Steve Lawrence, the entertainer who spent decades as one half of the iconic singing duo Steve & Eydie with wife Eydie Gorme, has died at 88.
A rep for the Emmy and Grammy winner tells ABC News Lawrence died on Thursday from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease.
Born Sidney Liebowitz, the Brooklyn, New York, native began his entertainment career at just 16-years-old after winning a talent competition.
He met his wife and singing partner-to-be when they both appeared on Steve Allen’s “Tonight Show.” The pair were married in Las Vegas in 1957.
They gigged regularly in Vegas throughout the ’60s, also playing New York, Chicago and Miami, and were mainstays on TV during the variety show heyday, appearing on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and others.
Singer Steve Lawrence poses for a portrait in 1990 in Los Angeles.
Harry Langdon/Getty Images
Lawrence and Gorme also appeared on Broadway in productions like “Golden Rainbow,” and Lawrence was nominated for a Tony for his solo turn in 1954’s “What Makes Sammy Run?”
He also had 33 songs on the Billboard chart between 1952 and 1966, with five reaching the top 10.
The performer was also a regular guest on “The Carol Burnett Show” in the ’70s; in the ’80s, he and his fellow New Yorker Gorme played a series of sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall.
Lawrence appeared on dozens of TV shows over the years, from “Two and a Half Men” to “C.S.I.,” and he made one appearance as Morty Fine, the mysterious dad of Fran Drescher’s character in “The Nanny.”
On the big screen, he logged appearances in films including 1980’s “The Blues Brothers” opposite John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, and its sequel in 2000 with Aykroyd and John Goodman.
Gorme passed away in 2013, and the eldest of their sons, Michael, died in 1986.
Steve Lawrence, one half of the legendary singing duo with his wife Eydie Gorme, has passed away at the age of 88. The news of his death has left fans and the music industry in mourning, as Lawrence was a beloved figure known for his smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence.
Born Sidney Liebowitz on July 8, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, Lawrence began his career in music at a young age. He first gained recognition as a solo artist in the 1950s, releasing hit songs such as “Party Doll” and “Go Away Little Girl.” However, it was his partnership with Gorme that truly solidified his place in music history.
Lawrence and Gorme met in 1953 while performing on the same bill at the Copacabana nightclub in New York City. They soon began dating and eventually married in 1957. Together, they formed one of the most successful duos in music history, releasing a string of hit albums and singles throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Their signature blend of Lawrence’s smooth baritone and Gorme’s powerful soprano made them a favorite among audiences worldwide. They performed in venues ranging from Las Vegas showrooms to Carnegie Hall, and appeared on numerous television shows including “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Tonight Show.”
In addition to their musical success, Lawrence and Gorme were also known for their philanthropic work. They were active supporters of several charities, including the United Cerebral Palsy Association and the American Cancer Society.
After Gorme’s passing in 2013, Lawrence continued to perform as a solo artist, honoring his late wife’s memory with heartfelt tributes during his shows. He remained a beloved figure in the music industry until his death on June 24, 2024.
Steve Lawrence’s legacy as a talented singer and entertainer will live on through his timeless music and unforgettable performances. He will be remembered not only for his incredible talent, but also for his kindness, generosity, and dedication to making the world a better place through his music. Rest in peace, Steve Lawrence.
