Steve Lawrence, the beloved Grammy- and Emmy-winning singer and actor, has passed away at the age of 88. He enchanted audiences for many years with his captivating performances in nightclubs, concert stages, and on screen. His publicist, Susan DuBow, announced that Lawrence died in Los Angeles due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Steve Lawrence and his late wife, singer Eydie Gormé, were a renowned duo, both on stage and in life, for over 55 years. Lawrence’s career began when he won a talent competition on Arthur Godfrey’s CBS show and signed with King Records as a teenager. Despite the rise of rock ‘n’ roll, Lawrence chose to stay true to the classic style of music, favoring the works of iconic composers such as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin.

His smooth vocals graced numerous solo albums, with his eponymous LP released in 1953. In 1963, he achieved chart-topping success with the pop ballad “Go Away Little Girl,” written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. The single made history by becoming the first to reach No. 1 by two different artists, as Donny Osmond recorded a version in 1971. Lawrence also achieved top 10 hits with songs like “Party Doll,” “Pretty Blue Eyes,” “Footsteps,” and “Portrait of My Love.”

On Broadway, Lawrence earned acclaim for his role as Sammy Glick in the musical adaptation of Budd Schulberg’s novel, What Makes Sammy Run? He received a best actor Tony nomination in 1964. Additionally, he hosted a CBS variety program and made appearances on The Carol Burnett Show. His portrayal of manager Maury Sline in the iconic film The Blues Brothers (1980) remains etched in many memories.

Steve Lawrence leaves behind a legacy of timeless music and unforgettable performances, and his influence on the entertainment industry will be cherished for years to come.