Song of the Day: Go Away Little Girl, words and music by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, was a #1 hit in 1963 for Steve Lawrence, who died today at the age of 88. He and his wife, Eydie Gorme (who died in 2013), made a terrific singing pair. One of the most memorable performances of this song was Lawrence’s delivery of it on the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon in the 1960s. Singing to a little girl—who took the lyrics seriously and began to cry—Lawrence embraced her and assured her that he wanted her “to stay”. By the time the song ended, she was all smiles. It was one of the most poignant moments I’ve ever seen on television. RIP, Steve Lawrence. Check out Lawrence’s rendition of this song [YouTube link].
Postscript (23 October 2024): I also shared the story of the little girl in an exchange on Medium (prompted by a remembrance written by David Hinckley). I wrote:
A wonderful tribute! One of the most memorable performances of “Go Away Little Girl” was Lawrence’s delivery of it on the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon in the 1960s. Singing to a little girl—who took the lyrics seriously and began to cry—Lawrence embraced her and assured her that he wanted her “to stay”. By the time the song ended, she was all smiles. It was one of the most poignant moments I’ve ever seen on television. Unfortunately, that clip is nowhere to be found on YouTube. I also enjoyed seeing him in the Rod Serling-penned “Christmas Carol” takeoff, “Carol for Another Christmas”, where he played the Ghost of Christmas Past (opposite Sterling Hayden, who needing some saving).
Lisa Cohen Serrano confirmed the details of my story. She writes:
Hello. The little girl was my sister, Cindy Cohen. She was the poster child for UCP. My dad and Steve Lawrence were friends and Cindy became so emotional thinking Steve was telling her to go away. I actually have the original newspaper clipping and newspaper template it was printed from framed. Thank you for writing this and flooding me with memories. Cindy passed away on October 22, 1974 at the age of 18. Yesterday was her 50 year anniversary of her passing. — Lisa Cohen
In response, I wrote:
Lisa,
First and foremost, I’m so very sorry for your loss, especially on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of your sister’s passing. I’m very happy to know not only that my memory is intact but that the little girl was indeed your sister Cindy Cohen. It would be wonderful if you could post a copy of the original newspaper clipping because this television moment has never been noted anywhere in print, except in our exchange here. Thank you again for your sweet words.
All my very best,
Chris
Notablog 