Liberace << lihb ur AH chee >> (1919-1987) was an American pianist and entertainer known for his flamboyant costumes and performing style. Liberace gained international popularity in concerts and nightclubs and on television. He wore extravagant clothing and jewelry and always had a candelabra on his piano. He performed popular songs and light classics, often singing and chatting with the audience. Many critics ridiculed his performing style, but fans enjoyed his blend of informality and showmanship.
Wladziu Valentino Liberace was born on May 16, 1919, in West Allis, Wisconsin. He began studying the piano at the age of 7 and made his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the age of 20. He struggled for many years before gaining fame for his extravagant performances starting about 1950. He was the host of a popular TV variety program, “The Liberace Show,” from 1952 to 1955, 1958 and 1959, and again in 1969. George Liberace, his older brother, often accompanied him as a violinist and orchestra leader. Liberace starred in the motion picture Sincerely Yours (1955) and also appeared in a few other films, notably The Loved One (1965). He wrote the autobiographies Liberace (1973), The Things I Love (1976), The Wonderful Private World of Liberace (1986). He died on Feb. 4, 1987, of pneumonia caused by AIDS.
