Iconic Singer Steve Lawrence, Half of Legendary Duo with Eydie Gormé, Passes Away at 88
In a somber turn of events, the renowned singer and actor, Steve Lawrence, known for his partnership with wife Eydie Gormé in the beloved duo “Steve and Eydie,” breathed his last on Thursday, March 7, at the age of 88.
The sad news follows Lawrence’s revelation in 2019 about being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, marking a five-year journey battling the ailment. A spokesperson for the family attributed his demise to complications arising from the progressive neurological disorder, as reported by The Associated Press.
Born Sidney Liebowitz on July 8, 1935, Lawrence began making his mark in the early 1950s through performances on late-night talk shows alongside Gormé. In a music landscape dominated by rock ‘n’ roll, the duo carved their niche by focusing on timeless standards reminiscent of the Tin Pan Alley era.
Among their numerous accolades, Lawrence and Gormé clinched a Grammy Award for their 1960 album “We Got Us” and, almost two decades later, secured an Emmy Award for their television special “Steve & Eydie Celebrate Irving Berlin.”
Steve Lawrence also enjoyed solo success with hits like “Go Away Little Girl,” a Gerry Goffin and Carole King composition that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in 1963. Other chart successes include songs such as “Pretty Blue Eyes,” “Footsteps,” and “Portrait of My Love,” according to Billboard.
The union of Lawrence and Gormé, sealed in 1957, lasted until her passing in 2013. Reflecting on their enduring connection, Lawrence once remarked, “I fell in love with her the moment I saw her and even more the first time I heard her sing.”
As news of Lawrence’s passing reverberated on March 7, tributes poured in from fellow performers who fondly remembered his contributions to the world of entertainment.
Carol Burnett, reminiscing about Lawrence’s frequent appearances on her variety show, described him as a close friend and considered him “family.” Dionne Warwick expressed condolences, noting that Steve had now reunited with his true love, Eydie. Seth MacFarlane, referring to Lawrence as his “musical hero,” praised his influence and remembered him as a humble and kind individual.
With Lawrence’s departure, the music industry mourns the loss of a true talent whose legacy will continue to resonate through his timeless contributions.