Steve Lawrence of Famed Duo, Steve and Eydie, Dies at 88
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Steve and Eydie, in an undated photo from their website
Singer Steve Lawrence, who with his wife, Eydie Gormé, formed a popular singing duo that remained popular for decades, died today (March 7, 2024) at his Los Angeles home, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. The entertainer, 88, had revealed on June 11, 2019, that he has been diagnosed with the disease.
In a statement, his son David Lawrence wrote, “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. 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.”
When Steve Lawrence announced his illness, he wrote, “As I continue this journey, I ask for your prayers, your good wishes and implore you to find the joy every day, because what I feel is gratitude, love and hope — nothing more and nothing less, and I hope you can find the same.”
As a 27-year-old, Lawrence scored a #1 pop hit in 1963 with a cover of Goffin and King’s “Go Away Little Girl.”
He married Gorme in 1957 when he was just 22. (She was 28.) Gormé died in 2013 at age 84.
As a duo billed as “Steve and Eydie,” the couple, with their easygoing style, were ubiquitous on television, as Las Vegas entertainers, and even performed on Broadway in a musical called Golden Rainbow.
Lawrence appeared in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, as manager Maury Sline.
In his 2019 statement, Lawrence wrote: “I am being treated with medications under the supervision of some of the finest doctors in the field. Fortunately, they have managed to slow down this horrific process. I’m living my life, going out in public and trying to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends while I am still able to engage and enjoy.
“I want my beloved fans to know that in spite of this bittersweet moment, what I don’t want is pity or sympathy — I have lived and am living a wonderful, joyous life filled with love, support, and amazing moments. With my beloved Eydie, I had one of the great loves of all time; my career has always been there for me as a source of joy and fulfillment; and you, my fans, have shown immeasurable love and support in ways I only could have imagined.”
This ad for Steve and Eydie appeared in the Nov. 16, 1968, issue of Record World
Lawrence was born Sidney Liebowitz in Brooklyn, New York, on July 8, 1935. Gormé was born Edith Gormezano on August 16, 1928.
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1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationRest In Peace, Steve Lawrence. I have always loved his singing, his classic “standard” music interpretations, such as his hit song “Footsteps”. Together with his lovely wife Eydie Gorme, they have both created a great popular musical duo, as well as maintaining their successful solo careers!