Liberace

(1919–87)

a US piano player who wore expensive and colourful clothes and performed in a very exaggerated style. He won an Emmy for his popular television show (1952–7) and was a star in Las Vegas for many years. Liberace played and sometimes sang romantic songs and always had candles on his piano. He died from an illness related to AIDS. His full name was Wladziu Valentino Liberace.

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orig. Wladziu Valentino Liberace

born May 16, 1919, West Allis, Wis., U.S.

died Feb. 4, 1987, Palm Springs, Calif.

U.S. pianist.

Born to Polish and Italian immigrants, he appeared as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at age 16. He began giving concerts in flamboyant costumes with ornate pianos and candelabra, and though he occasionally performed with symphony orchestras, he built his career playing primarily popular music. Hugely successful, he hosted his own television variety series, The Liberace Show (1952–55, 1969), and appeared in films such as Sincerely Yours (1955). In later years he performed frequently in Las Vegas, Nev.

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