February 4 is Liberace Day, honouring the anniversary of the passing of Wladziu Valentino Liberace — the pianist whose flair, charisma, and over‑the‑top glamour made him one of the most unforgettable entertainers of the 20th century. Some fans even insisted Elvis had nothing on him, and honestly, few performers ever matched Liberace’s combination of musical talent and theatrical spectacle.
Born in 1919 in Wisconsin to Italian and Polish parents, Liberace was a prodigy who learned piano by ear at age four. His father, a classical musician, hoped he’d follow a traditional path — but Liberace had other plans. Before fame found him, he played anywhere he could: clubs, theatres, weddings, even cabarets and strip clubs during the Great Depression under the stage name Walter Busterkeys.
By the 1940s, he was touring the Midwest, determined to bring music to the masses rather than a narrow classical audience. His signature sound blended pop, classical, ragtime, and honky‑tonk — a mix that helped him build a massive following. Soon he was headlining major shows across the United States, with Las Vegas becoming his unofficial second home.
And the performances? Pure spectacle. Rhinestone‑studded costumes, ornate pianos, candelabras, dramatic entrances — Liberace turned concerts into events. Critics sometimes dismissed the extravagance, but fans adored him, and his influence on showmanship is still felt today.
Liberace Day celebrates not just the performer, but the joy, glamour, and individuality he brought to the stage — and the courage it took to be unapologetically himself in an era that wasn’t always kind to difference.
Before you head into your day, here’s your Tillsonburg fuel update:
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Pioneer: $124.9
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Esso: $124.9
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Shell: $124.6
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Petro Canada: $125.9
Whether your morning feels classical, pop, or full rhinestone sparkle, keep your tank full and your day shining.
