New York-based dance music and DJ artist Ari Gold died at age 47 after a long battle with leukemia, according to multiple reports.
From the drag icon RuPaul posted the news on his Twitter account, your friends and contributors shared tributes and memories. Gold appeared in the 2007 RuPaul film Starrbooty and called it “the closest thing I’ve ever known to a mentor”. On Instagram, director and musician John Cameron Mitchell wrote: “What a light and a pioneer of pop. He left long before he entered the fashion and took so many artistic risks. I loved him. What a dear. Wishing your friends and family peace of mind and mind. Rest in peace, dear Ari. “
According to Logo, Gold was diagnosed with myelodsplastic syndrome (MDS), a blood cancer curable with a bone marrow transplant, in 2013. He was declared cancer free in 2019 after a transplant. RuPaul also shared a clip from Gold’s podcast, entitled “A Kiki From the Cancer Ward”, in which they talked about Gold’s battle with cancer after he was “cancer free”. He started the seven-episode podcast series so he could remain creative during his treatment, and the guests included everyone from Laverne Cox and Kevin Aviance to RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Peppermint, who also shared a tribute via Instagram.
Laverne Cox also paid tribute. “So many people have come and gone from my life in the past 25 years, but you have been a constant,” wrote the 48-year-old transgender pioneer on Instagram. “As I grew and evolved, you evolved with me. The spiritual journey on which we are both made it clear why we stayed in each other’s lives for so long. I’m so devastated that you changed today.
“But I know that you will take care of me as you always have. I am very grateful to have met you. I’m better because you were part of my life. My brother! I love you very much! Rest in power! “
Gold released seven albums during his career and paved the way for many LGBTQ artists. He sang with Diana Ross and Cyndi Lauper, collaborated with Boy George and opened for Chaka Khan. His music video “Wave of You”, released in 2004, was the first music video by an LGBTQ + artist to debut worldwide on Viacom’s Logo network.
He also worked as a DJ and went through Sir Ari and GoldNation in addition to Ari Gold. He is perhaps best remembered for the track “Where the Music Takes You”, which features Sasha Allen and featured on Billboard’s Top 10 Hot Dance / Electronic Songs Chart.
This story is developing.