We’ve lost another one of the greats: Steve Lawrence, a true Las Vegas legend.  However, instead of regaling you with the standard dry bio that you’re able to read in countless newspapers (do people still read newspapers?), I’ve decided that, having been fortunate enough to have met Lawrence and his late wife, Eydie Gormé (who passed back on August 11, 2013), on a few occasions, I’d tell you about the last time I was with them both; which was simultaneously old-school Vegas and surreally Judaic, and makes me smile as it is a sublimely unique and warm memory of an incredible lady.

The setting was the annual Passover Seder thrown by Susie and Irwin Molasky, for their families and some close friends. Susie had prepared her scrumptious chicken liver—the only one I’ve ever liked (sorry Mom…)—tzimmes, and matzo cake; had donned a fabulous caftan; and had let Spago take care of the rest. It was a great scene, and I always got my fill of food, friends, fashion, and Pharaoh.

Somewhere in the middle of the evening, Gary Frey (ever the prankster) decided that—what with it being my-then-husband Jacob’s first Passover, and all—Jake (who was very much not Jewish) should deliver the "Four Questions," which led to a whole rather charming mishegoss, but that’s another Megillah, for another time.

Anyhow, as the Seder was coming to a close, Eydie (who was sitting opposite me, at the next table) leaned over and whispered something into Steve’s ear, and before you could say ‘Next year in Jerusalem!’ we were being led in the traditional hymn “Go Down, Moses (Let My People Go)”—a musical retelling of the events told in Exodus 7:26—by the legendary Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gormé!

And for any of you who wonder what makes a legend, simply listen to this cover of Soundgarden’s seminal grunge hit “Black Hole Sun” upon which this incredible duo (here billed as Steve and Eydie) have so elegantly imparted their funk, becoming the most enduring part of 1997’s ambitious Lounge-A-Palooza project. [And a very special ShulmanSays shout-out to the ever-beguiling DJ Dino DJean (aka Dino DeGuiceis) for playing this at his "Year of the Witch"-themed Halloween party, that fall!]

Steve Lawrence
Alev haShalom

Get into it!