The Tragic Life Of Liberace

Today Liberace is known for being the butt of jokes which allude to someone who hasn’t come out of the closet. Whether he was gay or not is really none of our business, but the one thing we know for sure is that he was a talented showman.

Liberace was a childhood prodigy who enjoyed a career spanning four decades. At the height of his fame, he was the highest-paid entertainer in the world. He earned the nickname “Mr. Showmanship” for his flamboyant excess on and off the stage. But his life and rise to the top were not without tragedy and struggles. Liberace had a tough childhood, career ups and downs, and bouts with the media.

#Liberace #History #Musician

Sick and poverty-stricken childhood | 0:00
Nightclub work | 1:37
Lambasted by critics | 2:50
Hiding his sexuality | 3:46
Near death experience | 4:50
Failed movie career | 6:11
Endless libel lawsuits | 7:10
Attempted palimony suit | 8:10
Liberace's tragic death | 9:30
Continued denials | 10:21

[randolphvictorconstantine]

There's a reason why we call our lives private... Never cared if he was gay, the man was a great performer, a fascinating individual and a spectacular musician.

[mickeyray]

When I was a wee boy in the 1950's, the ladies in my family (Mom, Grandma etc.) just LOVED Liberace! The guys, however, did not like Libby. Isn't it funny how guys are much more inclined to be homophobic than women. Since I was a just a little boy, fortunately I hadn't learned to be a bigot yet. In fact, I NEVER learned to be a bigot! Here's to Libby, one of the greatest stars of our time, or any time! We'll never forget him! He'll live forever, thanks to Youtube!😊

[JR-wszy]

I saw Liberace do a show at the Fox theater in Atlanta in the 70s. At the time I was in a blues rock band and was not really that interested in him but my in-laws had give my wife and I tickets so we went. I was completely blow away with his show and completely entertained. At one point he came out in a white suit and started playing a dance song. The lights suddenly went out and his suit lit up like a disco dance floor with colors that rotated around him as jumped from the piano and danced. His playing was so masterful and he was definitely a sharp witty showman.

[zyxmyk]

when liberace was about six, he had an older sister who had been working for weeks on a really challenging classical piano piece. her piano teacher came to their house and gave her a lesson, which lee (liberace) watched carefully. after the lesson was over, he climbed up on the piano bench and nailed the piece in three hours. it flipped his sister out. he wasn't just gifted at playing the music, but at translating the written notes into piano music.

[texasflashcoveinstaller]

I’m a native Texan raised in the east Texas thicket and I can tell you Liberace is amazing and I was always fascinated by his character his notable pleasant demeanor and his amazing music and of course his attire . Liberace was amazing

[gilbertianrueda]

I am 40 years young and I have very recently developed an appreciation and fascination with this talented man. I wish I could have met him.

[andrewtramble]

How he died is not really important...he made one hell of a contribution to music, piano music, spectacle and talent. Let this legend continue to journey well and rest in PEACE!!!

[wtjdrcn]

He was an extremely lucky man. He was a child prodigy admired and applauded by everyone. He had everything he wanted in goods and loves. In the end he suffered a terrible illness but many people do the same without having had such a wonderful life.

[bigmonkeyfanforever]

I admired his music. Dancing, humor, clothes n him in general!!!! His Private life was his own!!!! Geezzz

[chrispnw]

Liberace' life was not tragic. He (like all of us) have our own burdens we must carry. What is tragic is a culture that does not celebrate those who beat to a different drummer. Throughout history, it is those who challenge the status quo (without hurting others) who lift the quality of life for many. He may not be here in the flesh but his spirit lives with us forever.

[haydenharris]

Everyones life has tragedy.
Lee was amazing and he certainly lived his life span to the full.

[rhondawentzell]

I loved Liberace. He showed a poor tomboy glitz glamour beautiful smiles & amazing piano music! He was like a real dream to me- a prince!!! I never cared of even thought about orientation or whatever…, I just fell in love with him as a little girl ❤️❤️❤️

[gerryan]

According to people, is life is a tragedy, but he accomplished, so much, a master entertainer, used his gift to make people happy, and was generous and had a beautiful heart, that is what counts, not his sexuality 👏🏻 you are a winner 👏🏻🎹🎼

[kumuluskld]

My mom always had us watch Liberace on TV during lunch & that's saying something because she wasn't a big TV watcher & we never watched TV during dinner. She regretted quitting piano as a child & always wanted to play so she made us take piano lessons

[bufordghoons]

If you combine the soul and ability of Mozart, a little bit of Elvis, and the wit of Paul Lynde you get Liberace. Liberace was certainly the Mozart of our time.

[MrJbaker]

Bravo to most of the comments on this page. Liberace was an incredible musician and a man of great courage...I still miss him...Jack Baker NYC/NJ

[senniewhite]

*He was very talented and had a kind heart.*

[janetaylor]

He was a marvellous showman and an outstanding pianist as well as being such a polite and pleasant personality. I’m so sad that he succumbed to such a devastating illness. God bless him.

[carmenmiranda]

I loved this man. He was one of a kind. Unique.

[dirkbonesteel]

The Liberace family is still in same area, many with fishing boats. Top left corner of Italy. Always heard first name was pronounced "Wash oo ", but called Walter or Lee. In person laid back, wore the rings but otherwise normal dress. The number of random fans with positive stories was amazing. Good man