All you rappers need to bow to this man's bling.

@cle-chi

Жыл бұрын

I was thinking that too.

@dwaynecollins4974

Жыл бұрын

Ditto

@albertpeterson5585

Жыл бұрын

...played piano from the age of four; 18 years of training, tried the world of classical music, but found he was a better entertainer mixing classic and popular music; Mr Showmanship; the rest is history. Thank you, Lee.

@jackgrant9301

Жыл бұрын

He once said: "you're probably wondering how I play with all these rings. Quite well, actually."

@TheDmanMA

Жыл бұрын

the OG

Liberace was not just the greatest showman, but also deserves the historic designation as one of the greatest pianists of all time.

@GalvestonGuy

11 ай бұрын

Believer.

@mrs6968

9 ай бұрын

He put the boogie woogie on any piece of sheet music that he's ever read or performed such a gift and to have his talents be backed with such a once in a lifetime personality is just truly an amazing gift to the world each and every day to know that his life and art was so well documented before his untimely passing up into the big gig in the heavens

@TravelNut72

8 ай бұрын

He for sure was his piano playing was impeccable. Was always my dream to meet this man he left us way too soon.

@user-gn9vu7wn7t

19 күн бұрын

He brought classical music closeer to the masses, such an amazin talent Mr Liberace was! An America icon!

I miss the old days, when there were actual STARS 🌟

The musical skill of this genius is astounding.

Letterman easily could have had fun at Liberace’s expense but here he shows respect and warmth.

@erepsekahs

Жыл бұрын

Because that is was job. Every one of his guests is there as a promotional opportunity, and if Letterman made fun of anyone (unless it was pre-arranged) he would be out of a job. His place was to entertain, and be a promoter in conjunction with promoters.

@fifty9forty3

Жыл бұрын

Most talk show hosts would take care about humor at a serious talented guest's expense. Carson lost the respect of Raymond Burr and Wayne Newton for this reason.

@topsyturvyy4558

Жыл бұрын

@@erepsekahs Hmmm, I don't think it was in good taste for Letterman to shame Oliver Reed about his Alcoholism.

@erepsekahs

Жыл бұрын

@@topsyturvyy4558 Tipsy, Good idea!

@floydthebarber9956

Жыл бұрын

I thought the same thing. He could have easily taken shots, even with an old Liberace sort of joking about himslef, but Dave kept it classy. Very cool.

Liberace playing Christmas songs transports you to fairyland. His sound is ethereal, creating imagery of crystals, chimes, snow falling, gracefully, eloquent. His touch on the keys sparkles as marvelously as his diamond rings. You know you're in the presence of greatness. So glad I watched this. A true master of the Art.

@phillipecook3227

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely.

@johnkaylor8670

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, it's really sort of funny - in that, here you have a grown man dressed in jewels like a cheap, tawdry side-show performer, but - when he sat down at that piano - he revealed a truly gifted talent like few could produce.

@kevinmichael9482

Жыл бұрын

There was a magic about Liberace. I remember as a child being enthralled watching Liberace on TV. Whatever one thinks regarding his lifestyle, there's no denying his talent, charisma, and impact.

@rachelled6763

Жыл бұрын

@@johnkaylor8670 Yeah, just got to get past all that bling...

@johnreidy2804

Жыл бұрын

"Fairy land" yeah that sums it up

I never thought a dude playing Christmas on a piano would bring a tear to my eye... damn, what a talent.

@DemonsSister

Жыл бұрын

Another great artist stolen by AIDS. 😢

@junglismonk4256

Жыл бұрын

Liberace was amazing !

@johnreidy2804

Жыл бұрын

Was Liberace really light in the loafers?

@yambo59

Жыл бұрын

DITTO. What a delicate and emotional touch on the keys, RIP LIBERACE/LEE

@goligogo923

Жыл бұрын

@@johnreidy2804 No sir! "Straight as an arrow. he was just...flamboyant that's all" -My dad Who lived in Milwaukee back then where he was a Polish hero. LoL Yeah man, he could re-lift the Hindenburg.

Took him for granted when I was younger. Now I realize how lucky we are to have had him during our time.

@sultanofswat9382

Жыл бұрын

Me too

@johnreidy2804

Жыл бұрын

I don't quite get it

@gtb2009b

6 ай бұрын

Never be another

@gtb2009b

6 ай бұрын

That was amazing

@quad5186

Ай бұрын

Well said 👍

I got chills from the holiday medley. Liberace was truly an icon!

I'm a guitarist. But if I had to choose a pianist who would influence me in piano playing it has to be this guy. He is a master.

I just watched Liberace play white Christmas on letterman 3 days before Christmas in 2022. What a world we live in

The old NBC Letterman show. Your reward for a hard day at college. And if you didn't have class before 11am, you got up when you wanted to. Them were the days. Liberace was a real card. Always enjoyed his appearances.

He was one of a kind, a brilliant musician and a very nice, sweet man.

Comnendable of Dave to treat Lee with such respect.

I have to admit, in the 50s and 60s i never took this genius seriously. Now I'm a lot older, this incredible musician, is up there with the best of them.🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹

@jackgrant9301

Жыл бұрын

I think he's a great showman but I don't really like the music he plays. Undeniably talented though. I'd be lucky if I could play piano even half as well as him.

My mom loved him and I made fun of him as a kid I didn’t understand the showmanship.. After this clip, I have so much respect for him.

@johnkaylor8670

Жыл бұрын

You and I had the same experience. I saw him as a child on live TV back in the 1950s and thought he was exaggerated and ridiculous - although a gifted performer. But this show, which I had never seen before, has changed my viewpoint of him. He really was a decent and gifted performer.

@karenlauricella4976

Жыл бұрын

I thought the same my mother loved him too and Wayne Newton

@sandrafraser4759

Жыл бұрын

Dont worry my kids made fun of him too, but now appreciate his wonderful talent,..he was a real showman .

@TheDmanMA

Жыл бұрын

yeah..he was gay...wayyyyback in the day...goes to show..we are human...it doesnt matter...what genius this guy was....and a nice person.

Liberace was one of the great showmen and one of the best talk show guests ever. So funny, charming and personable. I remember seeing him on so many shows back in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Thanks for posting this.

@inrainbowman

Жыл бұрын

seems legit, omgwtflol.

@DippyHippie

Жыл бұрын

I loved him! On my walk home from school back in like 1958 I had to pass his house! I peeked over the wall & his swimming pool was shaped like a piano!🎹🎼

@helpershelper

Жыл бұрын

His Christmas show with his brother is wonderful. He was one of my favorite entertainers.

@maryrowell1122

Жыл бұрын

I always wanted to go see him

@TNT-km2eg

Жыл бұрын

Arrogant , bigot and as genuine as artificial sweetener

Oh how I wish Liberace was still here. To show us his sparkle and charm.

One of THE best pianist to EVER live.

My grandfather did lighting and sound at The Palmer House in Chicago. Lee learned everyone’s name - and really hit it off with my grandpa. He signed a mini piano for him. He was just adored.

When I was on vacation with my parents in Lake Tahoe in the early 80's my Mom dragged me to the Liberace show. We got seated right at the stage and Liberace talked to my Mom for the whole show and he showed her his rings and being right next to her, I saw all those rings in person, up close. They were amazing. I wound up enjoying the show and glad that I went. I real showman!

@stevescontriano860

Жыл бұрын

Do you know how AIDS got to San Francisco? IN THE REAR OF A HUDSON !!!

@earlyculyer4103

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience I remember being dragged to see stripes the movie I think it was and ended up loving it.

@Momknowstreasures

Жыл бұрын

Awe your mom must have treasured that experience

@lolajoker

Жыл бұрын

@@Momknowstreasures She did!

Back then before this cultural desert we have to endure today when great artists made history!

What a warm, loveable. handsome person. His piano playing so crisp like crystal. Dave did a very good job on this interview.

@TNT-km2eg

Жыл бұрын

Arrogant, bigot, hypocrite and as genuine as artificial sweetener

@NotQuiteSoThinLizzie641

Жыл бұрын

Actually, i think he slightly insulted him at one point as I noticed a wince and Lee’s soft sweet voice shows it ever so slightly. He didn’t come there to be insulted, and he hides it well, but talking about his million dollar rings as paperweights was tacky, as Dave isn’t accustomed to THAT kind of wealth. Dave’s used to TV and a few movie stars and the singers. But Lee’s wealth puts Dave in the pool-shed.

Everyone has such wonderful things to say about Elvis, you literally can't find someone say a bad word about him.

@X1.7

Жыл бұрын

Ray Charles

@thatonememer69

4 ай бұрын

Priscilla

@brucedavid7231

4 ай бұрын

@@thatonememer69 out of everyone, she says the most incredibly nice things about him. You’re an idiot.

@robertwebb3546

2 ай бұрын

@brucedavid7231 Just his ex-wife, who shades every compliment about him.

My late mother-in-law was herself a child prodigy on piano and Liberace was her favorite pianist. RIP Marty and Lee.

I’m a huge Elvis fan, I eventually became a Liberace fan because of the friendship he had with Elvis

He was not only a true master at his craft.. He was a fabulous human being.. Rest well Sir.. Rest well...

One of Dave's best guests. It was common that after his concerts, Liberace would take requests from audience members, sometimes lasting up to two hours.

He’s incredible and seems like such a nice guy

Love Liberace! He took simple songs and turned them into masterpieces.

@melatomic

4 күн бұрын

Yeah, he was a great piano player but a genius with arrangements.

I saw his show at Radio City Music Hall in '84. Incredible. The Dancing Waters, the Rockettes ... true showmanship. He was also so funny and charming, regaling the audience with stories in between songs.

@RehabProjectSRCB

Жыл бұрын

Sadly I was born in August 84 so I was late to the show. But I do wish I could of seen him.

@US_ARMY_25_INF._DIV.

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I remember reading the review and The New York Times it was funny it said a lot of the audience were men of a certain ilk hahaha totally love that.... I believe he came back in 85 86 87 time frame I wish I could have gone to that concert by the way I am totally heterosexual

Seriously the way he plays the piano, he deserves to have jewelry in his hands.

@johnkaylor8670

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, if there is one person who deserves them it's Lee. But also, his stage persona can incorporate that dazzle with an endearing charm.

HE WAS A A DOWN TO EARTH AND A REAL GENTLEMAN. I REALLY MISS HIM. HE WAS SO TALENTED. I HAD THE LUXURY OF SEEING HIM PERFORM. I HOPE PEOPLE WILL NEVER FORGET HIM 🙏

Wow! that was a beautiful Christmas medley. Liberace was one of a kind!

Imagine tuning in to this show on March 22, 1984 and seeing Bob Dylan and Liberace as guests. Those were indeed the days.

One of the most truly gifted musicians of all time, whose deeply inspired and impeccable interpretations of his own brilliant arrangements are like diamond chandeliers. There will never be another pianist like him. His gift was from God.

This segment is a treasure. I appreciate the video. I was part of a younger generation that was more Haight-Ashbury than Las Vegas. Liberace was viewed as an ostentatious cartoon figure whose music was too kitschy to be taken seriously. Looking back and seeing him with Letterman here gives me a better appreciation for his wit, intelligence, and talent for being in the gaudy celebrity spotlight.

Each time we went to Vegas we'd get tickets to his shows at what was then the Hilton, now the Westgate. Going to his shows was always the highlight of a trip to Vegas regardless of what anything else Sin City has to offer. Television doesn't capture the bigger than life Liberace. The man was a crown jewel.

Liberace was such a part of my childhood. He was a great showman and unparalleled talent!

I’d have never seen this if not for Dave. Thanks

Mr Liberace was the original in showmanship. Elvis followed with those incredible costumes note the rings (how can you miss them!) which both artists had in spades and adopted as entertainer and personal wardrobe. Saw Liberace live in 1977 as a teenager and to this day have never forgot this iconic under rated performer. Liberace always added his personal touch to whatever he played and has been missed dearly by fans all over the world.

This is what you call an Enterntainer in the very best meaning of the word. He entertained people, made them happy and forget abour the bad things in life for an hour or so. He took it to aother level.

Aside from his astounding talent his personality is very engaging & charming.

@TNT-km2eg

Жыл бұрын

And as phoney as artificial sweetener

A true master at his craft.

Such a talented gentleman.

Liberace could make piano's talk!!! What incredible talent he had, I am sure he spent hours each day perfecting it, but it was well worth it his hands moved with such grace across the keyboard and the sound was heavenly!!

@harryjohnson7128

2 ай бұрын

According to his boyfriend he never played at home

@onlytruth4me915

2 ай бұрын

@@harryjohnson7128 that’s very interesting.

@harryjohnson7128

2 ай бұрын

I know right Scott said he never touched the pianos he had at home

@melatomic

4 күн бұрын

@@harryjohnson7128Apparently he only played the bench seriously when he was getting ready for a new show, and even then it was mostly arrangement tweaking with the orchestra. What a Talent and showman!

@harryjohnson7128

4 күн бұрын

@@melatomic lol

Most beautiful Christmas Medley I ever heard, so talented, so gifted... Unfortunately the audience clapped way too early at the end and didn't let the music fade out in peace...

@lukethedrifter3149

Жыл бұрын

Applause sign

The man was sheer magic on the piano. Awesome.

Liberace's playing was always amazing!

When I was a kid we went trick or treating this is in Las Vegas we went a nice house and Liberace opened the door and gave us a tour of his house I remember the pool was like a piano and he was so nice to us then he had leave we went home and watched tv with our parents and saw him on tv playing the piano my folks couldn’t believe he lived so close life is grand

This is a beautiful clip. Lee was clearly in a place all his own, when he was at the piano. As an entertainer, I know that place. A talent like his comes around only once in a generation.

I've never been a big fan of Letterman as I think he built a reputation of being rude to his guests. I love that Liberace shared with him that he has a "letterman" painting in his bathroom that he looks at while sitting. Bravo!

@johnkaylor8670

Жыл бұрын

He may also look at it standing up - just saying...

Such an amazing piano player. I didn't appreciate him when I was younger, but definitely do now.

It's been sorrowful to see them pass on, for us who remember those great entertainers of all genres.

when i was 24, i took my grandmother to his show as her birthday present. going in, i wasn't thrilled. coming out, i was thrilled!

Liberace was a true legend RIP

Either he has really incredible power in his fingers or the hammers on the piano are hard AF . So bright but bloody amazing . The guy's a passionate beast .... and doing it with a million$$$ of heavy jewels on his fingers , gotta respect that ability .

@SmilinJackAccordion

Жыл бұрын

In one interview Liberace said he trained with weights on his fingers in his youth and that as an adult the rings were an extension of that weight training.

@ricksalt6860

Жыл бұрын

@@SmilinJackAccordion wow

The man was a hell of a musician.

Beautiful piano playing! Wow! Sounds like bells ringing! 🤗👍🎹🎶🎵🎼🎹

Never heard Christmas songs play so well before. RIP, Lee

❤. I’m speechless. Thank God for KZread.

What a precious sweet man.

I'd have loved to see him perform live.

@katgirlblue

Жыл бұрын

I saw him and he was fantastic!

@topsyturvyy4558

Жыл бұрын

Me too, I had the opportunity but I couldn't go and I regret it to this day! 😢

I remember watching Liberace when he would appear on tv shows when I was a child, and I always absolutely appreciated his musicianship and his love for people regardless of what and who they were.

Thank you for letting us watch these historical clips again. 😻❤️

@exdus235

Жыл бұрын

❤👍👍👍

Liberace was a wonderful showman he was very versatile in his styles of playing the piano from classical to jazz to pop, it was amazing how he could be given names of songs from the audience, and he would put them together in a beautiful rendition. He was truly one of the greatest pianist, with the likes of Victor Borge. This rendition of white Christmas was very beautiful. Thank you for showing this piece. 15:47

@johnkaylor8670

Жыл бұрын

To me, part of his wonderful showmanship was his initial appearance when he comes out. He seems so blatantly gushy and effusive that he immediately disarms you, leading you to drop any attempt to have a serious attitude in your expectation or appraisal of his appearance. He puts you into a completely relaxed, informal mood where you're just ready to be entertained.

@kenr4709

Жыл бұрын

@@johnkaylor8670 agreed, that was part of his personality and showmanship.

@TNT-km2eg

Жыл бұрын

Arrogant , bigot , hypocrite and as genuine as artificial sweetener

He played this Christmas melody for his last live performance also in 1986. He was very thin and sickly looking but his playing was still perfect. Look it up it’s amazing and also sad to watch.

@nancyericson4263

Жыл бұрын

When Spotify first came out, I hooked up my tablet to the stereo and hit "Liberace Christmas" and it played for hours.

@junglismonk4256

Жыл бұрын

That performance really broke me down into tears.

@jjknight115

Жыл бұрын

I just googled that you’re right,

@Moluccan56

2 ай бұрын

On Oprah.

Undoubtedly, One of the modern day masters of our time. Hail Liberace ! How emotional was that ! Bravo 👏

Pure talent!

@johnkaylor8670

Жыл бұрын

Yeah. "all he was" was a casual, wonderful, gifted performer ready to brighten you up.

he was beloved by everyone in entertainment.....a class act....so much talent.....this was beautiful....

I never saw that, I was working late shift and had no VCR. That was incredible. His TV show ratings in the 1950s were through the roof. Incredible.

Minor note: Elvis never wore the gold suit or a sparkly jacket in a movie. He wore the gold suit in concert a few times and a sparkly jacket in the '68 special.

@geester2123

Жыл бұрын

He wore that good lame coat for appearances, usually with black pants. The full out fit on the 50,000,000 Elvis fans can’t be wrong album. Never a movie.

He should of lived forever what a classy and talented man. He will never be duplicated !

Aaaah, Mr. Showmanship himself. He'd be over 100 years old now.

Wow! Beautiful blings to match his beautiful unforgettable music.

Liberace, is probably the greatest American piano player of ours and our futures, lifetime.

Whatever they paid him it wasn't enough. What a beautifully gifted man he was.

This may be one of the all time greatest KZread clips.

Wow, that was such a beautiful Christmas melody. He certainly was a talent and the interview with Dave was a lot of fun too. :)

A very special treat thanks to Dave and Lee!

He was so talented! One of the best ever. Anc kind! Also helped Elvis with his new clothing in Vegas! RIP

Liberace was a brilliant pianist and a unique performer! In fact, I doubt there has ever been anyone quite like him. Is that true?

@TNT-km2eg

Жыл бұрын

No, it is not

@landztranz

Жыл бұрын

@@TNT-km2eg I don't understand. You mean there has been someone like him?

The interview was excellent but the Christmas medley Liberace played was just as beautiful to watch him playing as it was majestic to listen to I’ll try to save this somehow thank you Dave Letterman

What a treat ❤

Terrific , the whole segment.

Liberace was such an incredible talent!

Bravos! Brilliant! Elegance At It’s Peak. There Is No Artist To Date, That Can Match This Gentleman. 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹 ⭐️🌷⭐️🌷⭐️🌷⭐️🌷⭐️

What a performer! Love Liberace! 😊

If you are not a Liberace fan, then you have never heard him play Simple. And career as a comedian, Equal potential. Very funny man. Love him still

He's such a lovely guy.

Great interview. David Letterman may be the best all around late night host ever.

@junglismonk4256

Жыл бұрын

Carlson would have to take that trophy imo.

@janishart5128

Жыл бұрын

@@junglismonk4256: You mean "Carson"?!

@junglismonk4256

Жыл бұрын

@@janishart5128 Hha yes sorry `Carson`

@janishart5128

Жыл бұрын

@@junglismonk4256: OK, thanks - just wanted to be sure of what you meant.

After watching this I feel like I am living in the dark ages. Wish I could go back in time.

He's very cherubic and reminds me of Regis Philbin.

@richj011

Жыл бұрын

I'm sure Regis would find that hysterical!

@ml9867

Жыл бұрын

@@richj011 I loved & miss Regis so much. His death was one of the few celebrities that actually made me sad.

Beautiful Christmas music! Bravo!

He plays the piano so so beautiful I can see why he's one of the top beautiful soft amazing

Probably greatest piano player ever

This guy was extremely talented and a very nice and kind man. A class act.

Dave was so sweet in this interview,..so respectufull

Great to see him smiling.

Super 1983 interview of Liberace by David Letterman!