Eydie Gorme was born on August 16, 1928, in the vibrant city of New York, to a family of Sephardic Jewish descent. Her father, Nessim Gormezano, was a Turkish-born tailor who had undergone a name change upon his arrival in the United States. Gorme's early life was marked by a passion for singing, which she pursued straight out of high school, joining various big bands and honing her craft.
However, it was her audition for and subsequent joining of "The Tonight Show" in 1953 that brought her big break. For a modest salary of $90 per week, she sang solo performances and duets with the rising star Steve Lawrence. The duo's impressive chemistry on stage led to a five-year stint on the show, during which they married in 1957.
Following their time on "The Tonight Show," Gorme and Lawrence ventured into television, starring in their own short-lived program, "The Steve Lawrence-Eydie Gorme Show," in 1958. However, Lawrence's subsequent enlistment in the Army left Gorme, now a new mother, to navigate the night club circuit on her own. Two years later, when Lawrence was discharged, the couple reevaluated their approach to show business, deciding to enter the industry with renewed professionalism.
Their decision led to a career resurgence, as audiences were drawn to their unique blend of classic music and spontaneous banter.
