I know what happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas, but with HBO’s ‘Behind the Candelabra’ winning a couple of big awards at the 71st Golden Globes, I was reminded that I once got to ‘play’ Liberace’s grand piano when I visited the lovingly put together but lightly attended Liberace Museum. I asked the only other patron to take this pic.
I was in Las Vegas to present the keynote for an association’s national sales conference, had some down time, and decided to drop by. The woman who oversaw the museum asked me if I wanted a tour. I said, “Yes, thank you.” In the main room, surrounded by fabulous outfits and other Liberace treasures was Liberace’s very ornate personal grand piano he had made for his home.
It was on a small, slowly revolving stage in the center of the room. I said, “Wow.” She said generously, “If you play, you may.” (I think she was bored.) I said, “Yes, thank you.”
I hopped up there and gave it my best shot. However, my best shot is an unnamed original composition that focuses mostly on the center of the piano and the chords C, F and G performed with slightly robust rockabilly gusto (no feet on the piano mind you, this was Liberace’s piano not Jerry Lee Lewis’).
After I finished my performance, I turned to her, she smiled and tilted her head as if to say, ‘I thought you could play.” I caught her drift and said, “Well, I’m no Liberace.” She laughed and thanked me for ‘trying’.
“I’ll find you in the mornin’ sun,
Congrats to Michael Douglas and “Behind the Candelabra”.