Gardner Cole is an American singer-songwriter and musician who gained prominence during the 1980s and 1990s. He is best known for penning several hit songs for prominent artists including Madonna, Jody Watley, and Amy Grant. His distinctive musical style blends pop, electronic, and soul elements, which has made significant contributions to these genres. His influence is most notably recognized in Madonna's "Open Your Heart," a song he co-wrote, which became a significant hit and a defining work in his career.