Legendary crooner Steve Lawrence -- best known as one half of the music duo Steve and Eydie -- has died. He was 88.
The GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning entertainer died at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday, the family confirmed in a press release, sharing that Lawrence died as as result of "complications due to Alzheimer’s disease."
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1935, Lawrence began his entertainment career as a teenager, and established himself as a talented crooner. He was hired on as part of a singing ensemble for Steve Allen's Tonight Show, where he met future wife Eydie Gormé.
The pair formed a romance and a musical partnership, and gained fame as Steve and Eydie, during which time both had successful solo careers as well.
Steve Lawrence and wife Eydie Gormé of the musical duo Steve and Eydie.
Lawrence is best remembered for his 1962 cover of "Go Away Little Girl," as well as "Pretty Blue Eyes," "Footsteps" and "Party Doll," although the majority of his success as a musician came as a club and lounge singer, often with Gormé.
The pair performed as Steve and Eydie until Gormé retired from singing in 2009, before her death in 2013.
During his career, Lawrence was nominated for a Tony Award in 1964 for his performance as Sammy Glick in the Broadway production of What Makes Sammy Run?.
Lawrence was also the winner of two Emmy Awards, as well as a GRAMMY, alongside his wife, for Best Performance By a Vocal Duo or Group for "We Got Us" in 1961 -- the first year the category was presented.
Steve Lawrence during a special presentation of GRAMMY-winning songs and performances in 1967.
Film fans might best remember Lawrence, however, for his brief but memorable appearance in the beloved 1980 musical comedy classic The Blues Brothers, in which he played Maury Sline, the manager for the film's titular music group.
In the wake of his death, several friends and family members shared tributes to Lawrence including music icon Dionne Warwick, who remembered the crooner in statement to ET.
"Another longtime friend has made his transition," Warwick shared. "Steve now has joined his true love, his wife Eydie, and is resting with comfort in the arms of the Heavenly Father. My heartfelt condolences go out to [his family] and host of friends."
Lawrence is survived by his son, David, daughter-in-law, Faye, granddaughter, Mabel, and brother, Bernie. He was predeceased by Gormé, as well as their son, Michael, who died in 1986.
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