One month after Steve Lawrence passed away, we reminisced about him. Steve Lawrence passed away on March 7, 2024 at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 88. The reason is a complication of Alzheimer’s disease. A famous singer whose career spans over 60 years.
Steve Lawrence, whose real name was Sidney Liebowitz, was born in Brooklyn on July 8, 1935, and soared to fame alongside his wife, Eydie Gormé. As a duo, they became icons on the stage, on television, and in concert halls, bringing joy to audiences with their harmonious vocals and charming banter.
Lawrence’s impact on the entertainment industry was profound. His son, David Lawrence, said in a statement, “My Dad was an inspiration to so many people,” his son, David Lawrence, said in a statement. “But, to me, he was just this charming, handsome, hysterically funny guy who sang a lot. Sometimes alone and sometimes with his insanely talented wife. I am so lucky to have had him as a father and so proud to be his son. My hope is that his contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered for many years to come.”
Aside from the duo’s success, Steve Lawrence was a Grammy and Emmy winner, and a Tony nominee, recognized for his portrayal of Sammy Glick in the Broadway production of “What Makes Sammy Run” in 1964. A staple of television, Lawrence made memorable appearances on “The Carol Burnett Show,” where he developed a special bond with the host. Burnett herself recalled, “Steve was one of my favorite guests on my variety show, appearing 39 times. He was also my very close friend… so close that I considered him ‘family.’ He will always be in my heart.”
Lawrence was a constant presence on television screens, guest-starring on numerous shows over the years. His film roles included Maury Sline in “The Blues Brothers” and its sequel, and he fondly remembered the irony of being recognized for his acting roles among certain demographics more than his singing.
His partnership with Gormé resulted in fewer chart triumphs, yet their prevalence as TV figures overshadowed this. They debuted on TV jointly in 1954 on “The Tonight Show” hosted by Steve Allen. This marked the start of a public romance that endured until Gormé’s death in 2013.
Lawrence’s solo hit “Go Away Little Girl” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962, and he charted 33 songs from 1952 to 1966. His unique preference for melodious and lyrically rich music over rock ‘n’ roll highlighted his artistic style.In his own words, Lawrence shared his admiration for the great songwriters of his time, stating, “I grew up in a time period when music was written by Irving Berlin and Cole Porter and George and Ira Gershwin and Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein and Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart and Sammy Cahn and Jule Stein. Those people, I related to what they were writing because it was much more melodic. It was an intelligent lyric that was written.”
Their son David Lawrence is also an accomplished musician, following in the footsteps of his parents, having composed for Disney’s hit film “High School Musical.”Steve and Eydie’s love story started in 1953 and was sealed in marriage in 1957, a bond that endured until Gormé’s passing. Their harmonious life also resonated in their music, with their duets showcasing their strong personal and professional connection.
Survived by his son David, daughter-in-law Faye, granddaughter Mabel, and brother Bernie, Steve Lawrence’s legacy is cherished by fans, friends, and family alike. In tribute to Lawrence, Dionne Warwick expressed her condolences, saying, “Steve now has joined his true love, his wife Eydie, and is resting with comfort in the arms of the Heavenly Father.”
Relevant articles:
– Steve Lawrence, Singer and Actor Who Found His Greatest Fame as Half of Steve and Eydie, Dies at 88, Variety
– Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gormé, thesongbook.org
– Steve Lawrence, half of the Emmy- and Grammy-winning music duo Steve & Eydie, dies at 88, Los Angeles Times, Mar 7, 2024
– Actor-Singer Steve Lawrence, One-Half of Steve and Eydie, Dead at 88, Rolling Stone, Mar 7, 2024