Steve Lawrence, a legendary singer, actor, and comedian, known for his work with his wife, Eydie Gormé, in the iconic duo Steve and Eydie, passed away at his Los Angeles home on March 7, 2024, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 88. We invite you to share your condolences for Steve Lawrence in our Guest Book.
Steve Lawrence’s Legacy
Lawrence began his career in the early days of “The Tonight Show” when it was hosted by Steve Allen in New York City. There, he met Eydie Gormé, who was also one of the show’s singers. The pair started singing together and released their first single, “Make Yourself Comfortable,” in 1954.
The professional partnership soon blossomed into romance, and they married in 1957, remaining together until Gormé’s death in 2013. Throughout their careers, Steve and Eydie became a beloved duo, known for their engaging performances and timeless pop standards.
The duo’s frequent TV appearances made them household names in the ’60s and ’70s. They even had their own variety show, “The Steve Lawrence Show,” in 1965. They also performed in nightclubs, including Las Vegas, and toured widely, delighting audiences with songs like “Sentimental Me,” “Cabaret,” and “(You’re My) Soul & Inspiration.”
Lawrence’s solo career flourished with singles like “Party Doll,” “Footsteps,” and his No. 1 hit, “Go Away Little Girl.” He also graced Broadway with his performance in “What Makes Sammy Run?” in 1964, earning a Tony Award nomination.
While music was at the heart of his career, Lawrence also had a successful acting career, making memorable appearances in shows like “The Carol Burnett Show,” “Hardcastle and McCormick,” “The Nanny,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Diagnosis Murder,” and “Two and a Half Men.” In film, he was recognized for his roles in “The Blues Brothers,” “Blues Brothers 2000,” “The Lonely Guy,” and “The Yards.”
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Notable Quote
“There is an audience for our kind of music. They come out to see you and you forget all about your troubles.” — from a 2004 interview for the Las Vegas Sun.
Tributes to Steve Lawrence
Steve was one of my favorite guests on my variety show, appearing 39 times. He was also my very close friend … so close that I considered him ‘family.’ He will always be in my heart. pic.twitter.com/nBEVCgHgbr
— Carol Burnett (@imcarolburnett) March 7, 2024
RIP Steve Lawrence— This guy has been a musical hero of mine for years. His effortless baritone and superb phrasing made the most difficult songs sound easy. He was a profound influence, and when I actually got to meet him one night after doing a show in Vegas, I learned that he… pic.twitter.com/G1vLQP2VnF
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) March 7, 2024
Steve & Eydie. Together again.
R.I.P. Steve Lawrence (July 8, 1935 – March 7, 2024). pic.twitter.com/vCxEJGxTCi
— Harold’s Golden Age of Hollywood (@gaugler_j) March 7, 2024
We lost a great one today. Steve Lawrence passed away. No one made my dad laugh more than Steve. @KFIAM640 pic.twitter.com/QjVq8KONoW
— Tim Conway Jr Show (@ConwayShow) March 7, 2024
Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme's 1997 cover of "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden is a thing of beauty.
They were, and will always be, timeless. https://t.co/a0QOkyL8b0
— Will McKinley (@willmckinley) March 8, 2024
Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Caesars Palace. pic.twitter.com/Ins9Bv6YyX
— Vintage Las Vegas (@summacorp) March 8, 2024
Rest In Peace, Steve Lawrence. I saw Steve & Edie in Vegas and they were great. Also saw them in the audience at their pal Don Rickles' Caesars Palace show. With these wonderful performers all gone, Las Vegas just doesn't exist for me anymore.
— Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) March 7, 2024
RIP Steve Lawrence. Hope Eydie was there to greet you. pic.twitter.com/vvASqbWXAD
— Eric (@ebcinpa) March 7, 2024