Liberace died of pneumonia on February 4, 1987; his body had been weakened by AIDS. He was sixty-seven years old. In measuring the influence of his style, one only has to look at Elvis, Lady Gaga, Little Richard, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Cee Lo Green. Liberace’s display of excess and opulence in his extreme costuming paved the way for future superstars.
Liberace and Elvis Presley met twice, both times in 1956. The first time was during Elvis’s two-week run at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas; the second time was six months later, at Liberace’s show at the Riviera. At the Riviera show, Liberace noticed Elvis in the audience and decided it’d be fun to serenade him. Afterward, they met in Liberace’s dressing room. The Riviera’s press agent, there to photograph the meeting of the two musical idols, suggested that they exchange jackets—Liberace’s gold lamé tuxedo jacket for Elvis’s sport coat. Musical instruments were also exchanged, with Liberace playing a guitar and Elvis on the piano. The ensuing jam session lasted almost a half hour.
Four months later, Elvis wore a full gold lamé suit for his spring tour. Liberace had influenced Elvis’s style and would continue to influence it throughout his career. Elvis would soon be known for his jewel and rhinestone jumpsuits and capes.
Lady Gaga has often been called the female Liberace—his performances have been a great influence on her costuming, props, and exaggerated style. In her song “Dance in the Dark,” she uses his name. Little Richard called himself the “Bronze Liberace.” Elton John gives Liberace credit for influencing the flashy costumes John donned in the seventies, which were highly adorned with rhinestones, feathers, and fur. Michael Jackson was a personal friend of Liberace’s and it is easy to see Liberace’s influence on Jackson’s late seventies and early eighties costumes. Cee Lo Green’s grandiose Las Vegas show, “Loberace,” was given its name in tribute to Green’s biggest influence.
Through the sparkle of the jewels and rhinestones, the legacy that Liberace left to the world shines the brightest. He’ll forever be remembered as one of the world’s most outlandish, flamboyant performers. He experienced hard times, a rough childhood, a career crash, a million-dollar lawsuit filed by his former lover, and tough critics, but he always overcame the challenges. In prevailing, he single-handedly reshaped the entertainment industry. He paved the way for a new art of performance—one which embraced showmanship as well as artistry—and today’s stars follow in his footprints.
Liberace in a hot pants Americana costume.
Liberace in a fully embellished suit and cape.