Lawrence, Steve

Steven Lawrence was born in Brooklyn to Jewish Parents who owned a bakery in the Bronx. Lawrence started his career in the late 1950s as the easygoing crooner with the rich baritone voice focusing on performing in nightclubs. Singer, composer, actor and author, educated at Brooklyn's Thomas Jefferson High School and a student of saxophone and piano Lawrence served in the US Army and was a vocalist with the US Army Band and Orchestra. After he was discharged, he commenced his singing career on television, night clubs and recordings, both as a single performer and with his wife Eydie Gormé. He got his big break when he began a residence on The Tonight Show. In 1965, he starred in his own variety show, The Steve Lawrence Show across from his wife. Together the two of them would go on to create many albums, even appearing in the Broadway Musical Golden Rainbow in 1968.

After a high profile wedding at the El Rancho Hotel and Casino, Lawrence and Gorme resided in Las Vegas where they went to perform every night favoring material from the Great American Songbook with swinging big band arrangements. Lawrence is also a renowned actor and has appeared in many notable films such as agent Maury Sline in the 1980 hit film, The Blues Brothers.

Lawrence has been nominated for a Tony Award as well as been the recipient of the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award and four Emmy Awards.