Steve Lawrence, veteran crooner, TV personality, Coachella Valley regular, dies at 88

Singer/actor Steve Lawrence, who gained fame singing alongside his wife Eydie Gormé in the 1950s and 1960s but also became a regular comedic guest on television programs and even appeared in ``The Blues Brothers,'' died today at his Los Angeles home at age 88.  

According to his publicist, Lawrence died due to complications of Alzheimer's disease. His wife Eydie died in 2013.   

"My dad was an inspiration to so many people,'' Lawrence's son David said in a statement. ``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.''   

Born in Brooklyn, Lawrence had a series of hits including "Go Away Little Girl,'' "I've Gotta Be Me,'' "Party Girl'' and "Pretty Blue Eyes."

He and his wife -- whom he met while singing on Steve Allen's late-night talk show in New York, which later became "The Tonight Show" -- were successful touring artists for nearly three decades, and they even had their own TV series in the late 1950s, "The Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé Show.'' In the 1960s, Lawrence led "The Steve Lawrence Show,'' but he also became a regular face on the small screen, appearing frequently on "What's My Line?'' and "The Carol Burnett Show.''

"Steve was one of my favorite guests on my variety show, appearing 39 times,'' Burnett wrote on social media Thursday. "He was also my very close friend, so close that I considered him `family.' He will always be in my heart."  

Lawrence's TV career blossomed over the years, appearing in shows including "Sanford and Son," "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In,'' "Police Story," "Murder, She Wrote,'' "Diagnosis Murder'' and even portraying the father of Fran Drescher's character on "The Nanny."

He also made a brief but memorable appearance as music manager Maury Sline in the classic comedy film "The Blues Brothers.'' He and his wife won an Emmy Award in 1979 for comedy-variety or music program for "Steve & Eydie Celebrate Irving Berlin.'' Lawrence was also a Grammy winner earned a Tony
Award nomination in the 1960s for "What Makes Sammy Run."   

Comedian and TV personality Bob Newhart issued a statement calling Lawrence a "close family friend."

"The Newhart and Lawrence families spent holidays together and even often vacationed together,'' Newhart said. "My late wife Ginnie and me truly loved them both. Together, they were the `American Songbook.' Rest in peace, dear friend, we'll miss you always.''

Television personality and singer Seth MacFarlane paid tribute to Lawrence on social media, calling him "a musical hero of mine for years."

"His effortless baritone and superb phrasing made the most difficult songs sound easy,'' MacFarlane wrote. "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 was also as nice and humble a guy as ever there was. Thanks for leaving behind so many incredible recordings, Steve. You'll be missed."

Lawrence and Gormè were regular performers in the Palm Springs area for several years, particularly at the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert, where they are considered one of the most successful duos in the venue's history.

“Steve Lawrence was the best singer I ever heard – and I mean the best, not one of the best.
His vocal quality, phrasing and intonation were absolutely spot on.  
He was also the nicest man in show business. He was especially nice to me.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to work with Steve during the many times he performed
at the McCallum Theatre, both as a solo artist, and with his incredible wife Eydie.”

-- Mitch Gershenfeld
President, CEO & Artistic Director
McCallum Theatre

Lawrence is survived by his son David, granddaughter Mabel and brother Bernie.

Donations in his memory can be made at https://connect.alzheimersla.org/campaign/steve-lawrence-tribute-page/c502357.