Definitely on the list of performers who only needed one name for instant recognition.

I was fortunate enough to have met him on many occasions. My parents knew him personally. He was resplendent. He was generous and exquisitely well mannered. Uncle Lee.

@daniellindegaard7542

Жыл бұрын

Waaw 😃

@MuzixMaker

Жыл бұрын

Lucky!

@jeffcollins5188

3 ай бұрын

What a very honorably descriptive word, "resplendent", is to attribute to someone.

"Time isn't as plentiful as it once was" Liberace, 1986

I knew Liberace. I first met him in 1959 at his first home in Palm Springs. He was the best at what he did. He could arrange popular Melodie’s better than anyone. He was the pianist I could listen to for hours. He was wonderful.

@mudgebauer

Жыл бұрын

Too much of a good thing is wonderful.

@smithpm81

Жыл бұрын

lucky man, wish i had met him

@bobsagette

11 ай бұрын

Did he get you in the sack?

@Number4lead

7 ай бұрын

He was a great comedian too.

@BarryKaiser-tp4lj

6 ай бұрын

I saw Liberace in Dallas Texas

Love him or hate him Liberace was one hell of an entertainer. May he rest in peace.

Liberace passed away the next year in 1987 RIP - brilliant talent, great showman and a very nice guy

@Number4lead

7 ай бұрын

Even here he seems a little ran down and tired.

@mariemoore6406

4 ай бұрын

Watched a documentary and it said that Johnny Carson knew he was dying..He gave Liberace' leeway' on what he did on his show.

All I to say about Liberace is when I watch him and his Demeanor & Attitude the way he talks he seems so kind and gentle a true Gentleman. I only wish I could of seen him as the Showman that he was. What a Talented Man.

@BarryKaiser-tp4lj

5 ай бұрын

I did see him in person..

@mgdarenz

3 ай бұрын

The dude was a gay narcissistic drama queen. All an act to appear mannered.

@MaryJesus-fs2ej

22 күн бұрын

I got to meet him briefly. Gracious and generous totally describes him.

@leemontoya8028

22 күн бұрын

@@MaryJesus-fs2ej Fun! If you mind me asking where did you meet him?

Supposedly Carson gave his friend unlimited time to do what he wanted on stage and in the chair. Carson's demeanor is very telling, he knew the showman was dieing.

@WonderingNickSlots

2 ай бұрын

Yes Carson was a true gentleman he never outted or exposed secrets. You were always safe with Johnny and took care of his friends.

You can see Johnny had a true fondness for liberace.

@cassiejohnson7298

4 ай бұрын

I thought that too ❤️❤️❤️❤️

No one will ever top this man and his god-given talent.

@tommeggison1466

Жыл бұрын

Really, he was a showman not an artist,

@stevehinnenkamp5625

Жыл бұрын

As a young pianist who won local accl

I never had the privilege to see him perform in person. he was a talented man/performer, who knew who and what he was and respected everyone else event the ones that did not respect him a kind generous soul. his talent is saved by You Tube and the video capabilities of modern science and technoloey. thank God for that . he will be seen and remembered all thru time. RIP Lee. ECF

Johnny Carson knew he was dying here. Rumours in Vegas got to Johnny, and he wanted Liberace on his program ❤❤

I recently watched a fascinating interview with Steve Garey who was a great friend, student, and neighbor of Liberace (rented a cottage at Liberace’s Palm Springs home). Not sure if it was this episode, or not, but Steve mentioned Carson knew that Lee was ill and gave him carte blanche to take as much time as he needed on the show.

@clara-cookie119

Жыл бұрын

This is why I ended up watching this Carson appearance! I enjoyed the Steve Garey interview too.

@angelwingz892

Жыл бұрын

I'm here for the same reason. I loved him when I was a child in the 60s/70s. I was fascinates that he looked so fantasy but played classics in an engaging way. I loved his voice too..I was a British child. His voice was sing song and gentle..with happiness, light and joy. I am sad he died this way but he lived a life of service too bringing joy to even small British children. May his soul rest in peace ❤

@octoberghost9228

Жыл бұрын

Was it the dearly departed with Scott Michaels???

@gcmonarch

Жыл бұрын

@@octoberghost9228 yes, it was Dearly Departed. I’ve been a fan of Scott for about 20 years.

@annahgibbus8

Жыл бұрын

I had never watched Dearly Departed before & just did now. I never heard of Steve Garey & I was so moved by the interview that's why I'm here to.

He’s missed. Above all he was a gentle nice human being. Thanks for the music. #RIPLiberace 🙏🏼

Omg; I had no idea Liberace could play such classics; impressive.

@albertpeterson5585

10 ай бұрын

...you should watch some of his shows from the early 1950s, done straight with a plain piano and a plain tuxedo.

What an incredible artist. He understood the assignment. 😁 No hate, destruction, or manipulation; just talent - and love. He was an amazing person!

It was like magic the way his fingers glided over those keys, graceful, wonderful. There will never be another like him! Loved watching him 👏👏👏

We saw Liberace at Symphony Hall in Boston as a kid. He gave a special youth concert, playing songs from Disney films and movie themes. He had the strongest hands of any pianist I’d ever seen. He hid more with one hand than most pianists perform with two. He was such a kind and gentle soul that had an aura around him when he spoke you could tell he was connected to God. Whereas other pianists who played the same compositions he did, they had to rehearse for weeks. Liberace rarely made a mistake and rehearsed for hours or maybe a day. Nothing was too complicated for him. He possessed super human powers and so those costumes fit him perfect as the absolute musical superhero that he was. There still has not been a pianist on his level since he passed.

43 years and he was still selling out his concerts .....now that's a entertainer

I was just watching an interview with an old friend and house guest of liberace, which brought me to this performance on the Johnny Carson show. He actually said Mr. Carson knew during this interview that Liberace was sick with Aids and Mr. Carson wanted to have his old friend on before he passed away. I thought that was very kind of him to do. I remember these years very clearly because I lost so many friends to Aids during the late 1980s and 1990s. The best way to describe those years was that it felt like the gay Holocaust had hit the gay community. I was 16 years old during this performance and had come out to my family the year before. What happened to liberace right after his death was a disgrace, but I'm glad it didn't put an ugly mark on his image. RIP Liberace. ❤

@cherylnixon7800

Жыл бұрын

Wow, just saw this for the first time. What a wonderful person.

@devinneitzert3326

Жыл бұрын

Lost my dear cousin to that plague n more than one dear friend. Glad Liberace was w Johnny, thanks so much for this video.

There was something very compelling about Liberace.

When late night was good

@amrice62

Жыл бұрын

Yes!!!

@highwaystar3780

Жыл бұрын

When AmeriKKa was Good

@robertdiotalevi285

25 күн бұрын

@@highwaystar3780 When it was GREAT

@robertdiotalevi285

25 күн бұрын

When it was GREAT.

@highwaystar3780

25 күн бұрын

TRUMP 2024!!!!

So many people only saw the glitz and glamour, but he was far more than his stage persona. He was a phenomenal musician and pianist. He had a strong and well-grounded keyboard technique borne of strict adherence to serious practice.

I’m just discovering his talent. An amazing showman.

My parents were fortunate enough to see him in Boston in the 70’s. Liberace was the very best performer they had ever seen.

As a kid I sat on his lap in my mother's office when he came to the hospital where she worked to entertain the young patients. He was a very generous entertainer who donated his time and talent.

@jeffj2495

Жыл бұрын

What a great memory

Two class act showmen - Johnny Carson and Liberace!

@Number4lead

7 ай бұрын

For sure. Those were the classy times with entertainment. Now it's all garbage.

His suit is amazing, love it

@albertpeterson5585

Жыл бұрын

All 50 pounds of it.

He REALLY was a Great ARTIST..not just a showman.........

I am now 75 YOand remember watching Liberace as a child of about 6 YO. On a B&W TV, because my mother loved to watch him. As a child, I was impressed with the candelabras, and sometimes when he played more popular tune rather than classical. His outfits were not as sparkling back then, because again it was a B&W TV I was viewing. Sill love his performance documented on KZread. What an entertainer.

I remember as a child who loved Mr. Liberace the critics saying he wasn't particularly talented. He was gloriously talented. He was everything to me. Oprah had him on her program just before he passed over. He was clearly very ill by then.

Absolutely beautiful and talented man. He possessed a gift that is very unique and special . His showmanship was flawless.. Rip Liberace. He had such a kind heart.

Liberace was really polite

I miss him. It was my folks who occasionally would go out on weekends and drop me off at my grandparents home, and they would watch The Liberace Show on TV, so we all watched it together. I was a little kid and simply blowin' away. Mesmerized. Naturally, I'd likely not have been so inclined to listen to a piano recital at that age. But, it was all the glitz, the personality, the way he would speak only to me. And to this very day, I have a collection of Liberace items proudly displayed in my home. Lee reminds me of my grandparents, that era and time. It tremendously influenced me and my musical career.

@devinneitzert3326

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I watched him in the mid-50s on TV w my grandma, we loved him n his lovely show.

his brother was very talented also served during WWII and traveled around with USO playing Concert Violinist there Parents Really pushed there Talent after they Came to America

He was one gay guy everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life seemed to like. A truly beautiful personality and worthy of all that glitter. Okay, he played piano like none other too!

Just a really lovely man

Liberace - SHOWMAN personified!!!

Such a shame he was taken from us. He was wonderful!

This was one year before Liberace died. Liberace died in 1987 at age 67 in Palm Springs. So if this was 1986 as it says, Liberace would be gone one year from this performance. I am shocked, he looks so young and filled with vitality and his playing was so gorgeous. I’m sorry he was gone too soon and I’m amazed at his youthfulness, he had a wonderful career for 40 years. What a gift to the world. My grandmother used to adore him but I didn’t really get him until I was older. ❤

Liberace was always himself with no subterfuge---and it was nice to see Johnny, the consummate host, give him his just due.

RIP meistro. Thank you for the music

Wish we had Johnny now days!

So much Chopin by this son of a Polish woman… love it. Wish I could have l seen him in person.

@saturn3344

Жыл бұрын

The Italian blood was stronger...

@Moluccan56

2 ай бұрын

Are you sure about that?

Who would have thought late-night would turn into what it is now

At the end of the show, Liberace leans to the actress beside him and says “It was nice to meet you.” That’s so classy.

I am binging old Carson and Letterman, i am in 7th grade again, cant sleep- watching carson

The only difference between Liberace and any other professional pianist, was his showmanship and flamboyant personality. He was never the greatest pianist but he was considered an amazing performer that the people could relate to. He didn’t use his talent to keep himself separated from the masses. He used his talent to give himself a relationship with the masses. People felt close to him and loved him. That’s why he is one of the highest grossing acts in Las Vegas throughout history.

@davidwesley2525

Жыл бұрын

Liberace IMO is an outstanding pianist . He doesn't just play the Piano , He caresses the piano. Rock & Roll Legend Jerry Lee Lewis He Bangs the piano. There would never be another Entertainer like Liberace. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

@SoCal90755

Жыл бұрын

Why is he not a great pianist? Just because that’s the chatter?

@rexlex1736

Жыл бұрын

Au contraire! He WAS one of the greatest pianists!

No one has done it better that I know of. Tremendous pianist

He really has a humble and gracious way of talking. 👍

We *LOVE* you Liberaci, Wish you were STILL alive. We love you SO MUCH, Wish we can love you, as much as you loved your audience. NEVER forget you We love you always Liberaci

He was a terrific pianist.

The LAST SHOWMEN !! There will NEVER be another !!

lee and chopin - pleasure for mind and ears. lovely as always!

I miss him

13 months after this aired he was gone. I think based on what he said at 11:06, he knew he didn't have much time left, it was less than a year before this aired that he was diagnosed with AIDS. He was such an amazing entertainer and a kind person.

@shanecarpentieri2625

Жыл бұрын

Is there anything out there that says who the person was where he contracted HIV

@fldave612

Жыл бұрын

​@@shanecarpentieri2625 I'm not aware of any confirmations as to whom infected Lee with HIV, it could have been anyone really considering Lee had a promiscuous lifestyle in the 70's and up until he was diagnosed with HIV in 1985, it was revealed after his death that most of the men he slept with were half his age or younger. Scott Thorson alleged that Lee knowingly infected 3 other men after their relationship with HIV, all of them died from it, but take that with a grain of salt considering Thorson had a personal vendetta and wanted to destroy Lee for ending their relationship.

@corra7

Жыл бұрын

Johnny knew apparently that he was ill.

@JustinEdwords

Жыл бұрын

@@shanecarpentieri2625 there was lots of anonymous sex in those days so its no telling

Scott micheals brought me here

Beyond Fabulous

Liberace really is struggling to catch his breath. He died of emphysema made worse by the AIDS virus. What a talented showman and musician.

I remember when many of his things were put on display at the LA Convention Center after he passed for an auction, I got to sit down and play a few of his pianos. I worked setting up the show back then.

A fabuous entertainer! Every time I hear Ed McMahon and the Tonight Show intro it brings happy feelings back to me! Late night TV today is a vast wasteland!

He was the show man of the year. And in my book he still is😅❤

What a spectacular performance! To be a prodigy like Liberace, and to sit down at a piano and command an entire audience as effectively as an entire orchestra-that is incredible. And then Carson with the “radioactive dandruff” line; just hilarious! Liberace laughed, we all laughed, but most of all, it demonstrates the nonpareil value of everything done in good taste.

Forever loved and missed ❤️

he was amazing

It's sad that his legacy in Las Vegas is almost non existant anymore. I remember going to a show in Vegas in 1990 / 91, and saw a Liberace imitator, he was amazing, but now you don't have ANY of these imitators it seems to keep the legacy alive. At least I don't know of any presently in Vegas.

A brilliant entertainer.

What a great artist. 😢

NOBODY plays 'em like Liberace ❤️ love him and his music

Love his style taste talent this guy was really something

We Love You Dearly Lee! 💯❤️💯

Take away all of the extra fluff and mirrors, etc., and yes....he was THAT good. An extraordinary entertainer!

Wonderful

Always a fan of Liberace, hard to believe he would pass away in the year right after this. Miss him greatly.

Watching this, there's a time bomb, that will adventualy go off. The Showman & the show,must go on. Rip Liberace ❤️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Apparently Johnny knew that Liberace was sick and wanted him booked on his show a last time. You can tell that Johnny is a little somber here.

He was talented, that's for sure.

The Greatest Showman.A joy to watch and listen to Dancing Spirit Unfolding on You Tube ❤

one of the things that I really appreciated about Carson, starts with the blind parity he showed with his guests. He treated Liberace with the same kind of grace and respect that he showed Lucille Ball or Rickles or Sinatra. Most people knew Liberace was gay...Johnny knew...Ed knew...Doc' knew. THEY ALL KNEW. And yet, Johnny wasnt afraid to actually touch his arm...which was a big deal in those days, with all the rumors, even then, about "Lee" being gay and having AIDS (which eventually killed him one year after this appearance. Say what you will about Liberace and all the unnecessary energy that he used trying to hide his sexuality. The man was an absolute, incredible piano player. One of the very best.

@cassiejohnson7298

4 ай бұрын

Wonderfully said ❤️❤️❤️

It is amazing to see the number of celebrities Johnny Carson had in his show which passed away shortly after appearing as his guests. Lee died a bit over a year later in February 1987. RIP Lee, gone for over 30 years now. how time flies.

That outfit is fantastic

Lee told Johnny he had “Gay Cancer” as they called it back then. Johnny knew he had Aids and gave Lee cartblance to do whatever he wanted that’s why Lee got such a long segment on this show. Johnny looks so sad yet Lee looks so happy.

He was the greatest

Love Liberace!

Positive and talented, loved him for years..

He passed away less than a year after this episode aired. February 1987.

@SueProv

3 жыл бұрын

The date said January 1986 so just Over a year.

What a sparkly outfit! Just flaming!

❤ I met Danny La"rue in Brick lane Truman's Brewery in the 1980s he did a cabaret show! Managed to speak to him afterwards, I didn't know he was Irish 🙈 ❤

and yet some critic at one time said that Liberace had no technique for playing the piano. This man could certainly make a piano "sing"! What a loss of such a great talent!

You can tell he is no Hollywood phoney and a very nice person. Very rare.

This is Lee's last appearance with Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show, but he did make another appearance on the show, when Bill Cosby was hosting in September of 1986.

Towards the end, Liberace speaks of aging, and how time is running out. Just over a year later, he was gone. Too soon. But his legacy lives on; I appreciate him more now than I did when he was alive!

The backstory on this segment is that Liberace was first diagnosed with AIDS in Las Vegas. The owner of the biggest newspaper got wind of it because he felt the news should be told. He called Carson because Carson was the owner of the NBC affiliate station in Las Vegas. Carson, having known Liberace since the '50's as he said here didn't have the news reported. Instead, he knew he had to have Liberace on The Tonight Show one last time before he died and this is the show. Carson never let Liberace know he knew he was dying. But you can see the sadness in Carson's eyes here. Plus, you can tell by the way Liberace was talking about his age and life that he knew he wasn't going to be around too much longer.

He was a television pioneer. He made a variety show loved by millions. Very talented business man. The clown show was an act. He was smart. Money poured in.

Liberace poderia ter sido um pianista clássico sem a menor sombra de dúvida. O toque leve e sutil e uma noção de andamento unica, com legatos e estacatos nos pontos mais inusitados, o que faz com que se perceba as nuancas da linha melodica, como no caso da Polonaise Op. 53. Mesmo evidentemente doente e bem enfraquecido, permaneceu genial. Amo ouvir o nosso Lee por horas se fosse preciso. Fora que era um homem educadissimo e de grande presença. Descanse em paz, Liberace!!!

Wonderful pianist!! I still wonder how he was able to play so beautifully while wearing those heavy rings!!!!!!!!!

I was too young to be a fan back then. I am a HUGE fan now!

I only realized watching this that maybe Elton John got the idea for his glitzy outfits from Liberace.

Such a sad end to a magnificent entertainer and pianist. He was great. Mr.Showman himself. Still missed to this day by the❤ older generation. Self taught a genius on the piano. RIP may the ivory keys still ring out amongst us all.

@ardeladimwit

Жыл бұрын

when you learn from people like Paderewski, you are not self taught. that\'s just nonsense. He was trained pianist who went his own way.

Although I had never met him, I always thought he was rspectful, generous, and very humorous. I was a video of his home in Palm Springs. And Mr. Garey was being interviewed by someone. And Garey was telling theis person that he met Mr. Liberache, he offered Garey a place to live at his home in the guest house in Palm Springs, Caiifornia. In addition to this, Garey was very passionate about his friendship with Liberache because he himself was a piano player and Liberache had given Garey lessons, which was very genierious of him. Moreover, Garey went on to say how generous Liberache was by adopting adopting dogs yhat people just didn't want. This video is so compelling about Liberache 's life to his final death. I just hated hearing how that one partner and two other people who Liberache could trust. These people where the most discussing and gold diggers after Liberache passed away. After the nurse told everyone that Liberache passed, these three individuals that I had mentioned whent into his his dressing room, and going for whatever they could get. The only people who were real real friends were Mr. Garey and yhis woman who was married to a producer. She also was in music and arts. This is a video you need to see, and here the life and friendship between Mr. Garey and this woman friend. Liberache was a a real peron, and those who called him natsy names. Liberache had humor, and told someone that he just laughed all the way to the bank, which was true!😢❤❤. I have great respect for Mr. Garey because he stood by Liberache 's side for a life time. And he ended up with one of Liberache 's grate grate grate grandson's poodle doges.