Steve Lawrence, most famous for his hit single “Go Away Little Girl,” died Thursday at the age of 88 from complications due to Alzheimer’s Disease.
Lawrence was a beloved fixture on “The Tonight Show,” and formed one-half of the singing duo Steve and Eydie, with his late wife, Eydie Gorme, according to People. “Go Away Little Girl” reached No.1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in 1963, and was covered by Donny Osmond eight years later. “My dad was an inspiration to so many people,” his son David said in a statement, according to 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.”
Comedian Jerry Lewis (left) and singer Steve Lawrence appear on the 39th Annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon on September 6, 2004 at CBS Television City, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
David paid tribute to his loving father by sharing some touching words about their relationship.
“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,” he said in a statement, according to People.
Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme’s Star is seen on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame on August 12, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images
In 1953, Lawrence was hired as a singer in the music ensemble for Steve Allen’s local New York late-night show. The show transformed into “The Tonight Show,” which is where Lawrence eventually met and fell in love with his future wife, Gorme. The lovebirds married in Las Vegas the year they met, according to People.
Music was Lawrence’s passion. His music catalog included dozens of albums that he released both as solo projects and with Gormé.
He achieved 14 chart hits on Billboard’s Hot 100 as part of his solo career, four of which made it the coveted top-10 spot.
Lawrence revealed he had been diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2019, saying at the time, “I am being treated with medications under the supervision of some of the finest doctors in the field. Fortunately, they have managed to slow down this horrific process.” (RELATED: Toby Keith Dead At 62)
Lawrence is survived by his two children.