Steve Lawrence is a singer who gained fame in the 50s and 60s by singing with his wife in the duo “Steve and Edie.” died.
“My father was an inspiration to many people. But to me he was just a charming, handsome, hysterical funny man who sang well. Sometimes alone, sometimes very talented wife. ,” said his son, composer and performer David Lawrence. said in a statement to Deadline..
“I’m so lucky to have him as a father and so proud to be his son,” he continued. “We hope that his contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered for years to come.”
Lawrence died Thursday of complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. He was 88 years old.
A representative for Lawrence did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
Lawrence performed around the world with his wife Edie Gorme until 2009, when she retired due to health concerns. According to the Washington Post. She passed away in 2013 at the age of 84.
Meanwhile, Lawrence continued touring until he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2019.
The actor, comedian and vocalist shot to fame with Edie, whom he married in 1957 after meeting on “The Tonight Show” starring Steve Allen.
Just a year after walking down the aisle, the happy couple created their own variety show, The Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme Show, which aired for one season in 1958.
They went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Vocal Duo or Group, and an Emmy Award in 1979 for their television special “Steve and Edie Celebrate Irving Berlin.”
“I’m so grateful that Edie and I not only have a great love, but a great friendship,” Lawrence once said of their relationship. By variety.
“I think relationships either work or they don’t work out…and I think you have to put in the effort too…we’re married, right? We fight, but never before. One of the best shows was right after the backstage altercation.”
Lawrence also had a successful solo career, with 1959’s “Pretty Blue Eyes,” 1960’s “Footsteps,” 1961’s “Portrait of My Love,” and the No. 1 hit in 1962. They had a Top 10 hit with “Go Away Little Girl.”
He also booked several television appearances, including “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Judy Garland Show,” and “The Julie Andrews Hour.”
Lawrence also excelled on the big screen, most notably playing talent manager Maury Sline in 1980’s The Blues Brothers and its two sequels.
Additionally, in 1964, he played Sammy Glick in Broadway’s What Makes Sammy Run, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award.
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Lawrence always knew he would be a performer and was a big inspiration to Frank Sinatra.
“When I was very young, I was in the choir, and I think I had just graduated, and I think that was the first time I heard a Frank Sinatra record.” he told Gary James classicbands.com.
“I think I was 15 when I heard his story. I think I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my musical life,” he reflected further.
“I think his influence, not just on me, but on everyone who came after him, was so indelible and so powerful. He opened a whole new window for all of us who came after him. He gave it to me.”
Lawrence is survived by his son, daughter-in-law Faye, granddaughter Mabel, and brother Bernie. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael;
