This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation and Photo Friends
Liberace was born Wladziu Valentino Liberace on May 16, 1919 in West Allis, Wisconsin, the son of working class Italian immigrants. A piano prodigy from an early age, Liberace's career spanned four decades, including concerts, recordings, television, motion pictures, and endorsements. Liberace was one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world from the 1950s to the 1970s, a regular Las Vegas entertainer, and an international sensation. His brother George, a violinist, often joined him during performances. Nicknamed "Mr. Showmanship" Liberace's flamboyant excess both on and off stage, endeared him to people. He died on February 4, 1987.; George Liberace was born on July 31, 1933 in Menasha, Wisconsin. He was the brother and business partner of Liberace. He appeared regularly on his brother's television show in the 1950s as violin accompanist and orchestral arranger. On occasions when he did not appear, Liberace would often say "I wish my brother George was here." George died on October 16, 1983. Photograph caption dated July 20, 1957 reads "Mrs. Frances Liberace, mother of famed pianist, rouses from sedatives in Sherman Oaks home she shares with son after she was beaten by thugs in her garage. Comforting her are daughter-in-law, Mrs. Jane Liberace, wife of son, George, and her dog, Suzette. Dog, who was frightened by intruders, howled for hours after attack."
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;13 x 15 cm. Photographic prints
Liberace,--1919-1987--Family Liberace, George--Family Women--California--Los Angeles Victims of crimes--California--Los Angeles Pet owners--California--Los Angeles Pets--California--Los Angeles Poodles--California--Los Angeles Dogs--California--Los Angeles Crime--California--Los Angeles Bedding--California--Los Angeles Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles, Calif.) Portrait photographs Group portraits Valley Times Collection photographs
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.