Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

May 16, 1919 in West Allis, WI

Death

:

February 4, 1987 in Palm Springs, CA

 

Liberace, born Władziu Valentino Liberace on May 16, 1919, in West Allis, Wisconsin, was an American pianist, singer, and actor who became one of the most popular and flamboyant performers of the 20th century. Liberace's father, Salvatore Liberace, was an immigrant from Italy who played the French horn in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and his mother, Frances Zuchowska, was a Polish immigrant who played the piano. Liberace began playing the piano at the age of four and showed a natural talent for music. Liberace's early career was marked by his ability to play a wide range of music, from classical to popular songs. He began performing in local clubs and theaters in the 1930s and 1940s, and his popularity grew as he developed his signature style of flamboyant costumes, elaborate stage sets, and over-the-top performances. In 1947, Liberace made his national television debut on The Kate Smith Hour, and he quickly became a household name. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Liberace continued to perform on television and in live shows, becoming one of the highest-paid performers in the world. He was known for his extravagant costumes, which often included sequins, fur, and rhinestones, and his elaborate stage sets, which featured chandeliers, candelabras, and other opulent decorations. Liberace's performances were also marked by his flamboyant personality and his ability to connect with his audience, often engaging in playful banter and humorous asides. Liberace's music was also a major part of his appeal. He was a skilled pianist who could play a wide range of music, from classical to popular songs. He was particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff, and he often incorporated elements of jazz and pop music into his performances. Liberace also recorded numerous albums throughout his career, including Liberace at the Piano, Liberace by Candlelight, and Liberace's Greatest Hits. In addition to his music and performances, Liberace was also known for his philanthropy. He was a generous supporter of numerous charities and causes, including the American Cancer Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the March of Dimes. He also established the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts, which provides scholarships and grants to young artists. Liberace's career was not without controversy, however. In the 1950s and 1960s, he was the subject of rumors and speculation about his sexuality, and he was often accused of being gay. Liberace denied these rumors throughout his life, and he successfully sued a British newspaper for libel in 1959. However, after his death in 1987, it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with AIDS, and his death helped to raise awareness about the disease. Despite the controversy surrounding his personal life, Liberace's legacy as a performer and musician remains strong. He won numerous awards throughout his career, including two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy Award. He was also inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1986. Liberace's influence can be seen in the work of numerous performers who have followed in his footsteps, including Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Barry Manilow. In conclusion, Liberace was a talented and flamboyant performer who became one of the most popular and successful musicians of the 20th century.

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