Beer Barrel Polka - Liberace

A young Liberace performs one of his most well known songs, technically magnificent and look out for the 'hand-jumps' enjoy Liberace in his early days. This clips is from the 'Liberace - the Ultimate Entertainer' DVD box set from Timeless Media, it contains hours of Liberace at his finest.

[@ABC_DEF]

If I could play the piano like that, I would never stop smiling either.

[@Liz_678]

He didn’t play the piano, he was the piano. A real talent!!!

[@EnlightnMe48]

I concur.

[@tambrosia]

You are so right

[@marysmith27]

Liberace - Milwaukee is so proud of you! There will never be another like you!!!

[@HallieB]

He plays with such joy he almost dances on the piano bench. Love him!

[@rmckley]

I'm 70 years old & I remember watching & enjoying him when I was a kid & I still do!!!

[@lennybuttz2162]

This man put on the most incredible shows. I worked a dinner theater he performed in and I got to help disassemble his Lucite piano and load it on the truck. What an honor.

[@marysmith27]

Milwaukeeans are SO proud of Liberace! He wanted to build a museum here but somehow it didn't go through. WHAT A TALENT!!

[@tombreen932]

No one could play like Liberace and no one ever will

[@johndean4765]

Tom breen many people say Chico Marx was better BUT they don't know he was often miming.

[@andrewmiller4885]

THIS MAN WAS A GREAT TALENT AND YES , HE PUT A SMILE ON EVERY PERSONS FACE WHEN HE PLAYED . HIS SMILE AND JOY WAS INFECTIOUS , AND ....Who gives a hoot about his sexuality that was his private life . THE WORLD LOVED THIS MAN .

[@patriciapogue4486]

He played by ear and was classically trained a show off bot in the nicest way he was the best

[@fumingriley]

This is the best version of the Beer Barrel Polka I've ever heard! He's practically bouncing on the piano bench and was clearly having a great time. What an entertainer.

[@rodenreyes6320]

He's got the blues on the run with that piano playing.

[@joksal9108]

It’s not in a polka style at all-he’s playing it fast and flashy to impress the rubes.

[@gravismunchnick1945]

Actually... his home was in West Allis, which is a suburb just west of Milwaukee.My Grandmother and her sister used to hang out with "Walter" and George.She had great stories of how much fun he was to be with. Walter introduced my grandparents to each other, which resulted in their first date.So in a way ...Liberace, is the reason that my dad (...then me) were born.

[@cowboykody6775]

And he graduated high school from West Milwaukee in 1937

[@samuelpayne8202]

Great story, Gravis! One to keep retelling in the family down the generations.

[@koof1776]

💖

[@wms72]

He looks Hungarian

[@tracksidethomas]

My grandmother grew up in West Allis and knew Liberace, too!

[@lizinwisconsin6728]

I MISS HIM!!!! He never fails to cheer me up.

[@foobarmaximus3506]

You dont win people over by talking. You win them over by being great. This man was several steps beyond great. I love this song, and the way he did it will never be matched.

[@brucetowell3432]

You are so wise, love your first 2 sentences;-)....and the media and masses always wonder why the American people love President Trump.

[@tambrosia]

Liberace still great then and now On my parents 25th annv (2 yrs before my Mom died), he played at the old Latin Casino in NJ. our cousin was able to get front table seats right by the stage. Mr L came to the table to wish my parents a most happy anniversary, kissed my Moms hand and a heartfelt shake of hand to pop. He played the Lovielest night of the Year my parents fav, had to play that several times a week for them on the organ. Funny 7 decades later and I remember this so well. Thank you Mr L for your kindness Pax+

[@Jamie_Pritchard]

He makes it look so effortless!

[@elikline9045]

Liberace had a way of making a person feel like your the only one in the room and its all for you. And he really had a way of making people feel good and just happy from his music

[@christianhwang314]

you're not your #grammarnazi

[@elikline9045]

@grammarnazi. It literally doesnt matter to me.

[@elikline9045]

@burteriksson Feeble attempt at humor.

[@elikline9045]

@burteriksson I've been nowhere near you, so I'm sure I dont have them.

[@christianhwang314]

@burteriksson @eli kline you guys chill... I just wrote that in a few seconds for the heck of it. I didn't intend it as an "attempt of humor" and I don't honestly care if people think it is funny or not. However, you all are dealing with a very controversial subject that will never be fully settled in everyone's hearts. Stop doing it, I've seen people with very different beliefs live happily together. Why can't you? Lastly, I would like to apologize for anybody who I offended, especially people like burt eriksson. I didn't mean to hurt anybody, I'll watch my language in the future.

[@rowwdycolt654]

Liberace could play anything. He played as if he were having the best time of his life.

[@ShaddySoldier]

+Rowwdy Colt im pretty sure he was

[@lianelayman7577]

+ShaddySoldier He was having the best time of his life and he always said that.

[@marysmith27]

With him, piano playing was sheer fun!

[@jerrytheracecardriver1100]

he always had that "mommy look what I just did" look on his face every time he played the piano.

[@johnnynoirman]

True--A Master.

[@Updavidedattention]

Ed Sullivan introduced Liberace as, “MILWAUKEE’S FAVORITE BREW, LIBERACE!” He had charisma oozing, that’s for sure!

[@judithiorio6403]

5/25/2020 ..... Anyone here besides me ??? I remember watching Liberace when I was a little girl. I was fascinated with him then and even more so today. This was ONE of my favorite numbers. He played this number with such enthusiasm, the audience couldn't help but sing along while he played. How I miss him. R.I.P.

[@judithiorio6403]

Love the way he winks into the camera.

[@naomisgram1]

@@judithiorio6403 yes he was a top showman, as well as pianist! Knew how to engage an audience!

[@MandyStMarie]

How many times can anyone say they saw an absolute genius in their own lifetime? We did; LIBERACE was a true genius and has provided me/us with his beautiful music.

[@jessieessex]

He is always smiling. I love that about him. This is from a time before the world got angrified.

[@mikehindley3]

So true! This looks like it was recorded not long after the second world war, remembered as a peaceful and happy time by those who lived through it. Take me back.

[@bushit123456]

He had a very sad life, actually

[@haleyt7518]

The world has always had periods of being ‘angrified’ and people probably said that about the world then too like many do now

[@ChristineJackson-nb6kt]

Fantastic no one else can play like him still missed ❤

[@costanzomusicworld]

It's kind of amusing how L gives the appearance of dancing as he sways with the rhythm of this polka. His hands are a "mile-a-minute." IMPRESSIVE. Those octaves are stunning!

[@jerrytheracecardriver1100]

he plays it like it's a walk in the park and i am still trying to learn rhapsody in blue after months of working tirelessly! i'm still only about halfway through rhapsody in blue.. -_-

[@rkgk1517]

What a great big smile on his face while he plays

[@lianelayman7577]

+rkgk1517 yES INDEED.

[@MrKatajisto]

It, the superfluous smiling, it only disturbed me, before knowing about his all background! Without it I would engrave his name to my modest unofficial graveyard.

[@glennhart3634]

I saw Liberace's stage show twice, both times in my early teens back in the late sixties and early seventies. Even though that was a long time ago, I still have vivid memories of those shows, unlike the shows of many other performers I've seen over the years whose performances have tended to be forgettable. Liberace was an amazing, charismatic performer, the likes of which the world will probably never see again. His moniker "Mr. Showmanship" was truly well deserved!

[@BobChebat]

All that music was just in his head. There is no doubt that he was gifted.

[@jonathanjackson9208]

He slowed his style of music down the older he got, but still absolutely the best!

[@1940limited]

He sure knew how to play the piano. No denying that!

[@mellow3508]

His little eye wink during the start of his performance was super attractive..! ♡

[@davidschmidt6013]

Back when sheer TALENT coupled with HARD WORK was rewarded. He STARTS at 90mph, and STILL had ' tim e ' (at 00:27) to give a sly wink to his audience! RIP Władziu Valentino Liberace. You inspired more people than you could ever know!!

[@edmondscott7444]

Marvellous rendition. Earliest videos best.

[@stwrthnn]

A loving and compassionate man who unselfishly shared his talent and rewards with the world. I grew up listening to this man play on TV and so sad how his life ended. In history his legacy will be one of the greatest treasures in the field of musical entertainment.

[@bcwest56]

His love for playing and feeling music was genuinely apparent.

[@BlondieSL]

SIGH... so missed. Before Liberace or after he pass, there was never anyone who could play the way he played. I doubt that there ever will be. What a loss.

[@michaelfraser4396]

Liberace was a true entertainer. He had a lot of things stacked against him before he made it. He, Phyliss Diller, and Arnold Schwarzenegger credit the book "The Magic of Believing" for their success. I am glad Liberace became a success. His talent was a gift to all of us.

[@muffins1ize]

He sent me a 8 by 10 photo and it was great. I really liked him and didn't miss any of his shows on television.

[@SurgeryPresident]

I love the comments on this clip, thanks everyone for your positive comments on this great mans joyful performance!

[@bored1980]

Do you have any footage of his Radio City Music Hall performances in 1986?

[@thomaskallmyr]

Hans Holmers privatchaufför Rolf Dahlgren har sagt att han körde omkring HH i Stockholm mordnatten medan HH sa att han var på väg upp för att köra Vasaloppet. Rolf Dahlgren blev sedan hotad och trakasserad och fick sitt liv förstört. Bägge är nu döda. HH sa vid ett tillfälle att om sanningen om mordet skulle komma fram så skulle det sända chockvågor genom det svenska samhället och störta regeringen. Senare blev han inkallad till konstitutionsutskottet och fick frågan om vad han menade, men han vägrade att svara. Han sa att det skulle ta alldeles för lång tid att förklara. Detta mord stinker lång väg!

Thanks for this magnifique post!

[@frankpraysner4227]

Thomas Kallmy

[@HuggyBob62]

Glad we have the video for this recording, even if it is only in black and white - half the effect of the performance would be completely lost if it was just audio.

[@kimsieben9502]

.........WOW!!!!!!!!!!......im lost for words!!

[@Owly1005]

I love this. He is having a ball. No wonder his audiences loved him.

[@iseeolly9959]

I laughed while watching this! What a brilliant entertainer....I'm hetro but so glad that we now live in an age when we can see the light at the end of the tunnel with regard to people being able to just be themselves. My goodness he had quick fingers, RIP. xx

[@opertinicy]

Growing up, there was always a candelabra that my mother had placed on our piano as a tribute (which is still on there)

[@jacekadler8173]

For Liberace, everyone's dream has become a reality. He did what he loved and got a lot of money for it.

[@notesl5576]

The way he smile, move, everything! Amazing.

[@jacklynlopez2323]

Liberace cracks me up with his animated expressions!!

[@tootalazaaz]

He was the definition of a showman.

[@alchicago123]

keep that lovely smile shining in heaven . R.I.P great Liberace

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

True entertainment from the Worlds Greatest Showman! God rest his soul.

[@dennislangenberg2295]

I had forgotten how great this mans ability was!!

[@paulkiss1981]

This oldschool stuff differs so much from today's rhythms... Much better, much pure and sincere. And much alive.

[@kirkwahmmet8406]

BaCk In My DaY

[@seamuscunnane3595]

By 5am u

[@michaelscott5276]

I could listen to him playing for hours music played like this is so uplifting was bobbing along with him

[@fatherfintanstack8810]

A million miles an hour all while smiling at the camera. Amazing.

[@jamesburgmann977]

Liberace was a great performer. No one could tickle those ivories like he could.

[@rosiemckinzie8608]

Irresistible! This is a fine example why Liberace is my musical Hero! NO one compares....

[@celsoacevedo1927]

just amazing...

[@numannut8539]

I just love watching his fingers move , truly amazing, he was from a different planet. Genius.

[@cf2796]

Love the little wink he gives in the beginning of the song. What a sweatheart.

[@postwar46]

He had great giftedness .

[@kathybiggs3440]

Loved him!!

[@adelelarkins5921]

Love whatever Liberace plays! Class all the way!!!!

[@altonbeckert506]

When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. Lee played for the love and the fun

[@lukaschury2796]

The way he plays is just wonderful. At one point, he even appears to be floating while playing

[@h6156]

Goodness gracious man!

[@pasimaenpaa2360]

simply brilliant. bravo!!!

[@sherrillouimette1905]

Loved the way he always 'danced' with his left foot!

[@slaffkas]

Nice piece for the Octoberfest :-)

[@TransWalk]

What talent

[@lardyify]

Thoroughly enjoyable. What a smile that man has - beautiful!

[@scottcornelius2491]

Never misses a note.

[@maureenchristinemusic]

What a great musician and pianist! And he understood the power of being a true entertainer. He could even make the Beer Barrel Polka sound "extra!"

[@shawnmcculley2995]

Absolutely LOVE this!!! Wish my gr.gr. Aunt was still alive. She & her husband had a music store in West Allis,Wis. back in the 20's & 30's close to where Liberace grew up. I bet you a nickel & a dill pickle she met him as a child.

[@joannejohnston6968]

The absolute best.........loved his Beer Barrel Polka

[@RCALivingStereo]

Amazing man right here friends, no one could play like him.

[@mcintron43]

how can anybody doubt this?the best!

[@vojtechpavlas8032]

Great Czech song

[@elisebrockmann3913]

Liberace - You brought so much joy to so many people - THANK YOU.

[@Itxazoa]

He transmits so much joy...! You just have to feel alive and happy about it. Thanks!!!

[@gremlinuk1968]

RIP,, my gran, she liked him,!! I 1st hear him as kid 70s,! born 1968,!

[@laopang91362]

Entertainer of the century for sure.

[@cfindegreen]

Pure genius of a prodigy....and a wonderful arrangement by brother George.

[@sobojetty]

With Liberace gone, how can anybody make America great again???!!!

[@warongratratanawarang3057]

The great pianist Liberace i love all your beautiful song R.I.P. 28 Sept 2019 thank you

[@shawnmcculley2995]

This guy is unf@#$%ing believable!!!!!!! A true ,true master!!!! I could watch this guy for hours!!

[@lianelayman7577]

+Ernie Johnson Me too.

[@robertlakey6659]

Could watch this on repeat for hours!

[@alecsandre1581]

Never get tired of watching this performance. Fascinated by the'hand-jumps.' So understandable why Liberace became a major star. Many thanks for posting.

[@EnlightnMe48]

Unreal. Landing every note without a miss.

[@gremlinuk1968]

my late gran liked lib , ! I was a kid back in the 70s when I 1st hear !!

[@speedyneutrino1729]

What a FANTASTIC entertainer...BRAVO and THANKS for posting this.

[@michaelangelo8139]

Absolutely Spectacular ! Bravo . I was to young to appreciate his talent .

[@dylanakent]

Who doesn't love Lee???😀😍🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@hectorrivera66]

Such a pleasure watching him perform

[@PacoOtis]

Wow! I was a kid when I saw these live on TV and all the women in the neighborhood would never miss Liberace. Some of them even dressed up just to view the show. It was cute even back then. Thanks for the video as this guy was a real showman!

[@angeortizfelix5410]

This is a genius the real Piano Man mr. Liberace that the wonderful message that I hear the beer the bottle oh wow I love that guy acting more than 40 years ago very unhappy that I say that I can still see those people no more God bless you God bless you do is so fantastic. Exilim

[@ninawilkins]

Love this and him. Joy personified. So good. Thank you., Nina

[@isaacsworld9269]

Incredible talent. I play piano and to be able to play like that with such accuracy and wink, smile and turn your head at the same time is mind blowing. He said that his teacher made him play with weights attached to his fingers so that when they were removed his fingers felt so light on the keys.

[@ramilcueto1142]

What a great pianist!

[@johnking5174]

The Liberace Show was one key US import to the new commercial television channel in Britain ITV when it launched in 1955. His show aired Sunday afternoons and attracted large ratings.

[@udzyna]

The most positive pianist for all time!

[@karenspence8193]

I would have loved to have been able to see him in person; what a magnificent performer!

[@glennhart3634]

I was fortunate to have seen Liberace twice in person in the early 1970s. This may sound strange, but I can tell you that both times I felt he really appreciated ME being there to see him. Such was his charisma and his rapport with his audience. Liberace was that rare example of an entertainer who truly loves his fans and knows they are a big reason for his success. Both times I saw him I left the show feeling I had just visited with a good friend. I have never felt that before or since with any other performer.

[@Guminyourhair]

I remember going to Walker middle school in Milwaukee, where the picture of liberace hung in the back Of the auditorium.. Even in the 80s when I was there. It's still hung there quite prominently. I remember staring at it for quite a while having been stuck in line after a performance in that place. And sometimes I'd take a look just 'cause it was fascinating that there was a celebrity from this place I normally called prison.. lol Great artist.

[@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

The ONLY one.. He took music.. and turned it into MUSIC!... He had the ability to make everyone in the audience feel as though they were the only two in the room and that he was playing Just for you. A rare and unique talent for sure.

[@jeffking4176]

He makes it look so easy. Genius. 📻🙂