If Liberace was headlining in Las Vegas, I'm afraid that there would not be any discounted tickets to see him in concert since he died on Feb. 4, 1987. Even if he was still living, many people would pay extra to see "Mr. Showmanship" play the piano. Liberace was best known for his lighted candelabra which always adorned his piano and his flamboyant outfits and gaudy rings. He was born on May 16, 1919 and by the age of 20 had become a soloist with the Chicago Symphony. In the '50s he had his own television series for which he was awarded two Emmy's. He also played to sold out audiences at the major entertainment venues, like Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. In 1955 he opened at the Las Vegas Riviera and at the time was the highest paid performer in Vegas. The Liberace Museum, which he opened on On April 15, 1979, had his collection of pianos, his wardrobe and jewelry on display, among other Liberace memorabilia.

During his lifetime, Liberace did all he could to prevent the public from finding out that he was gay. But that facade came crashing down in 1983 when his companion of five years, Scott Thorson sued him for support. The case was settled out of court for $95,000. Thorson, by the way, claimed in 2004 that he had an affair with Michael Jackson in the '70's. Liberace contracted the HIV virus and died shortly after leaving the hospital in January, 1987. He is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood Hills.

On Oct. 17, 2010, the museum closed its doors. The Liberace Foundation is still in existence and over the years has awarded over $6 million to talented musicians. For information about Liberace and the foundation you can send inquiries to info@liberace.org. Or you can visit their website: http://www.liberace.org/.