Gorme, Eydie

Eydie Gormé, née Edith Gormezano, was born August 1, 1928 in the Bronx, New York City. She passed away in Las Vegas in 2013 at the age of 84.

Eydie’s parents were Sephardic Jewish Immigrants from Turkey. She graduated from William Howard Taft High School in 1946 where she was the swing bands lead female vocalist. While attending college, Eydie used her fluency in Spanish as interpreter with the United Nations. She also sang in bands during her free time. She had a gift for both Spanish and singing.

Her big break came in 1950 when she recorded her debut record with MGM. She was featured on radio programs and held a regular spot on The Tonight Show, where she went on to meet her husband Steven Lawrence. The two were often paired in musical numbers and comedy sketches. The couple married at the El Rancho Hotel in Las Vegas in 1957.

After her marriage, Eydie went on to star in her own summer television show in 1958 until Lawrence was drafted into the Army. After his discharge in 1960 they took up residence in Las Vegas. They sang popular hits of the day, including Broadway standards, always engaging the audience with banter on stage.

Eydie was renowned for her versatility, successfully shifting from one language to another. She fought for the opportunity to record as a bilingual performer, an uncommon practice at the time, and in 1961 she released her first Spanish/English album.

Eydie was a legendary singer, prolific artist, and international star who contributed to 93 albums, received 12 Emmys, 2 Grammys and held innumerable tours across the world.