Legendary Singer Steve Lawrence Dies at 88
The world of music mourns the loss of legendary singer Steve Lawrence, who passed away at the age of 88. Lawrence, known for his incredible talent and charming personality, rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s as part of the duo Steve and Eydie, alongside his wife Eydie Gormé.
Lawrence’s son, composer and performer David Lawrence, paid tribute to his father, saying, “My Dad was an inspiration to so many people. 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.” David expressed his gratitude for having such a remarkable father and hoped that his contributions to the entertainment industry would be remembered for years to come.
The singer passed away from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease, a condition he had been battling for several years. Despite his diagnosis, Lawrence continued to tour until 2019 when he decided to focus on his health.
Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé were a powerhouse couple both on and off the stage. They met on “The Tonight Show” hosted by Steve Allen and tied the knot in 1957. The couple’s love and friendship were evident throughout their career. Lawrence once said, “I’m very thankful that Eydie and I, not only do we have a great love, (but) a great friendship.” Their relationship was built on hard work and dedication, and they performed together until Gormé’s retirement in 2009.
The couple achieved great success throughout their career, winning a Grammy for best performance by a vocal duo or group and an Emmy for their television special “Steve & Eydie Celebrate Irving Berlin” in 1979. They were known for their incredible chemistry on stage and their ability to captivate audiences with their performances.
Aside from his work with Eydie, Lawrence had an impressive solo career. He scored several top 10 hits, including “Pretty Blue Eyes,” “Footsteps,” “Portrait Of My Love,” and the chart-topping hit “Go Away Little Girl.” Lawrence’s talent extended beyond music, as he also made appearances on various television shows such as “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” and “The Judy Garland Show.” He even showcased his acting skills in films like “Blues Brothers” and Broadway productions like “What Makes Sammy Run,” for which he received a Tony nomination.
Throughout his life, Lawrence drew inspiration from the legendary Frank Sinatra. He once shared, “When I was a very young boy, I was a choir boy and then just graduated I think, the first time I heard my first Frank Sinatra record. I must’ve been fifteen years old when I heard him. I think I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my musical life.” Sinatra’s influence on Lawrence and countless others was immeasurable, opening up new possibilities and shaping the future of music.
Steve Lawrence leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. He is survived by his son David, daughter-in-law Faye, granddaughter Mabel, and brother Bernie. While he may no longer be with us, his music and talent will continue to inspire generations to come.
