Vladzyu Valentino Liberace (full name of the artist) is a famous American musician, performer and showman. In the 50-70s of the last century, Liberace was one of the highest-rated and highest-paid stars in America.
He lived an incredibly rich life. Liberace participated in all sorts of shows, concerts, recorded an impressive number of records and was one of the most welcome guests of most American television shows. Among the popular artists, he was distinguished by his virtuoso piano playing and bright stage image.
The virtuoso playing allowed the musician to turn almost any classical work into a real extravaganza. He skillfully performed Chopin's Waltz Minute. To perform, he did not need expensive equipment or the most expensive musical instrument in the world. He performed the first concerto for piano and orchestra in only 240 seconds. Of course, his performance had absolutely nothing to do with classical music. But such a trick made a real TV star out of Liberace.
Let's get back to the theme of his style. The best and most magnificent outfits hung in Liberace's closet. In such attire, it was completely uncomfortable to go for an ordinary walk, but to perform on stage or shock the audience who are on the other side of the screen - that was it. Contemporaries of the artist spoke about the artist as follows:
“Liberace is the pinnacle of sex. Today it is the best partner for males, females and neuters. On stage, he will do whatever he needs for a real show."
Childhood and youth
The artist's date of birth is May 16, 1919. He was born in Wisconsin. Music was often played in Liberace's house. For this he must thank the head of the family and his mother. The father was a musician. He performed in the military band of John Philip Sousa. Mama Liberace was a woman of strict morals. She skillfully played the piano and devoted a lot of time to the development of children.
Noble persons often visited the house of Liberace. Once the composer Paderewski visited them. He admired the game of young talent, and advised his parents to send him to the Wisconsin Conservatory, which was geographically located in Milwaukee.
Classes at the conservatory seemed to the young man not enough. He takes private music lessons to improve his musical skills.
The creative path of the artist Liberace
He first appeared on the professional stage at the age of twenty. Then he was listed as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, led by Frederick Stock himself. The first performance will forever be postponed in the memory of the musician. Later, he will tell that before going on stage, his knees were shaking with excitement. But when he started playing, the excitement automatically turned off and he found himself in nirvana.
In the 40s, the artist performed on an ongoing basis at the Plaza Hotel. After 5 years, he returned with his own piano, which was little more than a standard musical instrument. But most importantly, he held a candlestick in his hands, which will accompany him at every public performance. Then, on the advice of his entourage, he gets rid of the first two names. Now the artist is presented as Liberace, which he is very pleased with.
Debut in cinema
Some time later, the debut of the artist in the cinema took place. He took part in the filming of the film "Sinner of the South Sea." He didn't have to play a specific role. In the tape, in fact, portrayed himself. Liberace played a musician who worked in a cheap bar.
Once he played in a local hotel, and he was lucky enough to catch the eye of popular producer Don Federson. After that, a new show started on Los Angeles television, the main character of which was Libereche. For participation in the project, he received several prestigious Emmy awards.
In the early 50s, he made his debut as a showman on television. At that time, he applied a special way of communicating with the public and guests of the studio. He became an icon of daytime television.
He soon performed in a packed Carnegie Hall. For some time he managed to keep the attendance record of 17 thousand people in Madison Square Garden on one. Those were excellent numbers. Over time, the number of his audience increased by several thousand people. Then they started talking about him as one of the highest-rated American showmen. In the early 60s, he decided to return to television. His decision was supported by fans.
At the end of the 60s, he went on a big European tour. In every city, he is accepted as a world-class star. Spectators watch their idol with pleasure, giving him enthusiastic applause.
During this period of time, he took up writing an autobiography. Soon he presented the book Liberace. Commercially, the autobiographical book was a success. It has been reprinted several times.
Music Liberace
When he was an unknown musician, he played in local restaurants and hotels under the pseudonym Walter Basterkis. He managed to achieve popularity after some musical experiments. He mixed together the sound of classical and modern music.
After the presentation of The Liberace Show, his popularity knew no bounds. The presented program first aired in Los Angeles. A couple of years later, she completely became a world treasure. He sold out a lot of records on which his live concerts were captured.
Details of the artist's personal life
In the early 50s, he managed to win a lawsuit against the tabloid The Daily Mirror. He was suspected of homosexuality and spoke openly about it.
But, here's what's interesting. He was indeed gay, and at that time was in a relationship with Scott Thorson. He had several affairs with women. But, Liberace did not have a single registered marriage. In public life, he tried to maintain the image of a heterosexual, because he was afraid of "persecution" and a decrease in popularity.
last years of life
In the early 80s, he changed a lot. And these changes affected his appearance. He had lost weight and looked emaciated. The sister began to insist that he go to the clinic for help. The news that the artist went to the hospital for treatment gave rise to a lot of rumors.
He died on February 4, 1987. The famous musician and showman died under very strange circumstances. Shortly before his death, journalists began to disseminate information that he had AIDS. Liberace and all his entourage denied these rumors.
But, the autopsy confirmed the guesses of others and fans. As a result, it became known that Liberace died of an illness that proceeded against the background of AIDS. He died at the height of his popularity. The cause of death was heart failure, acute encephalopathy and aplastic anemia.
At the time of his death, he was "worth" more than $110 million. He managed to make a will. He bequeathed most of the money to the educational fund.
