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

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Website: www.MDA.org
Check out Liberace as he performs a Gershwin medley during the 1985 MDA Labor Day Telethon! This is a Liberace performance that will make your keys tingle!
The MDA Labor Day Telethon was an enchanting yearly variety show that ran for half a century. Hosted for many years by Jerry Lewis, the telethon featured top stars from the world of music, comedy, and Broadway and was like no other show on earth.
The telethon was created to help support the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which is leading the fight against muscular dystrophy. MDA dedicates itself to strength, independence and life. To learn more about MDA and to donate, please visit www.MDA.org.

[@chrispnw2547]

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.

[@HolaSoyPedro2]

Liberace no tocaba musica classica en sus recitales. esta musica que toca se lama Rhapsody in Blue y es una musica popular ( jazz). El estilo de piano que tiene es de esa época, con muchos arpegias y escalas, ahora el estilo de los buenos pianistas hoy en dia es el ragtime combinado con musica balada y del rock de los 80, 90. saludos

[@emic621]

I appreciate his showmanship!

[@noticiasverdaderas3222]

He was very humble even with all his money and he was materialisticly very talented!

[@sjspak]

I agree. I remember watching him on PBS a few times. The piano by nature isn't as flashy as the guitar, drums, etc. I played the piano for 10+ yrs. and didn't really like it due to the artistic side of it - I'm mostly left-brained. Liberace probably took that part to an extreme but certainly made the performance entertaining. I remember our piano teacher got angry when a student played jazz after our recital. imo -that's- elitist.

[@James.G.Ireland]

Those people waste their own time and energy as he didn't give a boo what the mockers had to say

[@enragedkaiser237]

Liberace was much more than a showman. He was a true master of the piano!

[@albertpeterson5585]

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

[@ms.annthrope415]

Bowled over with schlock. The Hoi polloi over awed with glitter and no substance.

[@virginiagorski1932]

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. 💕💕

[@fredkaplan9720]

The Greatest Piano Player In The World. A Real Gentleman

[@ms.annthrope415]

The flashiest piano player in the world. Certainly not the greatest.

[@frankmarter6845]

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.

[@liamsandal6360]

You knew him personally?

[@donnaciaccio2580]

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

[@modickens1272]

I agree, but people try to diminish his talent simply because he was a notorious butt bandit.

[@albertpeterson5585]

...he did deck Marlon Brando once for making comments like that about him in public.

[@totallyfrozen]

@@modickens1272 “Butt bandit”? How old are you? 🙄

[@marshallbates4875]

He was a devout Catholic.. He was a sweet and kind person.. I don’t care what he did in the privacy of his own bedroom.. He was classy! Flamboyant?? Yeah, but he was old school, and you didn’t talk about your bedroom stuff in public!

[@leokimvideo]

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.

[@karolm4045]

He put glitter in his hair before it cool!🤗

[@SaSouthSide210]

@@karolm4045 the best tupees money can buy !

[@butchdugan]

He was a walking jewelry store!

[@basslinejoe7546]

@@butchdugan❤

[@anthonyjones9520]

Ghost Face Killah couldn’t make a better robe

[@MrDavey2010]

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

[@francisbrasher7045]

Your so right. Saw him in Vegas many times.

[@kevinmalone3210]

​@@francisbrasher7045He always packed em in during his shows in Vegas. That's saying alot right there about his talent.

[@ms.annthrope415]

Thank God.

[@user-rr4rw1wp4m]

Liberace brought the classics to the masses.

[@ms.annthrope415]

He brought schmaltz to the masses, much like Andre Rieu, and his vulgar extravaganza schlock.

[@glenm5034]

he WASA GreAT PERMOMER

[@timokautto7349]

What can I say - a genius.

[@jgionti3]

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

[@ms.annthrope415]

I would go back to watch Rachmaninoff play his own piano concerts.

[@rjdoyle6983]

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

[@mikelamatria3610]

😮😮😮😮😮❤❤❤❤❤

[@melatomic]

Dear Bob. Thanks for sharing your experience and brilliant story. Austrian or Australian rhinestones?❤

[@Melissa0774]

I thought the foundation ran out of money and disbanded and the museum closed. Is that not the case?

[@DGonz-dr1fl]

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

[@neffdog564]

That museum is closed now. I’m only here because of pawn stars

[@dawnemerson3604]

So cool!

[@rufus5208]

You're the GOAT

[@dariaschooler]

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.

[@jamesburns2232]

My mom was from Oshkosh, WI. She loved watching Liberace and always tuned into his shows on TV.

[@susanhuber1932]

Liberace was from West Allis Wisconsin very close to Milwaukee.

[@markarnold8014]

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

[@nancysloan3731]

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

[@ellidalgar1768]

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

[@gigitalavera40]

O Pp O Ok look

[@wattage2007]

I heard one time after having a show panned by critics, he announced the following night the reviews had him in tears, crying all the way to the bank 🤣

[@EthikosResearch]

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

[@ms.annthrope415]

Well, Keeping up with the Kardashians drew more viewers than PBS Ken Burns special. Does that mean Kardashians are more informative and worth seeing than PBS Ken Burns? A garbage rapper draws more people than the winner of thr Van aclibern Piano Competition. Does tbat make rapping more artistic than a true classical pianist? McDonald's seels more "beef" than Peter Lugar's steaks. Would you rather Hage a Big Mac or a porterhouse from Peter Lugar's?

[@barryjacobs8524]

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.

[@melatomic]

That made me cry reading this. I’m sad too. But we were lucky we had him.

[@1963Austria]

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

[@ms.annthrope415]

All concert pianists can play without notes. In fact they can play an entire concertos without notes. If you really want to see virtuoso piano playing just KZbin Yuja Wang, Valentina Lisitsa (who played Rachmaninoff's 2nd and 3rd Paino Concerto without an orchestra or music!), Khatia Buniatishvilli, Olga Kern. Liberace had classical piano lessons as a kid but found he could make a lot more money catering to blue haired women. He could make mistakes and not be called out. He never competed against the best classical pianists or in any classical recitals. He made schmaltz, loads of schmaltz of very little artistic merit.

[@ImaginaryEvil]

That's not to say he couldn't read music though, he could read fluently

[@stellertonybeller1972]

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 .

[@hilaryapril7043]

So do i...hardly slept didn't want to miss anything

[@basslinejoe7546]

We were quite fortunate with just 13 working channels on tv, but when the MDA came on. Hehehe I stayed awake just to watch all the talented musicians I was way too young to see live. 😂

[@thomascefalo938]

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

[@joeburgess8774]

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

[@charleenfrankie4616]

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.

[@michaelmanger8640]

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

[@ms.annthrope415]

He didnt play the piano. He played the skin flute. 😅

[@ChannelMaster720]

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

[@beverlydavis503]

Miss that TALENT in the performers of T V today.

[@user-nx7tk4qo6e]

このゴージャスな舞台を2022年の今KZbinで見られる幸せ( ´˘` )💞

[@karolm4045]

So very true, Sylvia!

[@karolm4045]

@@beverlydavis503 Yes, I do too as well, Beverly.😊

[@princeharming8963]

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

[@cherylreed1575]

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

[@GodOfMySalvationIsYeshua]

Why not, they're just keys. Piano is the easiest instrument to master

[@kevinmalone3210]

​@@GodOfMySalvationIsYeshuaUmm, no. It's not the easiest instrument to master. Like most any musical instrument, it takes years of hard work, practice to master any instrument. Even then, not everyone can do it because they lack the ability. Try playing the piano like Liberace did.

[@robertovens9372]

Untouchable! absolute genius!

[@amazingcato5315]

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

[@DreamseedVR]

As a person who uses their hands for many dexturous performing art skills. I think he probably wore them very often and they became invisible to him

[@albertpeterson5585]

..this is the same outfit he wore for his appearance on Johnny carson; the coat weighs 25-30 pounds alone. (Lee said it was one of the lighter ones.)

[@kevinmalone3210]

His fingers were strong enough to carry the weight.

[@billmkyzl933]

When asked how he plays with all those rings he said very well

[@melatomic]

His teacher made him play with lead weights during practice, for strength and dexterity. He said he felt light fingered and “flighty” with out the rings.

[@miriamhdez7404]

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

[@keltus_warrior6491]

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

[@emilymatt9999]

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

[@varietyguy]

Eighties? Liberace was a household name in the mid 1950s. Didn’t you research him and perform your diligence? He loved George Gershwin.

[@melatomic]

lol - Liberace was a household name in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s,…and even though he passed near on 4 decades ago, I say he’s still a legend.

[@emilymatt9999]

@@varietyguy YOU TALKIN' TO ME IN THAT TONE???...I THINK NOT

[@remymermay4813]

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.

[@princeharming8963]

YES!

[@kathryngriegoloslunas915]

😭I loved him got to spend some quality time knowing who the real Liberace was. I may be the only female girl that has seen him in his fruit of the loom underpants costumes . I worked with him in a unique way ...way Stories no one has heard. It was a beautiful kind person inside and out. He never drank so he'd have his champagne sent to my room, instead of just leaving it there. I can hear his voice like yesterday.

[@kathryngriegoloslunas915]

Each ring he wore where gifts to him.

[@user-tu6rp6bn5n]

I'm sure he is playing the piano in heaven 🎉🎉🎉

[@neilyoung5116]

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.

[@charleenfrankie4616]

And he played only Baldwin pianos which were the best in the world. My favorite for bright clear sounds, as well.

[@karolm4045]

Yes, they were fortunate to see him live. I only saw him on television but, oh what inspiration he gave to all of us watching. I now can sing, play the piano, organ, base guitar, tambourine because of him. And, am currently learning to play the harmonica..in all chords! After that, I am going to learn how to play the flute. Thank you, Liberace!...for inspiring me to dive into music!

[@varietyguy]

Oscar Levant

[@eyoung2289]

He was amazing for sure

[@joseph_b319]

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.

[@ssnoc]

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

[@gailwebb9619]

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

[@GandalfGreyhame3]

This man LIVED!

[@glenm5034]

Liberace a national treasure

[@Mike___Honcho]

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.

[@tombreen932]

@@Mike___Honcho he was not a ham he was a showmen every venue he played he sold it out he was a lot like John Denver he loved to entertain people they both interacted with the people they were at there best entertaining people period

[@Mike___Honcho]

@@tombreen932 OK, tom. don't get your boa in a knot ! it's a difference of perception and opinion. i think any man over 50 years old that does a chorus line kick routine dressed in sequined shorts and swinging a drum majorette baton IS a ham. showman ? sure, why not ?

[@MrMelgibstein]

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

[@robertlewis8394]

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

[@tombreen932]

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

[@susanwinson4373]

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

[@LoverOFhopeANDcompassion]

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

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Yes: Lee tickled the ivories like an angel: an energetic, gentle, effortless, sweet spirited angel. Imagine a concert in Heaven, and Lee playing for us- and God.

[@tombreen932]

@@LoverOFhopeANDcompassion his water fountain concert were so amazing they had to stop them they were putting people in to a tranz like sleep

[@karolm4045]

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.

[@charleenfrankie4616]

You're amazing Karol. I only remember seeing him a few times as a child but always loved him and I play piano and he is always an inspiration. I click on his Piano Concerto #1 all the time and still get chills watching this genius play the piano. Presently I just bought a book that he wrote himself and it is extremely enlightening as to his beautiful character. "The Wonderful Private World of Liberace". I bought it used at Thrift Books and it has pictures and lots of things you would have never known about him. When my Son was young we were in Marshal's and he came up to me with a crystal candelabra and said, "Mom lets buy this as a memory of Liberace". He was only about 6 or 7yr. old.

[@DayShiftNoWknd]

Astounding! Liberace was the best in the world!

[@albertpeterson5585]

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.

[@RaveDave871]

How can ya not adore Liberace ? He gifted us gay old time for so many years

[@jorgesixtoantonio3162]

GREAT LIBERACE, THE BEST EVER

[@daphnenapier1102]

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

[@rjdoyle6983]

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

[@jeanhooker6194]

P

[@xanderz8496]

wow did you really know him personally?!?

[@rjdoyle6983]

@@xanderz8496 Yes. A very personal friend and mentor starting in 1967. His off stage persona more brilliant than the Entertainer. A heart of pure Gold

[@xanderz8496]

@@rjdoyle6983 That's amazing. I listen to his performances at least 3-4 times a week. And I get goosebumps everytime. I swear he's my guardian angel or something - I only wish I had been around to see him perform live. He is a daily inspiration to me!

[@alicecoleman5532]

Heart of gold in real life, that is exactly how I picture him from his performances and interaction with his audiences. Thank you so much for expressing your experiences with him. How fortunate you are to have had a personal relationship with the beloved Liberace.

[@jellyfish3333]

The One and Only! Bravo, Maestro!

[@tombreen932]

He was one of the best at his art there will never be another Liberace

[@dayshiftnowknd7853]

Watching in 2021 and thoroughly entertained!

[@tombreen932]

@@dayshiftnowknd7853 he is so missed he would still sell out concerts today

[@tecumsehhughes618]

My parents and I always loved his performances!

[@annatackett9790]

Genius! He still brings joy through his music and and kind personality.

[@simsingh4613]

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

[@jacknapier9026]

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

[@Stigggs]

I'm old enough that my parents told me that I would watch the original Liberace show from my crib. Although I don't remember it my parents said I would go nuts every time the man played the piano. I've played piano for my entire life. Maybe he had something to do with it?

[@graceonline320]

Was this guy a genius or what!

[@marshallbates4875]

Heaven is being greeted by Liberace playing piano

[@terrybohannon2730]

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.

[@tommcnamara6176]

I agree. My brotherand his wife saw himin Vegas and raved about his show....must have been a real treat!

[@ricarellan]

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

[@gothangotay6489]

What a piano, what a costume!

[@bobbywimsy6741]

What an angelic tickler of the ivories.

[@EdnardoBenevides]

The greatest!

[@PhilipHGaskin]

Exquisite. Elegant. Formidable. Always.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Now performing faultlessly- in Heaven. Front row seat: God Himself, beaming from Ear to Ear.

[@suziemills2201]

Genius 😀👍

[@joijaxx]

Truly amazing and truly Mr. Showmanship!

[@butchdugan]

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!!

[@MJ-qb5ph]

Agree - he has such universal reach - his could you not live this guy! He’s fantastic

[@toddschmieder7873]

Italian and Polish

[@billhilton3265]

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

[@scotthutch3682]

My grandma f’ing loved this guy !

[@ta7077]

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

[@biggsyboy3550]

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

[@livsophie7801]

even his hair is stoned! i’m obsessed

[@iworkout6912]

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.

[@palmkelly]

I absolutely concur . Lived in Vegas for 35 years .😁

[@albertpeterson5585]

...the Liberace Garage and Museum in Las Vegas.

[@davidcarroll1883]

NoBody can beat that!!

[@keithmorris4801]

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

[@theamazingempiricist]

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

[@byhisstripesmusic6674]

When/where were you able to do that? I’m intrigued!

[@ghostdu8315]

@@byhisstripesmusic6674 I want to know too

[@paulrahme]

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

[@totallyfrozen]

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.

[@davidcarroll8735]

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

[@SarahKayeRen]

This cat freaking rocked!

[@nancysloan3731]

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!

[@eternallyglowing]

That piano is magnificently perfect 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@janehooten7484]

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! 😂

[@jorgesixtoantonio3162]

Amazing the Great Liberace, Thanks you

[@davidhague7018]

Ira, George, and Lee, bravo!

[@Mickkie]

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

[@angelwingz892]

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

[@j.c.b6473]

Sweet Lee. No other like him.

[@lucysuttlr4740]

Magnificent

[@Finding457]

Amazing performer and a very kind and lovely man

[@kenhurley4441]

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

[@The_TOD_1]

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

[@jeromykriege9649]

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

[@Luvmybris]

He was extra an I love it 🥰