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Liberace Liberated Las Vegas
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Just like the city itself, Liberace shined brighter than any performer of his kind. His flashy attitude and glitzy fashion sense made him an icon among the gay community. As a classically trained pianist and concert singer, Liberace made a name for himself by recording 6 gold albums and appearing on television, in films, and on stage right here in Las Vegas. Although, Liberace had a love for classical music; his audience could relate much more to his renditions of pop songs. He changed his genre to fit in better with the pop music generation.
Liberace was born Wladziu Valentino Liberace in West Allis, Wisconsin in 1919. However, many of his friends called him “Lee”. His family loved music and taught him much of what he knows about it. Liberace had a twin who died at birth. He grew up learning music and took piano lessons for many years of his life. In 1952, he was given his own television program called The Liberace Show. The show was very popular and Liberace offered guest spots to family members and friends. He signed off every show by playing the song, “I’ll be seeing you.” This is the way the audience remembered him and he got much exposure from the show, both in the US and the UK.
Liberace went on to pursue his recording career. He signed a deal with Columbia records and sold 2,000,000 albums in 1953 alone. Liberace’s costumes and personality became increasingly flamboyant. Many speculated that he was homosexual. However, Liberace denied these claims and even sued one reporter for $24,000 for implying that he was homosexual. However, Liberace became well respected in the gay community and remains that way to this day. There is even a gay chapel in Las Vegas that offers wedding packages where a Liberace impersonator will perform the commitment ceremony.
After denying claims of homosexuality, Liberace’s roommate, Scott Thorson, who many believed to be Liberace’s boyfriend tried to sue Liberace for leaving him with nothing after the two split. In Liberace’s free time, his favorite hobby was cooking. After preparing meals for friends and family for years, Liberace decided to put his skills to the test and open a restaurant right here in Las Vegas. Carluccio’s Tivoli Gardens was both designed and owned by Liberace himself. The restaurant is still open today under new management. However, the new managers left the same design and flair that the place was founded on so many years ago. Gold accents cover almost every inch of empty wall space and Liberace’s famous silver plated candelabrums accent the tables. The restaurant even has a piano bar area that Liberace himself probably played in at least once. However, in this almost over-done restaurant, the bar itself is built around a white and gold grand piano. He has produced several cookbooks, including Liberace Cooks.
Throughout the late 1970’s Liberace performed nightly at the Las Vegas Hilton and he quickly became a local celebrity. His flashy costumes, some completely covered in glitter and rhinestones, caused him to fit in perfectly among the flashing neon lights and “more-is-more” attitude of the ever-growing sin city.
However, Liberace’s life was all about glitz and glamour. Liberace endured a long and painful battle with AIDS. He eventually died from the disease at the age of 67. The year was only 1987 and at this time, people were just learning of the seriousness of the disease and how it many people were infected with it. Until the very end of his life Liberace denied the fact that he was gay and said he was not infected with AIDS. His long time friend and manager Seymour Heller was one of the few people that he confided in about his sexuality. It was reported that Liberace did not want his fans to know that he was homosexual or HIV positive because he did not want to be remembered simply as a gay musician who died of AIDS. Liberace wanted to be remembered for his work as an artist and not for his personal life. However, since his death many gay people have spoken out about the fact that Liberace was considered a role model in the gay community and that he gave many people the courage to come out about their own sexuality.
The Liberace museum in Las Vegas is probably one of the most elaborate tribute museums in the world. Liberace himself opened the museum in the 1970’s and used the back portion of the building as a rehearsal space. Now the rehearsal area is home to hundreds of his famous glittering suits. Some are encased in glass and some are left out in the open. Many of his suits weigh upwards of 50 lbs including his famous “Lasagna” and “King Neptune” suits. The museum is also home to dozens of his famous pianos and cars. Guests of the museum will also be able to see a collection of Liberace’s jewelry, including a piano shaped ring covered in 260 diamonds. At the end of the tour, enjoy a tribute performance to Liberace as you dine at the café or shop in the gift shop where you can take home lots of glittering treasures that will remind you of your favorite performer.
Many believe that Liberace had a large impact on the way people view Las Vegas; as a place where no one has to be ashamed of who they are (no matter how different they might be). The open minded spirit of Las Vegas is what draws millions of visitors to the city every single year.
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