Steve Lawrence Dies

Steve Lawrence, born Sidney Liebowitz on July 8, 1935, was an American singer and actor renowned for his contributions to the entertainment industry. was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish parents. His father, Max, was a cantor at the Brooklyn synagogue Beth Sholom Tomchei Harav, and his mother, Helen, was a homemaker.

He attended Thomas Jefferson High School. During his high school years, Lawrence skipped school to spend time at the Brill Building in the hopes of being employed as a singer. Lawrence’s talent was evident from a young age, and he gained popularity in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a solo artist and as part of the musical duo “Steve and Eydie” with his wife, Eydie Gormé.

In the late 1950s, Lawrence was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as the official vocal soloist with the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in Washington, D.C. The couple’s dynamic performances and harmonious blend captivated audiences, and they became fixtures in the entertainment world. Steve Lawrence’s career spans various mediums, including music, television, and theater.

He achieved success with hit songs such as “Go Away Little Girl” and “I Want to Stay Here,” and his versatility allowed him to excel in both pop and jazz genres. Lawrence also made numerous appearances on television shows, including hosting and performing on various programs.

Additionally, he ventured into acting with roles in films and on Broadway. After getting his start with Steve Allen’s late night show, he was seen on programs such as The Danny Kaye Show; The Judy Garland Show; The Julie Andrews Hour; Night Gallery; The Flip Wilson Show; Police Story; Murder, She Wrote; Diagnosis: Murder; and CSI. Lawrence and Gormé starred in the 1958 summer replacement series on NBC,

The Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé Show. Lawrence made many appearances on The Carol Burnett Show (1967–78), with and without Eydie. The Steve Lawrence Show, with supporting actor Charles Nelson Reilly, ran for 13 weeks in 1965, a variety show that was one of the last CBS television shows to only air in black and white.

Lawrence also served as a panelist on What’s My Line? (1950–67). He was in several movies including “Stand Up and Be Counted” (1972), “The Blues Brothers” (1980), and “Blues Brothers 2000” (1998). He released over 60 albums and over 70 singles.

Some of his Billboard Top 10 singles included “Party Doll” (#5 1957), “Pretty Blue Eyes” (#9 1959), “Footsteps” (#7 1960), “Portrait of My Love” (#9 1961), and “Go Away Little Girl” (#1 1962). Steve Lawrence died on Thursday March 7, 2024, from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease.

His wife Eydie Gormé passed away in 2013, and the eldest of their sons, Michael, died in 1986. He is survived by his son David, daughter-in-law Faye, granddaughter Mabel, brother Bernie and extended family members. Steve was 88 years old.