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The third "wonder" is still a top draw for faithful fans. Thousands remember the glitz and glamour of the first "King of Bling." At the Liberace Museum, which Mr. Showmanship himself opened April 15,1979, flocks of older folks still come to renew memories of the man who captivated them with his flamboyant piano playing, flashy cars and fantastic costumes. Today's hip-hop over-the-top performers are still learning about sensational theatrical effects from this master who lived 1919 - 1987.  Serious and dedicated car collectors insist on authenticity when restoring their vintage automobiles, so many may cringe upon seeing the elaborately ornate vehicles displayed at the Liberace Museum; but not nostalgic and loyal fans. Gasps of astonishment still greet the 1962 Phantom V Landau Rolls Royce covered with thousands of mirror-tiles that matched the similarly mirrored piano on which the maestro often played. Some two-dozen books, and even more websites, are filled with data about the performer. Bob Thomas, in his 1987 biography, "Liberace: the True Story," points out the entertainer never even drove a car until he bought an Oldsmobile 88 when he was thirty; but for the rest of his life, automobiles represented Hollywood glamour rather than transportation. The first ornate car, according to Thomas, was the 1954 El Dorado Cadillac. It featured piano-key leather upholstery, mink carpeting and gold trim. This author describes the black and white Rolls-Royce as a model only Queen Elizabeth, John Lennon and four others owned, as well as the "fully restored, tomato-red 1939 Ford Model A" that also made its grand entrance at the huge theater of the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel in 1972. Thomas writes, "The collection grew: an ice-blue Mercedes Excalibur; a 1957 London taxicab painted in black and white houndstooth; a diamond studded dune buggy, air-conditioned; a 1900 Oldsmobile surrey, top speed 25 mph; a Cadillac Seville stretch limousine; a gull-winged metallic gold Bradley GT; a Jaguar XKE; a Lincoln Executive limousine in white leather and blue velvet; plus station wagons and trucks to carry the Liberace costumes and artifacts." Not all the 39 pianos the collector owned nor all his cars and costumes can possibly be displayed - or described -at one time, so museum exhibits rotate and change. Visitors learn that in order to reach the ornate pianos at which he sat, transportation - and helpers - were often essential. Most jackets and capes weighed from 40 - 100 pounds, but the artist couldn't just stroll onto a stage. He was chauffeured into audience view, dramatically alighted from his dazzling vehicle with appropriate pomp and assistance. Numerous dimensions marked this man whose life had elements of pathos as well as giddiness; he was gauche, extravagant and caring, a talented musician who chose style vs. substance. Much of his legacy is reflected in the Museum that funds the foundation and generous scholarships he created: his impressive stash of antiques, fine art, and jewelry; his cars, his homes and many dogs; his love of cooking; and the list goes on and on. The Liberace Museum is located at 1775 East Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89119. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students with valid school I.D. For hours and information, call (702) 798-5595 or visit www.Liberace.org All photos by Tom Graves, www.tomgraves.com |
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