incredible opportunity to see Billy Goldenberg live in New York, while he went on the road with Bea Arthur, playing piano for her one-woman show ""¦And Then There's Bea" in the early 2000s.
It was a an incredibly memorable experience to be right up front, near the stage, with two of my most beloved talents. Bea Arthur crooned sentimental tunes, accompanied on piano by the marvelously intuitive Billy Goldenberg. Their synchronicity, their chemistry created a magical evening of music, nostalgia and a deep friendship between these two geniuses.
Billy Goldenberg will be honored in a documentary that is close to completion by writer, director, film producer and friend, Gary Gerani, who has been putting together the tribute, with tireless effort, respect, awe and love for his friend and one, who is one of the greatest composers/musician and mensch.
2020 has seen many, many losses, Olivia de Havilland, Shirley Knight and now Billy Goldenberg. It’s a piece of sweet memories starting to fade away from this side of the veil, but we have to hold on to their presence, because remembering them and their legacy is vital to keeping them with us, and keeping their legacy alive.
Billy Goldenberg scored many popular feature films, for instance: Play it Again, Sam and Up the Sandbox 1972, The Last of Sheila 1973, Busting 1974, Queen of the Stardust Ballroom 1975, and The Domino Principle 1977.
The Domino Principle 1977
The Last of Sheila 1973
Just a few television credits — Steven Spielberg’s directorial debut with -Duel 1971 tv movie, Alias Smith and Jones tv series 1971-73, Reflections of Murder 1974 tv movie, Smile, Jenny You’re Dead 1974 pilot for Harry O, The Legend of Lizzie Borden 1975 tv movie, One of my Wives is Missing 1976 tv movie, Helter Skelter 1976 mini-series
He was responsible for 7 episodes of Columbo with Peter Falk including some of my favorites, Ransom for a Dead Man, Murder by the Book, Suitable for Framing, Lady in Waiting, A Stitch in Crime and A Friend in Deed.
Billy Goldenberg set the trend of staging musical scores that were bathed in supernatural, intriguing and enigmatic atmosphere. He was a weaver of spellbinding dreams!
Here’s just a snippet of his work in television-
Ransom for a Dead Man
Prescription Murder
Murder by the Book
A Stitch in Time
The Name of the Game 1968-71
Fear No Evil 1969 tv movie
Night Gallery 1969 tv pilot
The Neon Ceiling tv movie with Lee Grant
The Sixth Sense 1972 tv series
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark 1973 tv movie
Circle of Fear tv series 1972-73
Ghost Story/Circle of Fear 1972
Harry O tv series 1974-76
Kojak tv series 1973-77
Your EverLovin’ Joey, with music in my heart says, Farewell Billy…