The Liberace Show

While the memory of Liberace, today, is that of the quintessential gay Vegas showman with glittering rhinestone outfits and pianos, huge musical extravaganzas, and an overzealous army of elderly female fans, the television program that provided his 'breakthrough' was a small, intimate affair that focused on his unmatched artistry on a keyboard, and his warm, charming personality.

"The Liberace Show" had no dazzling production numbers, or fancy backup singers and orchestra, and only a minimal set, with a few curtains, and a single piano topped with a flickering candelabra. But when Liberace, elegantly attired in a black tuxedo, would smile and welcome viewers, audiences nationwide were enchanted by the wavy-haired young musician with the ready smile. Performing a couple of pop 'standards' and a light classical piece, occasionally accompanied by his brother, George, the pianist would demonstrate a smooth, sensitive style of play far removed from the fancier, more combative approach to the instrument demonstrated by his musical 'rival' of the 50s, Roger Williams. Between musical numbers, Liberace would reminisce about his youth, or the reasons a particular piece was a personal favorite, in a chatty, light banter. He never tried to tell jokes, or to introduce 'heavier' elements into the show, preferring to simply 'be himself'.

To millions of American viewers, for years, Liberace was a welcome 'house guest' who never overstayed his welcome. Although his phenomenal success would ultimately lead to the grandiose caricatured image of himself that he would nurture, later in life (until his tragic death, at 67, from AIDS, in 1987), he never forgot the fans of his early television show, and would always acknowledge them whenever, and wherever he performed.

Liberace was one of a kind!

I am 63 and adding how much I remember this happy, smiling, very talented Liberace! This was the only way I could address my regret at my lament for where his other movies are? The one where he played a musician who goes deaf. Excellent movie...

I remember when I was a small girl, coming in afternoons to watch Liberace on TV. As another poster has mentioned, there was no glitter or fountains, just Liberace, his piano, and his music. Beautiful, wonderful music played by a master musician. I think that was the beginning of my love for music. People these days tend only to remember the glittery costumes and forget that Liberace was indeed a master pianist. To them he was just the man in the funny clothes with a candelabra on the piano.

Even now, some 40 years later, I love listening to Liberace on DVD. The purity and beauty of the music and his talent come through even in recordings. The only thing I regret is that I never got to see him play in person.