Liberace Gave Elvis Presley His Look | Letterman

[@nathueil1]

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

[@cle-chi]

I was thinking that too.

[@dwaynecollins4974]

Ditto

[@albertpeterson5585]

...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]

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

[@TheDmanMA]

the OG

[@goligogo923]

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

[@DemonsSister]

Another great artist stolen by AIDS. 😢

[@junglismonk4256]

Liberace was amazing !

[@johnreidy2804]

Was Liberace really light in the loafers?

[@yambo59]

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

[@goligogo923]

@@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.

[@Catfish5577]

I'm an old man and every time I hear him play this I get tears in my eyes. It reminds me of a much simpler time. I miss those days and all the friends and family that have passed on. Much love and peace to everyone around the World.

[@RavenWolfDrum69]

Huggs❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@JustinLee-u5d]

Me too....

[@patriciaphelan4150]

Thank you ...wishing you all that's good...❤

[@jamescc2010]

Can always go back and watch / listen good old days on utube :) Peace from California!

[@mahumike7531]

Sending all my love.

[@melatomic]

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

[@chrissullivan40]

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

[@sultanofswat9382]

Me too

[@johnreidy2804]

I don't quite get it

[@gtb2009b]

Never be another

[@gtb2009b]

That was amazing

[@quad5186]

Well said 👍

[@billyrock8305]

The musical skill of this genius is astounding.

[@allthings2allmen]

Brought tears to my eyes and I don't care who knows it!

[@billyrock8305]

@ Liberace’s virtuosity as a pianist is indisputable. His technical skill and ability to engage with his audience are clear. However, the flamboyance with which he presents himself might be considered illogical from a purely philosophical standpoint. Personal expression through exaggerated aesthetics does not always correlate with objective talent, but it is undoubtedly effective in generating personal connection and audience engagement.

[@allthings2allmen]

@@billyrock8305 What you say?...no for real! I agree!

[@billyrock8305]

@@allthings2allmen It is fascinating how his compositions and piano playing demonstrate a profound understanding of harmonic structure and melodic balance. His work exemplifies the efficient and creative utilization of musical principles to produce an enduring emotional response. Most… impressive.

[@allthings2allmen]

@@billyrock8305 Well I aint sure all what you said there boss!.... b b b but I aint a gonna disagree which ya!

[@dianefitzgibbon5381]

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

[@JacobElyachar]

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

[@ChoctawNawtic4]

IS!

[@allthings2allmen]

Indeed!

[@rachelled6763]

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]

Absolutely.

[@johnkaylor8670]

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.

[@rachelled6763]

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

[@johnreidy2804]

"Fairy land" yeah that sums it up

[@geraldsmith7240]

Eloquently Stated.🏵

[@genghis_connie]

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.

[@jamescc2010]

He was truly a kind man and share his talent and passion with all of us.

[@bobbywhite1645]

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

[@lolajoker]

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]

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

[@earlyculyer4103]

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

[@Momknowstreasures]

Awe your mom must have treasured that experience

[@lolajoker]

@@Momknowstreasures She did!

[@Caligulita]

Wow! How lucky!

[@juliepower6657]

He’s incredible and seems like such a nice guy

[@keithmockridge3329]

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]

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.

[@grasmere64]

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]

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.]

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

[@patrickdlogan]

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

[@CoreyChambersLA]

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

[@GalvestonGuy]

Believer.

[@mrs6968]

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]

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

[@AntonioBarsanio]

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

[@Melissa0774]

@@AntonioBarsanio Yeah, it's a shame there's no one else like him today. Can you imagine there was actually a time in the U.S, when someone could actually get that rich and famous from being an instrumental musician? It sure as hell couldn't happen today.

[@DaveTheBigTomato]

One of THE best pianist to EVER live.

[@fk6823]

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

[@Dave-ti2ue]

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.

[@cindybailey9905]

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

[@TNT-km2eg]

Arrogant, bigot, hypocrite and as genuine as artificial sweetener

[@NotQuiteSoThinLizzie641]

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.

[@hinthegroove9740]

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

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

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]

seems legit, omgwtflol.

[@DippyHippie]

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]

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

[@maryrowell1122]

I always wanted to go see him

[@TNT-km2eg]

Arrogant , bigot and as genuine as artificial sweetener

[@johnreynolds5407]

Such a talented gentleman.

[@brucedavid7231]

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

[@X1.7]

Ray Charles

[@thatonememer69]

Priscilla

[@brucedavid7231]

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

[@robertwebb3546]

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

[@jamie.777]

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

[@beerborn]

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.

[@808kiker]

A true master at his craft.

[@c.s.mcleod7383]

Comnendable of Dave to treat Lee with such respect.

[@leokimvideo]

One of the greatest entertainers, sharp wit and always classy

[@Lglad_4]

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

[@sultanofswat9382]

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

[@lukefer7579]

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.

[@onlytruth4me915]

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]

According to his boyfriend he never played at home

[@onlytruth4me915]

@@harryjohnson7128 that’s very interesting.

[@harryjohnson7128]

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

[@melatomic]

@@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]

@@melatomic lol

[@jimburnham4186]

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 🙏

[@topsyturvyy4558]

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

[@almcnicholjr]

the world's greatest pianist that ever lived! amazing!!!!!

[@mrluckyuncle]

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

[@erepsekahs]

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]

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]

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

[@erepsekahs]

@@topsyturvyy4558 Tipsy, Good idea!

[@floydthebarber9956]

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.

[@oceanwoods]

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]

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]

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

[@sandrafraser4759]

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

[@TheDmanMA]

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.

[@dwevors]

Liberace's playing was always amazing!

[@claudiocorleone7856]

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.

[@JC37714]

The man was sheer magic on the piano. Awesome.

[@michaelstorm2165]

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.

[@SleepWith1iOpen-X]

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

[@chrisdave75]

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.

[@hestergreen2031]

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

[@WOODBINEMAN99]

Liberace was a true legend RIP

[@babydollrock]

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]

Applause sign

[@kenr4709]

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]

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]

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

[@TNT-km2eg]

Arrogant , bigot , hypocrite and as genuine as artificial sweetener

[@Wildlife_SA.]

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

[@hairyscotman]

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

[@rockit6553]

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

[@TNT-km2eg]

And as phoney as artificial sweetener

[@teresitaboekelman4564]

Wow! Beautiful blings to match his beautiful unforgettable music.

[@zenseed75]

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

[@exdus235]

❤👍👍👍

[@markromero5331]

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

[@kikovazquez7277]

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.

[@lala-gj4oo]

i think he was the epitome of class. a very gracious and lovely human being. God bless you in heaven lee. rip

[@EyeOfScrutiny]

Terrific , the whole segment.

[@jpdude7274]

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

[@garymcaleer6112]

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.

[@lisaakinlabi]

Pure talent!

[@johnkaylor8670]

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

[@viddeojunke]

Informative interview and great performance by Liberace. R.I.P.

[@vivianrobb2837]

Beautiful Christmas music! Bravo!

[@geraldsmith7240]

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

[@JL-lg8tk]

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.

[@mercedes523]

What a precious sweet man.

[@karensparks2509]

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

[@joecampos5624]

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

[@donaldmarusak6501]

First time I've ever payed that much attention to one of his performances... AWESOME!!!

[@myronjenkins9788]

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

[@phillipwheeler7003]

A legend always! Saw him twice in Louisville, Kentucky....incredible performance, something I will always remember! He walked off stage into the audience, extended his arm across me and showed his rings to the people in our row. Something I will never forget.

[@gregorysharp]

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

[@ricoz2016]

What a treat coming here 2 days before Christmas and hearing him, I'll be sure to play his Xmas album for more.

[@MrDougwarner69]

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

[@joebaseball17]

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

[@junglismonk4256]

Carlson would have to take that trophy imo.

[@janishart5128]

@@junglismonk4256: You mean "Carson"?!

[@junglismonk4256]

@@janishart5128 Hha yes sorry `Carson`

[@janishart5128]

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

[@cassiecarpenter]

What a treat ❤

[@lvbluestreak]

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

[@mpselectrolab1067]

What a performer! Love Liberace! 😊

[@robertbright2057]

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.

[@martasatgo]

I'd have loved to see him perform live.

[@katgirlblue]

I saw him and he was fantastic!

[@topsyturvyy4558]

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

[@SQTierHog]

Absolutely kind, allowed David to ask or do whatever he wanted. Bravo, Liberace!

[@RichardHandal301]

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.

[@raggededge82]

This was about a year after I was born so of course I was too young to see these performances, I'm so glad that Dave has been posting them/

[@CoreyChambersLA]

Super 1983 interview of Liberace by David Letterman!

[@siriusgd4753]

Liberace was such an incredible talent!

[@GalvestonGuy]

Charming man. Amazing talent.

[@The_TOD_1]

What a great friend and entertainer! Miss Lee ❤️ !

[@NYCNAP]

Extraordinary, Liberace

[@landztranz]

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]

No, it is not

[@landztranz]

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

[@dgiorgi1725]

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

[@fifty9forty3]

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

[@Relicsun]

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

[@johnkaylor8670]

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.

[@TheDmanMA]

brilliant musician...and eccentric too!!!

[@TeresaAnnAskew]

Thank you for sharing this much appreciated Liberace was one of the most talented piano players ever to existed excellent piano skills… R.I.P🙏🏻🩵🙏🏻 Liberace

[@gerrymcintosh4477]

Incredible talent, never heard anyone better.

[@lynngold1865]

Beautiful!🕯🕯🕯

[@jim007]

The man was a hell of a musician.

[@davidmckinney6577]

That was a wonderful video God bless liberace soul rest in peace 🙏

[@jocked07]

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!

[@ricksalt6860]

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]

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]

@@SmilinJackAccordion wow