Steve Lawrence, the multifaceted American entertainer, passed away on March 7thโ 2024 at the age of 88, leaving a void in the entertainment industry forever.
Steve Lawrence, originally named Sidney Liebowitz, was a multifaceted American entertainer born on July 8, 1935, and passed away on March 7, 2024. He was widely recognized for his singing, comedic talents, and acting skills. Lawrence gained significant fame as one half of the dynamic duo “Steve and Eydie” alongside his wife, Eydie Gormรฉ.ย
Their partnership was not only personal but also professional, as they charmed audiences with their performances, starting as regulars on “Tonight Starring Steve Allen” in 1954 and continuing until Gormรฉ retired in 2009.
In addition to his work with Eydie, Steve Lawrence made a memorable mark in film through his portrayal of Maury Sline, the manager and friend of the main characters in the iconic movie “The Blues Brothers. Lawrence’s career spanned decades, during which he and Gormรฉ delighted fans with their music and on-stage chemistry, making them beloved figures in the entertainment world.
Steve Lawrenceโs Early Life & Education
Steve Lawrence, originally Sidney Liebowitz, was born on July 8, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish immigrant family. His early life was steeped in music, with performances in his synagogue and a talent show victory signaling his future in entertainment. At Thomas Jefferson High School, he was active in the glee club, further nurturing his passion for music.
Adopting the stage name Steve Lawrence, he embarked on his professional career at 16, recording his first singles with King Records. His significant break came on the TV show “Tonight Starring Steve Allen,” where he met Eydie Gormรฉ.
The pair not only married but also became an iconic duo, “Steve and Eydie,” beloved for their combined talents and chemistry on stage. Lawrence’s journey from a Brooklyn boy to a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry highlights his ambition, skill, and enduring appeal as a singer, actor, and comedian.
Attributes | Details |
---|---|
Name | Steve Lawrence |
Birth Year | 1935 |
Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York |
Birth Name | Sidney Liebowitz |
Parents | Jewish immigrants |
Wife | Eydie Gormรฉ |
Children | David and Michael |
Sons’ Professions | David: Composer Michael: Musician |
Son’s Spouse | Michael’s wife: Patricia |
Granddaughter | Mabel |
Death Date | March 7, 2024 |
Cause of Death | Complications from Alzheimer’s disease |
Burial Place | Hillside Memorial Park, Los Angeles |
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Steve Lawrenceโs relationship with his wife, Eydie Gormรฉ.ย
Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormรฉ, a legendary singing duo, began their remarkable journey in 1953 after being hired for Steve Allen’s late-night show. This professional collaboration soon turned personal, leading to their marriage in 1957.
For over five decades, until Gormรฉ died in 2013, they captivated audiences with their harmonious vocals, witty banter, and evident love for one another. The couple had two sons, David and Michael, who also ventured into music, continuing the family’s artistic legacy.
Throughout their illustrious careers, Steve and Eydie received numerous prestigious awards, including a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Drama Critics’ Circle Award, underscoring their significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Their esteemed circle of friends included icons like Frank Sinatra and Carol Burnett, reflecting their high regard among their peers. The duo’s extensive discography, featuring both joint and solo projects, includes hits such as “Go Away, Little Girl,” “Blame It on the Bossa Nova,” and “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” songs that have left an indelible mark on the music world.
Steven Lawrenceโs Career
Starting his professional singing career at just 15, Steve’s talents quickly shone through when he won a talent show on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.
His breakthrough came in 1953 when he joined the TV show “Tonight Starring Steve Allen,” where he met Eydie Gormรฉ. The couple married in 1957 and formed the successful duo, becoming household names with their harmonious performances.
Steve Lawrence enjoyed a string of hit songs in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including “Go Away, Little Girl,” “Pretty Blue Eyes,” and “Portrait of My Love.” His dedication to his craft also led him to serve in the U.S. Army as a vocal soloist with the band Pershing’s Own.
Alongside Gormรฉ, he dazzled audiences on TV, stage, and nightclubs, releasing albums like “Steve & Eydie at the Movies” and “Together on Broadway.”
Their excellence in entertainment earned them numerous accolades, such as a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Drama Critics’ Circle Award, solidifying their status in showbiz and their friendships with stars like Frank Sinatra and Carol Burnett.
Steve’s versatility also saw him venturing into acting, with notable appearances in films like “The Blues Brothers” and TV shows such as “The Carol Burnett Show” and “CSI.” His performance in the musical “What Makes Sammy Run?” even earned him a Tony Award, showcasing his broad range of talents.
ย Steve Lawrence’s legacy in the entertainment industry is marked by his remarkable achievements in music and acting, his enduring partnership with Eydie Gormรฉ, and the impact they both had on their audiences and peers.
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Steven Lawrenceโs Wife, Eydie Gormeโs Death
Eydie Gormรฉ passed away on August 10, 2013, when she was 84 years old, in Las Vegas. This was a big loss for many people.
The exact reason for her death wasn’t shared, but she had had heart problems before. She was buried at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles, next to her son Michael, who passed away in 1986. Eydie left behind her husband Steve, her son David, and her granddaughters Mabel and Stella. They all remember her fondly and keep her music and memory alive.
Steven Lawrence and Eydie Gormeโs Children
Steven Lawrence and Eydie had two biological sons of their own named David and Michael. Let us take a deeper look into their family life to learn more:
Name | Birth Year | Death Year | Occupation | Spouse | Children |
David Nessim Lawrence | 1960 | – | Composer | – | Daughter: Mabel |
Michael Robert Lawrence | 1962 | 1986 | Musician | Patricia | Daughter: Stella |
Steven and Eydie were immensely proud of their sons and their accomplishments in music. The family often performed together, showcasing their strong bond and mutual love of music.
Steven Lawrenceโs Death
Steven Lawrence’s life came to a close on March 7, 2024, when he died from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 88, a diagnosis he had received in 2019.
He was buried to rest at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles, alongside his son Michael, who passed away in 1986.
He left behind a legacy enriched by not only his musical achievements but also a loving family, including his son David and his grandchildren Mabel and Stella.
Summing Up
Steven Lawrence and Eydie Gormรฉ created a remarkable legacy, not only through their illustrious careers in music and entertainment but also through their children, David and Michael.
David Lawrence has followed in his parents’ footsteps with significant achievements in composing music for films and TV, while Michael, though his life was tragically short, also showed musical talent.
The family’s strong bond and shared love for music underscored their public and private lives, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew them and enjoyed their work. Steven’s passing marks the end of an era, but the musical legacy he and Eydie established, nurtured by their children and remembered by their grandchildren, continues to resonate.
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FAQโSย
Who was Steve Lawrence?
Steve Lawrence was an American singer, actor, and comedian, best known for his partnership with his wife, Eydie Gormรฉ, as part of the duo “Steve & Eydie.”
When did Steve Lawrence start his career?
Steve Lawrence began his professional singing career at the age of 15 and gained national attention after winning a talent show on the TV program “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.”
How did Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormรฉ meet?
Steve Lawrence met Eydie Gormรฉ in 1953 when they were both hired for the TV show “Tonight Starring Steve Allen.” They married in 1957.
When did Steve Lawrence pass away?
Steve Lawrence passed away on March 7, 2024.
Did Steve Lawrence have any children?
Yes, Steve Lawrence had two children with Eydie Gormรฉ: David Nessim Lawrence, an award-winning composer, and Michael Robert Lawrence, a musician who passed away in 1986.
Where is Steve Lawrence buried?
Steve Lawrence was buried at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles, next to his son Michael.