01/31/2026
Farewell Dave Gold
Gold Star Recording Studios (also called Gold Star Studios) was one of the most famous independent recording studios in Hollywood, California, operating from 1950 to 1984. Eddie Cochran, Ritchie Valens, the Crystals, Sonny & Cher, Frank Zappa, Buffalo Springfield, Bob Dylan, the Beach Boys, Tina Turner, and Herb Alpert (to name a few) all walked through its doors, each leaving their mark on the studio's evolving legacy. It was was the birthplace of countless hit records by major artists across rock, pop, jazz, and more.
Gold Star Recording Studios was founded by David S. Gold and Stan Ross in October 1950. The name was a fusion of their names: (Dave) GOLD and STA(n) R(oss).
The studio was renowned for its unique custom recording
equipment (designed and built by Gold) and its echo chambers (also designed and built by Gold), utilized heavily by producers. In the early 1960s, Phil Spector used Gold Star for nearly all of his "Wall of Sound" recordings. It was also used for many recordings by the Beach Boys, including portions of the Pet Sounds, "Good Vibrations" and recordings for Brian's aborted Smile project. Session players of The Wrecking Crew, including Hal Blaine, Carol Kaye, Tommy Tedesco, and Barney Kessel, played on many sessions recorded here.
Gold Star wasn't just a studio. It was a sonic cathedral. The loss of the building decades ago and the passing of Dave Gold this week only amplifies its legend. A place where some of the 20th century's most iconic songs were created.
Dave should have been included in the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame and still should.
