The entertainment industry is grieving the death of Steve Lawrence, a significant figure with over six decades of contribution to music and television. Lawrence passed away at his Los Angeles, California home at age 88 from Alzheimer’s complications. His legacy includes chart-topping music, notable television appearances, and a remarkable professional and personal relationship with his late wife, Eydie Gormé.
Born Sidney Liebowitz in 1935 in Brooklyn, New York, Lawrence’s love for music was apparent from a young age, influenced by his father, a cantor (singer) at their local synagogue. His career started in the early 1950s when he quickly established himself as a gifted singer and entertainer who captivated audiences nationwide.
Lawrence’s career was marked by many accomplishments, including his 1963 hit “Go Away Little Girl,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart. A cover by Donny Osmond duplicated this success in 1971. Lawrence’s musical talent was recognized with Emmy and Grammy Awards, reflecting his enduring popularity and wide-ranging abilities.
Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé, whom he met on Steve Allen’s New York late-night show, shared one of the entertainment industry’s most enduring partnerships. The couple, who married in Las Vegas in 1957, not only shared a personal bond, but also a professional journey that included sold-out performances nationwide, including on the famed Las Vegas stages, and regular appearances on “The Tonight Show” and their variety shows.
Their son, David Lawrence, shared deep feelings about his father, saying, “To many, my father was a source of inspiration. To me, he was the charming, attractive, and exceedingly humorous man who often sang, sometimes solo, sometimes with his extraordinarily talented wife.” He expressed hope that his father’s legacy would be appreciated for years to come.
Lawrence’s career also encompassed film and Broadway appearances, illustrating his adaptability as an artist. His role in the musical comedy “The Blues Brothers” as the main characters’ agent stands out, demonstrating his ability to engage with audiences beyond his musical performances.
Lawrence’s relationships with other renowned artists, like Frank Sinatra, enriched his career. Sinatra once entrusted Lawrence with his iconic music arrangements to ensure their preservation for future generations. Lawrence expressed gratitude for the trust, saying, “I was very flattered. He really liked Eydie and me a lot.”
The death of Eydie Gormé in 2013 signaled the end of an era, but Lawrence’s music and their joint contributions to the entertainment industry continued to impact fans of all ages. Lawrence’s 2019 Alzheimer’s diagnosis shed light on the personal struggles he faced in his final years. However, his legacy of music, humor, and love endures.
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 continue to influence 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.
