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Liberace!

By Brett R on Jun 15, 2015 12:00 PM

"Liberace Colour Allan Warren" by Allan Warren - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Liberace_Colour_Allan_Warren.jpg#/media/File:Liberace_Colour_Allan_Warren.jpg

The list of famous musicians from the Milwaukee area is disappointingly short, but we will always have Liberace.

Wladziu Valentino Liberace was born in West Allis on May 16, 1919. A veritable child prodigy on the piano, he was already performing classical concerts in his teen years but soon put together an act that included pop, showtunes, boogie-woogie and his own unique flash. By the 1950s he had his own television show and was a top-flight celebrity around the country. He performed concerts all over the world, demonstrating an incredible mastery of his instrument and an outsized stage presence beloved by his fans. Here's a great sample of his performing ability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9nO9Ro_kd4

Throughout his life, Liberace was a gay man who tried to keep his orientation a secret. He was dogged by rumors and gossip and often threatened to sue publications spreading anything about his personal life. Despite this, his over-the-top style and showmanship made him into a gay icon for the ages. He died of AIDS-related complications in 1987.

More recently, Liberace's life was the subject of a film titled Behind the Candelabra starring Michael Douglas (as Liberace) and Matt Damon. He will always occupy a special place in the hearts of Milwaukeeans.



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