In a saddening announcement, it has been confirmed that Steve Lawrence, the Grammy- and Emmy-winning crooner known for his captivating performances, has sadly passed away at the age of 88. Lawrence, who delighted audiences for decades with his silky voice and charismatic stage presence, died in Los Angeles on Thursday as a result of complications from Alzheimer's disease, according to his publicist Susan DuBow.

Throughout his illustrious career, Lawrence became renowned for his partnership with his wife of 55 years, the late Eydie Gormé. Together, they formed a highly popular act that captivated audiences around the world. Lawrence broke into the show business industry when he won a talent competition on Arthur Godfrey's CBS show, subsequently signing with King Records as a teenager. Despite the rise of rock 'n' roll, Lawrence chose to stay true to the old school, stating that he related more to the melodic music of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and other iconic songwriters of that era.

Lawrence's smooth and captivating singing style led to the release of numerous solo albums, beginning with his eponymous LP in 1953. His talent was recognized with the topping of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963, courtesy of the Gerry Goffin-Carole King pop ballad "Go Away Little Girl." This iconic single holds the distinction of being the first in history to reach the number one spot by two different artists, as Donny Osmond recorded his own version in 1971. Additionally, Lawrence achieved top 10 hits with songs such as "Party Doll" (1957), "Pretty Blue Eyes" (1959), "Footsteps" (1960), and "Portrait of My Love" (1961).

Not limited to the music scene, Lawrence also found success on Broadway, starring as Sammy Glick in the long-running musical adaptation "What Makes Sammy Run?" He garnered a Tony nomination for his performance in 1964. Moreover, Lawrence hosted a CBS variety program in 1965 and made frequent appearances on The Carol Burnett Show during the 1970s.

Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé were considered one of show business' hottest couples during the 1960s and '70s, making regular appearances on television variety shows and game shows. In 1979, they won an Emmy for their special "Steve & Eydie Celebrate Irving Berlin." Their incredible vocal chemistry and confident stage presence made them beloved by fans worldwide.

Lawrence's love for performing led him to fulfill a lifelong dream in 1981 when he and Gormé performed a series of sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall, captivating audiences with their vibrant and powerful voices. Their undeniable talent and showmanship were praised by John S. Wilson in his review for The New York Times.

Born as Sidney Liebowitz on July 8, 1935, in Brooklyn, Lawrence's love for music was cultivated at a young age as he sang in synagogue choirs, being the son of a cantor. It was only when he listened to his first Frank Sinatra record that he realized his passion for singing. Lawrence's determination led him to spend his days at the Brill Building, hustling to make connections and singing demos. It was there that he first met Gormé, who would later become his wife and partner in both life and on stage.

After Gormé's passing in August 2013, Lawrence took a break from performing before releasing his solo album "When You Come Back to Me Again" a year later. The album, which was dedicated to his late wife, was praised by Gormé herself, reflecting their deep connection and musical bond.

Steve Lawrence's legacy as a legendary crooner, beloved performer, and influential figure in the music industry will forever be remembered. His contributions to the world of music, along with his dynamic partnership with Eydie Gormé, have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

As fans mourn the loss of this iconic artist, Lawrence's timeless music and enchanting performances will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.