Liberace - "Gershwin Medley" (1985) - MDA Telethon 

Those who mock Liberace for his over-the-top persona fail to appreciate he introduced many to the arts and classical music by making music approachable and not coming off elitist. In so many ways he kept the classics alive and relevant to a broad audience. Very few people know how to harness their charisma as he did over the decades.

I'm always amazed that he can play so well despite wearing several large gaudy rings. Their combined weight can't be trivial.

For that class of music, Liberace could not be out done. Played by ear, did not have to read music, what a talent.

Always a nice Tribute. His custom SD 10 Rhinestone Piano is currently owned by the Liberace Foundation. It is used rarely, the last public appearance was in 2021 when Lady Gaga was allowed to use it for her Las Vegas concert. It had fallen into some dis-repair, and was rebuilt in 2019 for the Grammy' Awards by Family Music Center in Las Vegas. It last published known place is the Liberace Garage on Dean Martin Drive, which is open to the public . Some background, standard Baldwin SD10 weighs approximately 1000 lbs. His was 1700 pounds (not counting the acrylic top) mostly due to the over 80,000 genuine Australian Rhinestones. When Baldwin Sold to Gibson they took ownership of it. It was in the Piano Mill in Rockland Massachusetts on display for years, and returned to the foundation. It's "book" value is approximately $500-$750 thousand dollars. If it were ever put up for sale I am sure it would be much much more for it (and be in my living room LOL) It is fabulous to play. I am not sure if they allow it to be played. I played it while it was in his museum. At that time the voicing was for his incredible force and strength of his fingers. I am not sure if the rebuild changed some of that. I own his 1909 Vintage Baldwin Grand. It's another remarkable instrument from America's finest piano Manufacturer. Thanks for checking in Bob

I'm hot just looking at the way he's dressed. A class act like no other performer. A man who invented true showmanship. Even has glitter in his hair.

I am 85 and I come from a generation that was mesmerized by Liberace. I was 12 and he was my introduction to classical music. He will always be beloved by my contemporaries. 💕💕

I would give anything to go back in time and witness this genius perform. The very best. What a showman. RIP Liberace

I saw Liberace in concert 19 times and played this very piano when it was at his museum in Las Vegas. :-) G!

I was born in 1980. After school i would go to my grandmother house cause my mom was at work. My Grandmother loved Liberace, i hated watching him. Now as an adult i see this guy is the baddest F-ing piano player ever. Its amazing seeing things now through adult eyes.

What a showman! What a performer! What a talent! They will never be another Liberace.

Liberace was from Wisconsin. He started performing in Chicago. My mom and her family knew him and were very fond of him. He was authentically kind and generous with his audience. His talent was amazing and was inspiring. Rarely are such hard working perfectionists so genuinely joyful.

There's not one reason for criticism of this man. He was a kind and gentle man.

I knew him for 25 years. He was the best at what he did. He parlayed his piano and costumes into millions which he enjoyed spending lavishly. No one enjoyed their money more than he did.

The GOAT and the highest paid entertainer in the world for 30 consecutive years!

At home while growing up, Liberace was a common feature on television.

His playing is separated from others in that he had such STYLE when playing!!

used to watch the MDA telethons all weekend .....it was the highlight of the year having all the stars come out for a good cause . ....miss those days .

Liberace brought the classics to the masses.

Makes me sad because he has only two years for us to see him ever again and I’m very sad that he will be gone and his beautiful hands and showmanship will never see the likes of him again. RIP.

That was played so well that even if a mistake was made you wouldn't have noticed. What a talent!

What can I say - a genius.

This Gershwin Medley played by Liberace in 1985 is holding its own in 2021! Liberace was such a glamourous showman! Not only was his piano playing out of this world, so was his style of fashion. I looked forward to seeing him and what he would bring to the stage. Loved Him! . .SYLVIA

Bravo, Maestro......Rest in Peace

Liberace could pull this off without envy because of the GENIUS pianist that he was. Without a doubt he played piano like no other and have always loved all his music and especially Piano Concerto #1. Even with large gawdy rings, played without missing a beat or a note.

The Greatest Piano Player In The World. A Real Gentleman

Simply the best .. at what he did. He was the universal ambassador of Joy. It followed him wherever he went.

....the silence of the audience; such respect.

He was a wonderful entertainer. Saw his show in person many tears ago. He had a wonderful sense of humor too.

Liberace was amazing as a showman, performer, and great pianist. No wonder he was so popular in his day.

Tears are falling... not because of what he is playing, but how he's playing it... so many emotions, tenderness, passion... a genius! He transports more emotions through his fingers on a piano than every word, picture, text could ever say.

Liberace didn't play the piano. He danced with his beloved friend! ✌🏽❤️🎶🇦🇺

He was a child prodigy..I could never play like that! What a gift♥️

Even his hair had glitz and sparkle..super pimp!!..I was like 5 when he died.. Liberace was a household name in the early/mid eighties..love watching him play

What an amazing performer, and a true legend of music!

Untouchable! absolute genius!

Take me several lifetimes to learn this one gershin work mindboggling the discipline drive a piano saint

He was one of a kind - An incredible entertainer and fine pianist - and a genuinely nice person 🙏👏👏

Full list of the songs in this performance: Rhapsody in Blue Embraceable You Suwanee The Man I Love Fascinating Rhythm Who Could Ask For Anything More Rhapsody in Blue (reprise) The Man I Love (reprise) Rhapsody in Blue (finale) ...this is the same performance used in the show he used to do at the Las Vegas Hilton, and with the London Philharmonic.

This man LIVED!

Always loved him....watched his show on TV....what a talent he was ! RIP!

Such a rare glimpse into my fiends love of music, love of people, and love of pure entertainment. This particular performance is one of the few where you get to actually see the virtuosity he had for the keyboard. "Know, understand and execute on the scales and arpeggios." he would say to me. No other performer in the world was able to blend all of that talent. There are several versions of the exact same melody, however this version demonstrates that above the mere talent. was a man who loved making that instrument sing. Very little orchestral background. He just LOVED doing what he did best. There will be no other, and how lucky are we who get to witness it again and again. RIP Lee

All you lucky people that saw him live, I was only 15 when he died but was obsessed with him since about the age of 11. No one plays Gershwin like Liberace.

Watching in 2021 and thoroughly entertained!

liberace was an incredible ham and i just cannot help but laugh at his schtick, but i also cannot take my eyes away from him. there will never be another like him and i really mean that. you gotta love anyone who makes so many people happy. i've met many top A list stars and big shots from sports, movies, music, politics, and extravagant wealth and almost all of them were wonderful, but i would have loved to meet this guy.

He was amazing for sure

GREAT LIBERACE, THE BEST EVER

Astounding! Liberace was the best in the world!

Ya just can,t find this kinda wonderful music on live TV anymore, This is wonderful

He still had the weight and the energy one year before he died.

Amazing what speed he played the Gershwin Medley. Very uplifting, thank you Liberace for your enjoyable entertainment.

The One and Only! Bravo, Maestro!

I have been a great fan for sixty years he was a fantastic person his piano playing is fantastic his the greatest entertaining showbiz person ever

He died when I was in fourth grade. I cried when I heard the news. Such a gift. he would have been 100 now.

Was this guy a genius or what!

I don’t think he’s ever really been off his game, but WOW he was AMAZING in this video!

He was one of the best performers, and was lucky enough to see him in concert

Exquisite. Elegant. Formidable. Always.

My parents and I always loved his performances!

I ABSOLUTELY love Liberace ever since I was a child! He's the one that inspired me to teach myself to play an organ because I was too poor to own a piano. I love and adore him and his music forever.

Often wonder what happened to all the Liberace memorabilia that was in the now closed museum in Vegas. I also got to see it all before it closed, what a unappreciated display of one of the worlds greatest artists. I doubt there ever will be another artist like him again.

I am very happy to see him and hear his talent what a guy

Always wonderful no matter what he plays. He was a genius. Wish I could have seen him in my time. So wonderful to have these videos.

2023 still loving his lovely soul. Rest in peace gentle man. You were loved.

Simply the greatest 🎹👑 I was only 2 months old when he died. I would’ve loved to see him perform in person.

Heaven is being greeted by Liberace playing piano

The greatest!

Genius 😀👍

Great performance, great artist and showman, and omg that piano!!! Im in love with that piano!!!❤🦋👑

I had the opportunity to play on this piano, very memorable!

My God what an awesome performer!!! Mr. Showmanship!

My grandma f’ing loved this guy !

Truly amazing and truly Mr. Showmanship!

My grandma loved Liberace! Because he was extremely talented and he was, most importantly, Italian! He’s always been known as one but I think Liberace would be so much more popular today as a gay icon than he ever was back in the day!!

Had a gift from god Liberace 😍 nobody can learn to play like that it’s impossible

What a piano, what a costume!

A very talented and inspiring musician, never given the justified credit he deserved

NoBody can beat that!!

I imagine they needed a clean-up crew to sweep all the jaws off the floor after this performance.

His piano playing is exquisitely performed. What an amazing talent he was and we have the opportunity to still see and listen to him on social media, records, etc. What a privilege!

This man is probably the best of ever!!!!!

Why would anyone care how he dressed? He’s a performer, an entertainer. Every performer from Elvis to Elton John to Duran Duran, etc. down to the modern day has had sparkle and flash. It’s part of the entertainment. What matters is that this guy was king of the keys! I don’t think I’ve heard a faster pianist, myself. Blazing fast and accurate.

even his hair is stoned! i’m obsessed

I just loved him as a child growing up in the Midwest, and would try to imitate his style on our country church upright piano. He was my dream boyfriend in the late 60's/70's. There was a B/W movie he made in the 50's I believe, I can't think of the name though. I saw it as a rerun when I was a young girl and fell in love.

Although he was most flamboyant... He was one a kind. An absolute genius!

I used to love watching him as a child in the 70s who was taking piano lessons. To this day, I still keep a candelabra on my piano! 😂

This cat freaking rocked!

Amazing the Great Liberace, Thanks you

Both residents of my home tow Las Vegas-Jerry was my neighbor RIP

He was a fantastic pianist and performer.

Chet Atkins was considered the only certified guitar player in the world. If that was true, then Liberace should be considered the only certified piano player in the world.

❤Such talent.❤ When Liberace plays, it makes me want to cry. NO other pianist has ever made me feel that way.

That piano is magnificently perfect 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

And no sheet music,,,,,,, just Liberace!

Amazing performer and a very kind and lovely man

Magnificent

Ira, George, and Lee, bravo!

Viva Liberace.! Gracias por subir el Video.

Sweet Lee. No other like him.

Showmanship that is sorely missed.

Anyone who mocks Lee is obviously jealous and of low self-esteem. Lee was a great man on and off stage! ❤