Renowned music and culinary commentator Jonathan Gold '82 has unfortunately passed away
Jonathan Gold, Beloved LA Food and Music Critic, Passes Away at 57
Jonathan Gold, a renowned Los Angeles-based food and music critic, passed away on Saturday at the age of 57 due to pancreatic cancer. Gold's life and work have left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape.
Gold's career as a critic began in 1986, and he quickly made a name for himself with his insightful essays and reviews. He started writing for LA Weekly in the 1990s, where he produced impactful food criticism, notably the seminal "The Year I Ate Pico Blvd." essay, which highlighted the diverse culinary scene and cultural geography of Los Angeles.
In 1999, Gold moved to New York City to become a restaurant critic for Gourmet magazine, expanding his national influence. He later returned to Los Angeles and became the food critic for the Los Angeles Times, where he won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 2007.
Gold was known for elevating ethnically diverse and lesser-known Los Angeles eateries, reshaping how food writing addressed multicultural urban food culture. He remained a beloved voice in LA for nearly two decades, with ongoing recognition through projects like the LA Public Library’s effort to preserve his legacy via menus and essays inspired by his work.
Before embarking on his critically acclaimed journalism career, Gold was a cello player during his childhood and grew up in a household that fostered an appreciation for the arts. He attended UCLA and received a degree in music history.
Gold's legacy as a beloved LA music and food critic will be deeply missed. In addition to his work for the Los Angeles Times, Gold contributed to Rolling Stone and other major music publications. He was also a regular guest on KCRW's Good Food. His contributions to the city's cultural scene are immeasurable, and his impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
[1] Los Angeles Times: [Link to the article from the LA Times] [2] LA Public Library: [Link to the LA Public Library’s effort to preserve Gold's legacy] [3] The Year I Ate Pico Blvd.: [Link to the essay "The Year I Ate Pico Blvd."] [4] New York Times: [Link to the New York Times obituary for Jonathan Gold] [5] KCRW: [Link to KCRW's tribute to Jonathan Gold]
Despite his previous career as a cello player and education in music history, Jonathan Gold is best remembered for his illustrious career as a food and music critic in Los Angeles. His essays and reviews often highlighted the city's cultural landscape, including the works of celebrated celebrities and their impact on the local entertainment scene.
