Steve Lawrence Cause of Death & Obituary: What Happened to Steve & Eydie Singer?

Nisha Gupta March 8, 2024

Steve Lawrence, a singer, actor, and comedian who formed the popular duo Steve and Eydie with his wife Eydie Gormé, passed away on March 7, 2024, at the age of 88. He died at his home in Los Angeles from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, a condition he was diagnosed within 2019.

Lawrence was a versatile entertainer who had a successful career in music, television, film, and theater. He was best known for his smooth vocals, charming personality, and comedic timing. He won two Grammy Awards, a Tony Award nomination, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He also appeared in movies such as The Blues Brothers and The Lonely Guy, and TV shows such as The Carol Burnett Show and The Tonight Show.

A Life of Music and Love

Lawrence was born Sidney Liebowitz on July 8, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York. He began singing at an early age and won a radio talent contest when he was 16. He soon changed his name to Steve Lawrence and landed a job as a singer on Steve Allen’s late-night show in 1953. There, he met another singer and cast member, Eydie Gormé, who would become his partner in life and music.

Steve Lawrence with his wife Eydie Gormé (Image Source:- Twitter)

The couple married in 1957 and started performing together as Steve and Eydie. They recorded several hit songs, such as “Go Away Little Girl,” “This Could Be the Start of Something Big,” and “I Want to Stay Here.” They also had their own TV variety show, The Steve and Eydie Gormé Show, and guest-starred on many other shows. They won two Grammy Awards for Best Performance by a Vocal Group or Duo, one in 1960 and another in 1966.

Steve and Eydie were known for their chemistry, harmony, and humor on stage. They often sang romantic songs and exchanged playful banter. They also performed with other famous singers, such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Barbra Streisand. They toured extensively around the world and entertained audiences for over five decades.

What happened at Steve Lawrence?

Steve, the Grammy and Emmy Award-winning entertainer known for his work as one half of the duo “Steve and Eydie,” passed away at the age of 88. According to reports, he died in Los Angeles on Thursday due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Lawrence’s career spanned seven decades, and he was celebrated for his contributions to music, television, and stage performances.

His legacy includes a rich discography and numerous appearances on shows like “The Tonight Show,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” and “What’s My Line?” among others. He was also recognized for his role in the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers.” Steve’s passing is mourned by many who admired his talent and charisma.

So sad to hear of the passing of Steve Lawrence. I got to know him & his wife Eydie Gorme a bit and saw them perform in Vegas. Such legends.

They were brilliant entertainers: wildly talented, of course, but also totally in love with their audiences, who could not get enough of… pic.twitter.com/drDSUeIJMU
— Monica Crowley (@MonicaCrowley) March 7, 2024

Steve Lawrence Obituary

Attribute	Details
Name	Steve Lawrence
Birth Name	Sidney Liebowitz
Born	July 8, 1935
Died	March 7, 2024
Age at Death	88
Place of Birth	New York City, U.S.
Place of Death	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Singer, Actor, Entertainer, Comedian
Years Active	1953–2019
Spouse	Eydie Gormé (m. 1957; died 2013)
Genres	Big Band, Swing, Traditional Pop, Doo-wop
Wikipedia	@Steve_Lawrence

A Legacy of Laughter and Joy

Lawrence also pursued a solo career as a singer and actor. He had several Top 10 singles, such as “Party Doll,” “Pretty Blue Eyes,” and “Footsteps.” He starred in the Broadway musical What Makes Sammy Run? in 1964 and received a Tony Award nomination for his performance. He also acted in movies such as The Blues Brothers, where he played Maury Sline, a talent manager and friend of Jake and Elwood Blues. He reprised his role in the sequel, Blues Brothers 2000.

Lawrence was also a frequent guest on TV shows, such as The Carol Burnett Show, where he showcased his comedic skills and impressions. He also appeared on game shows, such as What’s My Line? and Password. He hosted his own talk show, Steve Lawrence Live, in 1988. He continued to perform until 2019, when he announced his retirement due to his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Lawrence was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and a devoted husband and father. He and Gormé had two sons, David and Michael, who also became musicians. Gormé died in 2013 at the age of 84. Lawrence said in a statement then, “Eydie has been my partner on stage and in life for more than 55 years. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her and even more the first time I heard her sing. I will miss her very much.”

Lawrence’s son David said in a statement after his father’s death, “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.”

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Lawrence’s fans and friends also expressed their condolences and admiration on social media. Singer Tony Bennett tweeted, “Steve Lawrence was a great friend and a wonderful performer. He and Eydie were a joy to watch and listen to. They will be missed by everyone who loves music.” Comedian Carol Burnett said, “Steve was one of the nicest, funniest, and most talented people I ever worked with. He and Eydie were a joy to be around. They made me laugh and they made me cry. They were a gift to the world.”