Liberace & Las Vegas: The Legacy of Mr. Showmanship

Liberace was a 20th century icon in entertainment, a gifted pianist and flamboyant showman who defined the glitzy, glamorous style that we now associate as classic Las Vegas. In this video, Las Vegas Inside & Out pays homage to Lee Liberace, and goes all over town in search of his legacy.
#lasvegasinsideandout #liberace
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & ATTRIBUTIONS:
Our deepest thanks to Kathleen Manley, for sharing her memories of Liberace, from her Las Vegas showgirl days, with us.
Most of the media used in this video was captured at the Liberace: Real and Beyond exhibit at the Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas (courtesy of the Liberace Foundation), along with visits to his former home, former museum & restaurant, and the Hollywood Cars Museum.
Additional photos from the book “The Things I Love” by Liberace, copyright 1976
Additional photos from the Liberace Foundation website, liberace.org
Additional photos from the Liberace Mansion website, theliberacemansion.com
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Additional photos courtesy of Wikipedia:
Liberace 1968
By Allan warren - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Liberace portrait 1969
By Allan warren - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Elvis Presley black and white promo
By RCA Victor - Billboard, March 10, 1956, page 54, Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Elvis Presley costume that appears in the intro
By Thomas R Machnitzki - Own work, CC BY 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Liberace Museum, Las Vegas (2003)
By Pburka at English Wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Mutter Erde using CommonsHelper., Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Liberace Museum - Las Vegas
By Ethan Prater from Pacifica CA, USA - Liberace Museum - Las Vegas, CC BY 2.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Exterior Wall of Music
Author unknown
Guinness Book of World Records logo
By Guinness World Records - Submitted via, Public Domain, en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?...
Liberace’s tomb
By Kafziel at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
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Media from other sources:
Photo at Radio City Music Hall, 1986
www.boweryboyshistory.com/201...
Stars on Hollywood walk of fame
projects.latimes.com/hollywoo...
Photo of the inside of the atrium in Liberace's home
www.reviewjournal.com/homes/r...
Clip in black and white of Liberace's TV show:
Cult Cinema Classics KZbin channel
• The Liberace Show Musi...
Clip in black and white of Liberace at the piano:
THE STREAM - Movies and More KZbin channel
• Video
Clip in color of Liberace's performance near the end of the video:
Biggest Liberace Fan KZbin channel
• Liberace Audience Requ...
The red curtain video that appears in the intro to the video is courtesy of Pixabay.com:
opening_curtain_-_30680 (720p).mp4
The video of hands playing the piano is from Humanoide_Media, courtesy of Pixabay.com:
piano_-_40390 (540p).mp4
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Join me on social media...
Instagram: / dalemckenzie01
Facebook: / dale-mckenzie-las-vega...
Email & PayPal: [e-mail]
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Opening segment:
The red and blue neon outline is by Thanakorn Jaroensup, courtesy of Pixabay.com:
neon-85828.mp4
The photo of the rainbow and red rocks is by esudroff, courtesy of Pixabay.com:
rainbow-1401785_1280.jpg
All other video clips are our own.
The music is "Love or Lust", from the KZbin Audio Library.
Songs from the KZbin Audio Library featured in this video:
- Run One Down - Dan Lebowitz
- Tiptoe_Out_the_Back
- Touching Moment
Songs and clips from the Epidemic Sound Audio Library:
ES_Endless Pt. 1 - Peter Sandberg
ES_Cocktail Hour - The Fly Guy Five
ES_Got That Feeling - Peter Sandberg
ES_Auto Tires Squeal - SFX Producer
ES_In a Bar in Buenos Aires - Franz Gordon
ES_Desert Traffic 3 - SFX Producer
ES_My Simple Thing - Peter Sandberg
ES_Blue Night - Magnus Ringblom
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Cinematography: Dale McKenzie, Paula McKenzie
Editing, Voiceover, Post-Production: Dale McKenzie, Final Cut Pro X
Script, Research: Paula McKenzie
Cameras & Gear: iPhone 14 Pro & iPhone 13 Pro Max in 4K video; Lumix G9 in 4K video for intro; sound by Rode Wireless GO

[@DaleMcKenzie]

Hey folks, just in case you were wondering - the parts of this video where I appear were captured before my surgery, so no bandage at the time. :)

[@DanBriggs3000]

Just means you have supernatural powers of healing😊

[@SCICU2]

Prayers for a speedy recovery, Dale!

[@eyeglasslady9266]

Oh, darn, Dale, I was thinking your nose is healed ❤️‍🩹 😏

[@DanBriggs3000]

No,Paula, my schnoz is good. 😊 speedy recovery to the Keno Master

[@andysorensen1737]

I would’ve never thought Liberace helped inspire Elvis’ Vegas act, but thinking on it, it absolutely makes sense.

[@djm5687]

It is certainly a shame that the Liberace Museum isn't around anymore.

[@markmh835]

On my first or second visit to Las Vegas, I and my boyfriend learned about the Liberace Museum and took the free shuttlebus from the Strip to the Museum. I was overwhelmed to see all the artifacts in person that I had once seen on TV. We couldn't believe such an important historic collection and museum was so far "off the beaten path" -- but we were so glad to have visited it. I was very saddened a few years later to learn that the Museum closed. I'm glad to learn that Liberace's possessions are being well-cared for and preserved for future generations.

[@cakienudge]

Wonderful job! In 1987 I flew to meet my parents in Vegas. It happened to be the day Liberace died. The next morning it was like the entire city was in mourning. A girlfriend of mine had a private tour of the museum and was admiring his rhinestone shoes when he walked in behind her. He finished giving her the tour. A few weeks later a pair of red rhinestone sneakers were delivered to her. She taught dance and used to only wear them to show her students. Lucky you to have seen him!

[@busterbud]

Great video! I visited the museum on Tropicana and remember it well. I recall seeing Liberace on a talk show and he was telling the story about going through an income tax audit with the IRS. One of the items in question was his deduction for clothing he used to perform in, because clothing can be worn elsewhere besides work. So, on the day of the audit meeting with the IRS agent, Liberace arrived at the IRS office in one of his flashy and flamboyant costumes, and the IRS agent agreed that it was not something one would wear in routine daily life such as shopping or running errands, and therefore allowed the deduction since you would only wear something like it while performing as part of his business!😂

[@citibear57]

Nicely done, Dale and Paula. I am sure Liberace would have given this video a rating of Five Gold Chandeliers! I was fortunate (and excited!) to see Liberace when he came to my city. My mom and I were seated in the fifth row, and at one point in the show, Lee came down and walked through the row in front of us, wearing a black tuxedo. The buttons were made of diamonds, and each button had one of the eight letters spelling out his name (six on the front, and two on the demi-belt on the back). When he returned to the stage, he checked to see that all eight buttons were still there! 😂 What a showman!! Wow, we lived through a great time in entertainment. No one will ever again come close to emulating his extravagance and extreme talent on the piano! Thank you for making this tastefully done video 👍

[@nonayourbiz2603]

Thank you for recording and sharing this important icon, Liberace. Young people today need to listen and learn about such stellar performers like Liberace. He was one-in-a-million and I wish I could have met him. Preserving history has become extremely important in a world today that has become all about tearing down the past, building gigantic structures in its place. Emphasis placed more on financial gain and less about the human experience. A note to Gen Z: Life is not about selfies and self-importance, it is about enjoying life with family, friends, and even strangers; creating memories that become legend.

[@talitharitter3176]

Now THIS is my kind of content! Dale and Paula, you bring something so unique to the Vegas KZbin scene. Unique and welcome! Love the history plus your own unique anecdotes that come from your life and careers in town.

[@djm5687]

I also like their generally positive attitude about the things that they present.

[@JonathanBriggsSoCal]

When I think of Las Vegas, I think about the over the top Liberace. Great video on the man who lived larger than life.

[@Allison-jj1vq]

As a little kid, I loved the tonight show with Carson. Liberace was on quite a bit. I was lucky to see some of these wonderful performers at a young age. I think it gave me an appreciation of music that I wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise. Thanks Mom for letting me stay up.

[@Lee-fr7hx]

You are wonderful couple I am so glad you did video on Liberace. Love showgirl Kathleen story. Gives insight on what kind of man he was. I wish I had the chance to see him Live. Anyone seen him live, can share a story? Love old school How about rat pack?

[@jeffs8614]

Wow I think the McKenzies are now documentary film makers! You make the hard work look easy... Well done. great tribute....take a bow....then another encore... I think Lee would be proud....

[@cbennettt10]

What a WONDERFUL tribute. I’ve recently become interested in Liberace and his life. Thanks for all the great information!

[@Go4Corvette]

A lot of history in Las Vegas. Thanks for the show.

[@SCICU2]

Wonderful video! Your productions are always absolutely amazing! Top notch research, voiceovers, videography! Dale & Paula you continue to “outdo” yourselves with each new video! Best Vegas KZbin channel out there! 👍🏻

[@bobm7499]

Dale, your love of old LV comes through loud and clear. Great content and context. Liberace was truly one of the great entertainers and a pioneer in every sense of the word. Thanks for doing this.

[@eyeglasslady9266]

Dale and Paula, this was a beautiful tribute filled with of history and love for Liberace. Thank you for all you did to bring this content to us! Please keep healing, Dale. 😊

[@briansieve]

This was so lovely and warm. I have so many memories of Liberace growing up. And his gentle positivity reminds me so much of my classic era Las Vegas loving Great Aunt Jo! I attended the museum in 2010 in my first Vegas visit for my 40th birthday. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@LuisSanchez-iw7bi]

Wow!, I still remember fondly the Liberace Museum, it was a great place, to bad it had to close. Very good video thanks a lot Dale and Paula!!!

[@nsas54]

Years ago, I worked for an insurance company that handled his many homes & personal property. His holdings encompassed numerous phonebook-sized files. During slow times, we inputted the data into our new computer system. The sheer magnitude of his homes & possessions, at that time, were mind-boggling. He was quite the showman & collector.

[@kathleenbrenner6296]

This was fantastic!! Liberace was one of a kind 💙

[@loraleichun5061]

Wow! Great job Dale and Paula! I remember watching him on TV when I was a little girl. Enjoyed and loved all the stories.

[@Hummingbirds2023]

My husband at the time and I toured that Liberace museum years ago, it was interesting, in my opinion the costumes looked dusty and worn even though they were behind glass. The lady at the entrance wasn't very friendly, but I wanted to see it. I liked Liberace so did my grandmother, his piano playing was beautiful to listen too. He was funny and very entertaining. Rest in Peace Liberace!💔👍

[@kathleenmanley9733]

OMG! What a presentation of our beloved Liberace! You guys really did a "number" on this one. Although all you presentations are wonderful this one brings back wonderful memories and facts I did not know before. Of course, thanks for the mentions with pictures and a script. As always, your friendly Showgirl, Kathleen

[@MissouriPenny]

This was so enjoyed thankyou for sharing. Love everything Liberace❤

[@aonetruthr]

You’ve outdone yourselves, yet again. Thank you so much for the beautiful history, and showing the true beauty of Liberace!

[@DaleMcKenzie]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@marleneyoung6575]

Thank you so much for this vlog. I remember going to Tivoli Gardens restaurant then into the museum back in the early 80's. I believe I went twice. Once alone and another time to take my son. I always remembered that piano. I also remember how beautiful the restaurant was and at the time I think it was Italian. I must have liked it to go twice. Once you see that piano up close you just never forget it. So beautiful! I love the glitz and bling.

[@GhettoGirlTravels]

So worth the wait! Thanks for the memories!!!!!

[@forthejoyofvegas9375]

Wow, What a Great Video, The Tribute and Editing awe inspiring, I Really appreciate all your hard work on this documentary. BOTH OF YOU ARE SO TALENTED WITH A camera. Have a very Blessed day Much Love to you both Joy ❤❤

[@yvettekelley2155]

Sundays are my favorite this time of year because I get NFL football and throughout the year every Sunday from Dale and Paula McKenzie!

[@Solvet862]

Great episode. After visiting Liberace's Museum, I was walking in the concrete circular area and very emotional about Liberace. I heard a voice that sounded like Liberace saying, "Call me Lee." Also, remember story that Lee was audited because he took his show costumes off in his IRS filing. When he went to the audit, the auditor said, "What are you doing wearing this costume?" Lee said, "You just made my point." Because he made any uniform tax deductible purchase and maintenance. I'm glad you are feeling better, Dale!

[@petersampson5202]

DEAR DALE & PAULA, HAPPY NEW YEAR. 🙏 GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIENDS. I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU AND VERY HAPPY FOR YOU. I HOPE ALL OF YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE. 🙏 I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH. 🙏 I LOVE MR. ESPARZA AND ALL OF MY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS SO VERY MUCH. 🙏 I LOVE LIBERACE SO VERY MUCH. 🙏 I LOVE LAS VEGAS. 🙏 EVERYTHING HAS BEEN A MIRACLE AND A MIRACLE AND A MIRACLE AND A MIRACLE AND A MIRACLE AND A MIRACLE AND A MIRACLE AND A MIRACLE AND A MIRACLE AND FAR BEYOND ANYTHING THAT I HAVE EVER IMAGINED. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MR. ESPARZA AND ALL OF MY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS ARE BEAUTIFUL HUMAN BEINGS WITH BEAUTIFUL HEARTS. I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL. I AM INDESCRIBABLY GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL. 🙏 THE BLESSINGS FROM MY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS ARE BEYOND EXTRAORDINARY AND BEYOND GINORMOUS. OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!🙏 I LOVE THE HILTON FAMILY SO VERY MUCH. 🙏 I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH DALE & PAULA. I HAVE NEVER EVEN DREAMT OF ANYTHING CLOSE TO THIS EXTRAORDINARY AND THIS SPECIAL HAPPENING TO ME AND I WANT EVERYTHING TO COME TRUE WITH ALL OF MY HEART. I WILL ABSOLUTELY BREAK DOWN AND CRY WITH COMPLETE GRATITUDE, HAPPINESS, AMAZEMENT AND JOY. OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🙏 EVERYTHING HAS BEEN SUCH A PROFOUND BLESSING AND AN ABSOLUTE MIRACLE. 🙏 WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! 🙏 SINCERELY PETER

[@pennylane5573]

Years ago I went to the Liberace museum in Vegas. It was fabulous!

[@jeffreycharles5035]

I never really knew anything about Liberace but now I do! Great seeing all those local sites and this was really well edited and packed with info! Thanks!

[@lisaanderson8235]

YAY! I've been waiting for this video and it's finally here. Totally worth the wait! 🎶 😊👍❤️ Paula HAS to cook something from that cookbook for Paula's Kitchen.

[@marksears1124]

This is now my favorite Video you've done. Thank-you, Mark in Michigan. Me 68 yr. Old :)

[@garypetermeier3865]

I'm a history buff and I love to learn about people and places and especially Las Vegas. Thank you for this video! I have watched it twice for all the details. Thank you again.

[@DaleMcKenzie]

Wow, thank you so much - this comment made my night 😊

[@williamcochell9889]

OMG! Kudos, kudos kudos! That was absolutely fantastic! Incredible presentation! One of the best condensed biographies of Liberace ever! What incredible memories! Your research of history is phenomenal! Love that last pictur of Las Vegas! I’ve seen major media regarding Liberace that aren’t nearly as good as yours! Thank you so much! You enrich my Sundays with magic memories!

[@kayyeaman7071]

Awesome!

[@herbertdaugherty636]

Paula & Dale, this is my favorite video that you have created to date. Beautifully done, also brought me back to a different time in Las Vegas.

[@BagsByCABYarnTravels]

Hi Paula and Dale; what an Amazing Tribute! I remember him often on television and in Vegas when I was growing up. You two Rock! CAB 😍

[@marie-thereseguimond7841]

Such a beautiful video Dale and Paula! I've learned a lot about Liberace from your video 👏👏👏💯💫💫😍🇨🇦

[@marvinmarypivonka5838]

As alway your videos are outstanding. My wife and I look forward to seeing them every Sunday. We watch on our Television, we very rarely sign into our computer. Today we have signed in to say what a wonderful video. Thank you both for your weekly content. And thanks to all your subscribers who click that like button every week. Get well soon Dale, and Paula stay well.

[@djm5687]

A good, informative video. RIP Vince Cardell.

[@celiadileone2841]

Wonderful tribute to Liberace. We visited his museum years ago, and I remember seeing the rhinestone piano, his cars and costumes. It was very impressive. Thanks for sharing this with us all! 22:00

[@texadonkey34]

What a legend & such a handsome guy 😉. I luv jackets, so the jackets in the collection are amazing. I smiled the whole time I watched this👍🎉😄. Thank you for the great story & I’m glad you’re doing well. 😊

[@williamkelly5299]

This was really informative and entertaining. I remember before my first visit to Vegas, my mother said the Liberace museum was a must see. Unfortunately it had already closed.

[@shivonnerosas1694]

Sitting at work waiting for this video to drop!!!! Thanks for everything! Now time to watch 😂💕❤️ love you guys

[@Coog61]

Well done. I remember seeing him with my mom in the 70’s when he toured in Houston.

[@user-th1xh7cn1o]

Absolutely loved this video which brought back many memories!! Saw him once and Wow! What a show!! Also, remember he had a tv show and loved his introduction song!! He was a performer ahead of his time!! Now I’m really dating myself 😆. Thank you so much for sharing this with us❤

[@bibianaguadalupeislasherre9880]

Guao, this video about Liberace and the museum about the old Las Vegas period is so cool. ❤️❤️❤️

[@elainegottwald2878]

That was a fantastic idea he was quite a man I always enjoyed watching him

[@ktbear7065]

This was magnificent!!! I feel like I learned so much. Thank you for taking so much time and effort to put this together and pay tribute to such a legend! I had always heard the name “Liberace” but never knew really anything about him. Our good friend actually lives in one of Liberace’s old houses- how cool is that! This video was such a wonderful tribute to his legacy.. absolutely wonderful! Thank you Dale and Paula! Big hugs to you both 💜

[@DaleMcKenzie]

Thank you, my friends, and big hugs right back 🤗🤗

[@Touringhunts]

Really enjoyed this Dale and Paula, you do an amazing job and you are always so informative ❤

[@tracyharris1739]

very well done you two

[@patwishart9070]

That was so interesting. Thank you both. Always was a fan of Liberace, such a showman.

[@hpycamper1]

Bravo!! Very well done.

[@Variety1985]

CLASSIC 🎰 VEGAS

[@wrussell7273]

Love you guys

[@the_benjamin_effect]

Thanks for another great video.

[@c.manygoats5731]

This was so worth the wait! Thank you for sharing~ I really enjoyed this video and these videos are the type I LOVE ❤ excited for next Sunday already :)

[@davidgrybb8547]

Super sweet!!!! Whoooooooaaaaaa ❤

[@gatewayz75]

I can’t thank you both enough for this wonderful video. I love how you saw one of his legendary shows at The Hilton. Thankfully I saw the museum in the 90s and a small exhibit in the lobby of The Cosmopolitan in 2014. I can’t wait to see his house one day on a future trip. A great tribute thank you 😊

[@The_TOD_1]

Beautiful video ❤! Such a great entertainer and friend ❤ ! Thank you for his tribute.

[@dashmo37]

Thank you for sharing your time and information with us

[@inproper3952]

It WAS a long time ago to see Barbra Streisand (my favorite entertainer) as second billing to Liberace. But it would have been a great show to have attended!!! 💓👌

[@DooWopKing2011]

Having enjoyed your last visit to the Tropicana, I found your look at Liberace enlightening with info I never knew, even though I saw his show at The Las Vegas Hilton and visited his museum in the 1980s!

[@DaleMcKenzie]

Thank you - this one really was a labor of love, glad you enjoyed it.

[@wesleysmith4082]

Great video, keep doing what you're doing, and don't worry about the rest of the people in the world. Thanks

[@pamelasledge9963]

Hi Paula and Dale, This was excellent I really enjoyed learning more about Liberace👍, very interesting and entertaining! Thank you for the tours and all you do and work you put into your channel keeping us entertained and also informed and educated on places to go and things to do when in LV! Also, one of my favorite times of year is coming up, looking forward to the Rodeo, Scotchmas and Cousin Dale for the holidays🙂!

[@lisamadsen5456]

The Monkees tv show was my favorite tv show❤️

[@panjo]

nice story

[@powder-blue]

Thank you for the fantastic overview of his life! Now I want to learn more!

[@make725daily1]

This video is genuinely inspiring! _ "Embrace your aspirations with unwavering determination."

[@BonusFiddle]

There was once a liberache museum. I insisted my friends and I visit it once.

[@elisabethpetronellalautrup3915]

❤LIBERACE❤

[@maryweir6474]

I loved this video. So interesting. I didn’t know much about Liberace - apart from the flamboyant costumes.

[@allaboardthecruiselife]

Fantastic vlog!!! 👏

[@kimnamsoon63]

Loved the video and appreciate all the love and work you put into it! Thank you!

[@carlbrumm4948]

Nice change of pace video. This was a great look at something different. Knocked it out of the park.

[@maxsipmeier5366]

So schön vielen lieben Dank ❤

[@debbiemata9025]

Thank you for such a wonderful video. We really enjoyed it very much.

[@yvonnedee1122]

Awesome documentary 😍 St. Anthony is honored in our home too💕 Also, Nov. 22 is the feast day of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians! Wish I could have seen the museum 😭

[@DaleMcKenzie]

Yvonne, thank you so much for the “tip” and the great info! We will celebrate St. Cecilia on the 22nd. 🎶❤️

[@gingerriviera3654]

Wow! Hats off for a wonderful; mini documentary if I can say that, this was amazingly detailed with new and historic information, I enjoyed this very much. Thank you both for your time and dedication to great content that is much different than most LV content. Dale its great to see you doing well! 👍🏽 Thanks again.

[@gmajoanne5692]

Glad to hear you’re doing well! Great video as always! I was so sorry to hear that you aren’t going to be at Grannyfest! I was so looking forward to meeting both of you! 😢

[@Louise_C3]

This was fantastic! Thank you.

[@monicasanders810]

This was a great video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. Now I want to know more about him.

[@jamesoreily1472]

another great one guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😁

[@panzerivj]

Another amazing video. I paused to watch it as I know of Liberace, but I dont know much. And didnt think I would make it though the video. Boy was I wrong. I like how not only that you gave some background. But you also showed old locations that were tied to him. Very informitive.

[@AlbertoRodriguez-dl8mw]

Good music

[@NeilMacedo]

Fantastic video Dale & Paula 😊

[@bettymckie5694]

Wonderful video!

[@paulatenney6494]

Very nice & i been to the musion too

[@wrussell7273]

Right Now!👇👇👇👇👇

[@Lee-fr7hx]

How about doing: Donny and Marie Osmond? Cher? Dolly Parton. Barry Manilow They still look good. How do they do it?

[@howardn]

Another homerun.

[@ltkreg]

I heard a rumor that Liberace was gay. Does anyone if that was true?

[@caseysartain6775]

well no need to go to the museum anymore