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'Legs' Lawrenzi Comes Out Of Retirement

A local singer who has been singing gospel music for the past 45 years and who was named to the Gospel Hall of Fame is coming out of retirement.

John 'Legs' Lawrenzi,

John 'Legs' Lawrenzi, who joined The Tribunes in April 1973 and who was part of the Steel City Quartet until they disbanded six months ago, announced that he and Chuck Johnson, a former member of the Tribunes, are forming a new group called ‘Steel City.’ Johnson is a vocalist, musician and comedian. Lawrenzi said they are looking for bookings at area churches and public places and will provide their audiences with good gospel music, standards and comedy. “We plan to be the gospel version of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis,” said Lawrenzi.

A resident of Sutersville, ‘Legs’ a nickname that has been with him for many years, has been singing the songs of the '50s since his high school days. He began his career as a rock and roll singer in Phoenix, Arizona where he appeared with Wayne Newton, Duane Eddy and the Rebels, Marty Robbins and April Stevens. He was appearing on the Lew King Rangers Show on KPHO Television with Wayne Newton and his brother, Jerry, when Jackie Gleason discovered Newton while on a train heading to Las Vegas to launch his new television show.

“He heard Wayne sing but he didn't hear me,” Legs said, smiling. “People said I had a better voice than Wayne Newton, but he was the one Gleason made famous.”

Legs gave up a riotous career as a rock singer after he began going to church and got saved. He joined the Tribunes, stayed with them for eight years, and changed the name to the Steel City Quartet in 1981.

The quartet became popular in the Tri-State area and have performed over 4,000 concerts while making 23 recordings. The group has had 54 people who joined and sang with the group over the years. He is the only original member left.

He was inducted into the Pennsylvania Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame on the strength of his 'Fabulous Fifties Gospel' CD which features the music of the Planners with the lyrics rewritten to gospel.

The Steel City Quartet did a concert with the Drifters in York, PA. some years ago and both he and the Drifters' lead singer Charlie Thomas sang 'Only You.' Legs received a standing ovation from the audience of over 1,000 people with his renditions of 'Only You' and 'Unchained Love.' The Steel City Quartet broke up in April because several members became ill.

Anyone who wishes to talk to Legs about a booking can reach him by emailing legslawrenzi@aol.com or calling 724-872-5837.

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