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Title
Devoted family
Alternative Title
Valley Times Photo Collection
Contributor
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
Date Created and/or Issued
1954
Contributing Institution
Los Angeles Public Library
Collection
Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection
Rights Information
Images available for reproduction and use. Please see the Ordering & Use page at http://tessa.lapl.org/OrderingUse.html for additional information.
Description
Photograph was edited for publication purposes
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.
First photograph caption dated June 10, 1954 reads "Mrs. Frances Liberace and her sons, George and his wife Jayne, and Liberace who gives credit to his parents for developing his talent as a pianist and showmanship. Liberace will be one of the top money makers of 1954 in show business."; Second photograph caption dated October 23, 1958 reads "In happier days. Family of pianist Liberace is shown gathered in happier days in front of his Encino home. Now, Mrs. Frances Liberace say brothers Lee and George have split up. She says she won't watch Liberace's performances until they reconcile. In photo, above, are George, his wife, Lee and Mrs. Liberace." The home, at 15405 Valley Vista Boulevard, is actually in Sherman Oaks.
Type
Image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;26 x 21 cm.
Photographic prints
Identifier
00137823
Valley Times Collection
HCNVT_d045_f12_i19; H-18365.2 4x5
CARL0005679454
http://173.196.26.125/cdm/ref/collection/photos/id/67606
Subject
Liberace,--1919-1987
Liberace, George
Liberace,--1919-1987--Family
Liberace, George--Family
Men--California--Los Angeles
Women--California--Los Angeles
Families--California--Los Angeles
Couples--California--Los Angeles
Pianists--United States
Violinists--United States
Entertainers--United States
Dwellings--California--Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles)
Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Portrait photographs
Group portraits
Valley Times Collection photographs
Time Period
1951-1960

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