Liberace
Liberace (born May 16, 1919, West Allis, Wisconsin, U.S.βdied February 4, 1987, Palm Springs, California) was an American 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 (1952β55, 1969), and appeared in films such as Sincerely Yours (1955). In later years he performed frequently in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Liberace
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
12 October 2026
Access Date:
November 14, 2026