Renowned singer, comedian, and actor Steve Lawrence is not just known for his contributions to the entertainment industry. His life story is also marked by familial joys and sorrows, most notably concerning his two sons, David Nessim and Michael Lawrence.
Lawrence, who is celebrated for his work in big band, swing, and traditional pop music, shared a successful musical partnership with his wife Eydie Gormé until her retirement in 2009. However, his family life was also coloured by the tragic death of his younger son, Michael Robert Lawrence, in 1986.
David Nessim Lawrence, born in 1960, has followed in his father’s footsteps, earning a reputation as an ASCAP Award-winning composer. On the other hand, the memory of Michael, who passed away at the age of 23 due to an undiagnosed heart condition, serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility.
Meanwhile, David’s success in the music industry and his contributions to the entertainment sphere have added a fresh dimension to the Lawrence family’s esteemed legacy. He is known for his work on the score for the massively popular “High School Musical.”
Born two years after David, in 1962, Michael’s life was tragically cut short by ventricular fibrillation, a heart condition that went undiagnosed despite a previous diagnosis of slight arrhythmia. At the time of his death, he was working as an assistant editor for a television show.
The Lawrences were performing in Atlanta, Georgia, when they received the devastating news. Family friend Frank Sinatra extended his support by arranging for his private plane to fly the couple back to New York to be with their surviving son, David, who was in school at the time.
The loss of their son led Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé to take a hiatus from their touring activities for a year. This tragic event underscored the importance of family ties as they navigated through this difficult period.
Currently, David Nessim Lawrence continues to make significant contributions to the music industry. Even though Michael’s life was tragically short-lived, the influence of both sons on Steve Lawrence’s life and legacy reflects the enduring bonds within the Lawrence family.
