Ernest Gold, born Ernst Sigmund Goldner on July 13, 1921, in Vienna, Austria, was a renowned composer, best known for his work on the 1960 film "Exodus." Coming from a musical family, Gold was immersed in music from a young age, learning to read music before words. He studied violin and piano at six and composed his first opera by age thirteen. Fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938 due to his Jewish heritage, Gold moved to the United States, where he continued his musical education and career.

In the U.S., Gold's first symphony was performed by the NBC Orchestra in 1939, and by 1945, his compositions were being played at Carnegie Hall. He moved to Hollywood in 1945, working initially on minor films and B movies. His collaboration with producer Stanley Kramer marked a turning point, leading to significant projects like "On the Beach" and "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World."

Gold's score for "Exodus" became his most celebrated work, earning him an Academy Award and two Grammys. Beyond film, he composed concert works and a Broadway musical, "I'm Solomon." He served as the musical director of the Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra and founded the Los Angeles Senior Citizens Orchestra.

Gold was married three times, including to singer Marni Nixon, with whom he had three children, including musician Andrew Gold. Ernest Gold passed away on March 17, 1999, in Santa Monica, California, leaving a legacy as a pivotal figure in film music composition.