The entertainment industry is grieving over the death of Steve Lawrence, a significant figure whose influence on music and television spanned more than six decades. Lawrence died at his Los Angeles, California, home, aged 88, due to complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. His legacy includes a myriad of chart-topping hits, unforgettable television appearances, and a cherished partnership with his late wife, Eydie Gormé, both on and off the stage.
Born Sidney Liebowitz in 1935 in Brooklyn, New York, Lawrence showed a strong inclination towards music from a young age. His father, a cantor at their local synagogue, played a significant role in shaping his interest. He started his journey in the entertainment industry in the early 1950s, quickly establishing himself as a skilled vocalist and a charismatic entertainer, captivating audiences nationwide.
Throughout his career, Lawrence achieved numerous milestones, including his hit single “Go Away Little Girl,” which topped Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in 1963. A cover of this song by Donny Osmond also reached No. 1 in 1971. Lawrence’s musical talents were recognized with several Emmy and Grammy Awards, a testament to his wide-ranging abilities and lasting appeal.
The relationship between Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé, whom he met on Steve Allen’s New York late-night show, is one of the most long-standing partnerships in the entertainment industry. The couple married in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1957, and their shared career saw them perform in front of packed audiences across the country, including on iconic Las Vegas stages and on television, where they became familiar names through their appearances on “The Tonight Show” and their own variety shows.
Their son, David Lawrence, spoke fondly of his father, “To many, my father was a source of inspiration. But for me, he was simply the charming, appealing, and incredibly funny man who often sang, sometimes solo and other times with his extraordinarily talented wife.” He expressed his hope that his father’s legacy in the entertainment industry will continue to be valued for many more years.
Steve Lawrence’s career also spanned film and Broadway appearances, showcasing his adaptability as an entertainer. His role in the musical comedy “The Blues Brothers” as the central characters’ manager is particularly memorable, demonstrating his ability to engage audiences beyond the music stage.
Lawrence’s relationships with other legendary artists, such as Frank Sinatra, added another layer to his career. Sinatra once entrusted Lawrence with his iconic music arrangements to ensure their preservation for future generations. Reflecting on this, Lawrence said, “I was very flattered. He really liked Eydie and me a lot.”
The passing of Eydie Gormé in 2013 marked a significant moment, but the music of Steve Lawrence and the pair’s contributions to the entertainment industry continued to resonate with both old and new fans. Lawrence’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, which came to light in 2019, highlighted the personal difficulties the singer faced in his later years. Nevertheless, his heritage of music, humor, and love remains intact.
As the entertainment world bids farewell to one of its luminaries, the music of Steve Lawrence and the memories he created with Eydie Gormé will undoubtedly continue to inspire and entertain future generations.
Steve Lawrence is survived by his son David, daughter-in-law Faye, granddaughter Mabel, brother Bernie, and numerous extended family members and friends who will keep his memory alive.
