Wally Gold (May 15, 1928 – June 7, 1998) was an influential American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and music business executive. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gold served as a saxophone player in the U.S. Navy band during World War II. After his service, he attended Boston University, where he formed the singing group The Four Esquires. The group achieved success in the late 1950s with hit singles "Love Me Forever" and "Hideaway" and appeared on popular television shows such as The Patty Page Show and The Ed Sullivan Show.

By 1960, Gold had begun a successful songwriting partnership with Aaron Schroeder, co-writing two Number 1 hits for Elvis Presley: "It's Now or Never" (1960) and "Good Luck Charm" (1962). He also co-wrote Lesley Gore's chart-topping "It's My Party." His songwriting credits include hits recorded by a variety of artists, such as Duane Eddy's "Because They're Young," Gene Pitney's "Half Heaven-Half Heartache," and Nat King Cole's "Time and the River." In total, Gold has 81 songs credited in the ASCAP database.

In the mid-1960s, Gold became a house producer for Columbia Records, producing albums for artists like Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand. By the 1970s, he transitioned to a role as Vice President/general manager for Don Kirshner's music organization, where he discovered and produced the band Kansas. Gold's career also included work on television projects, such as the game show Musical Chairs and the comedy A Year at the Top.

Gold spent his later years working as a travel agent and passed away from colitis in 1998 at the age of 70. He lived in Teaneck, New Jersey, with his family, including his wife, two sons, a daughter, and five grandchildren.