Ari Gold has performed alongside legendary musicians such as Diana Ross and has been dubbed a “pioneer of pop”.
Dance musician and DJ Ari Gold, also known under his monikers GoldNation or Sir Ari, sadly passed away on Sunday (February 14th) after an arduous battle with leukemia at only 47 years old.
Ari Gold has been considered a pioneering artist in the dance music scene; since the early 2000’s, Gold performed openly as a gay man in a time where coming out as a queer musician was largely frowned upon, and in doing so lead the way for many future queer artists to follow in his footsteps.
Gold performed alongside legendary music icons such as Diana Ross and Cyndi Lauper, opened for Chaka Khan and collaborated with Boy George.
The music video for his track ‘Wave Of You’ from 2004 is cited as the very first music video to be released on Viacom’s network Logo by an LGBTQIA+ artist who had come out publicly at the time.
Tributes have been pouring in from friends and collaborators such as the incredible LGBTQIA+ activist and Orange Is The New Black actress Laverne Cox, and pioneering drag queen RuPaul – best known for the award-winning reality TV series RuPaul’s Drag Race which has allowed for an entire generation of LGBTQIA+ folks to explore their identities with less stigma, as being brought to the mainstream has allowed for a entirely new perspective on gender and sexuality. Ari Gold himself played a huge role in inspiring an entire community by unapologetically embracing his identity, especially in a time where there was so much stigma and backlash to be had.
Until we meet again, dear friend. @SirAriGold Love always, Ru. pic.twitter.com/Rin7NFetoX
— RuPaul (@RuPaul) February 14, 2021
Rest In Power, Ari Gold.
Feature Image: Ari Gold by Andrew Werner
