I worked in a convalescent in Sacramento Ca that was caring for his father in the late 70s and he came there to see his dad and George was living in Sacramento at the time. He paid to put color TV in every patient's room and that was a big deal back then. He also sent a bunch of Christmas tree bulbs with his face on them. He was a very nice person. Thanks for the video.
Thank you. I am a black married man with 3 children from Compton and Los Angeles. Liberace's influence was far and wide. I was always so very impressed with this man's extreme talent and showmanship. He seemed so very happy all of the time and just genuinely nice. I was saddened by his death. This was one of the BEST and most informative interviews I have ever seen. Again-thank you! I tell you, this man MUST have a book written. He would be a great technical advisor for any future Liberace biopics.
I agree with you. He seems very knowledgeable and good natured. But if he was not one of Kiberace's boyfriends how does he know so much? He claims the settlement between Scott Thorson and Liberace was finally settled for $165,000. How would he know such a thing? When Liberace died he gave his lover Carrie James anywhere from $500,000 to $700,000, or so he claims in this video. If he was not involved in those financial matters then how in the world would he know such a thing?
@@David-vt3hn I would think those settlements would be would be public records. Although he may just have knowledge of things first hand. The gay community is always small enough no matter what city or town in America, that word gets around about members of the community.
@@cherryedwards8117 And you know this HOW???? Were you there? You heard Steve. They were good friends and 'NO MONKEY BUSINESS!' He lived on Liberace's property so that sounds like good friends to ME!
@@edwardbaker1331 Maybe you misread my comment. Steve clearly stated that there was NEVER any sex with him and Liberace. He was not only his student, but a really good friend. And Liberace treated him VERY well. Let him live on his estate and would have even let him live rent free if Steve hadn't insisted on paying Liberace rent! So that disproves her statement!
Such a pleasure to have been introduced to Steve Garey via this interview. In hopes that he views comments made here, I am compelled to relay my sincere admiration for and appreciation of this well spoken man of integrity. Indeed it is more rare than I care to think that I come across an individual of such fine character. I would give him the key to my home at this very moment.
@@LiberaceProtegeHa! My pleasure Steve. Had an extra house key made....your name on it. Wishing you a joyous holiday season from the Tar Heel State. 🎄🐶🐺🎹💕
To have a friend stand up for you when your voice goes silent is priceless. Steve was probably Liberace’s only true friend. I only wish that Steve has at least one good friend like that in his own life. His gentle demeanour radiates through the camera. I learned so much about humanity watching this interview but I want to thank Steve for being a stand-up man when everyone and everything was falling apart. God bless you, mister. And PJ is a clear example of the gentle energy he is subjected to.
It's absolutely wonderful to hear from someone who has so much love for another person. Makes many of us wonder if we will have at least one person who will care for us when we are gone 🤔
@@LiberaceProtege struck by your "old fashioned values"in this interview.Sadly kindness, lasting friendship(after death), truthfulness and gentleness.are not seen so much in the modern age.I loved Lee as a child, drawn by his exuberant playing and smile.He was one of the greats ❤❤❤
What a tragic end to the life of such a talented & kind musical giant! He was a true showman in the truest sense of the word... who gave his audience everything he had, and then some! What an extraordinary artist! Over the years, I've read & heard many stories about Liberace, but never anything as poignant and personal as this! A REAL story from a true friend's perspective who was actually around when things happened, and who knew a side of his friend, that others did not. As a friend, mentor & colleague... Liberace probably discussed personal things with him, that others were not privy to. He really should write a book, to let people know the OTHER side of the negative stories that have been written about him!! He has been so unfairly trashed by lovers, so-called friends, & others just looking to make a buck! I have a little story of my own, that comes to mind every time I listen to his music from my youtube playlist... As a teenager, I watched him, with my family, never knowing our paths would briefly cross one day! It was at a department store counter in Hollywood, around the mid 60's. I'd been a theatre arts student in NY, (my hometown) then at the Pasadena Playhouse... and after graduation, decided to move to Hollywood, and try my luck in tinsletown! One day, I was looking at dress gloves... when suddenly, there stood Liberace, & an older gentleman, a few steps away... shopping for an evening bag! I looked over & recall he was smiling broadly and acknowledging the staff & customers, & that he wore a beautiful white silk scarf! He held up 3 bags, & looking over at me... asked which one I liked best, or would I buy of the 3. I looked them over and picked a small & lovely white beaded bag, which the hanging price tag indicated cost $19.99! He said I had very good taste, thanked me & asked the sales girl to please wrap it up, quickly... as he was in a hurry! We exchanged blowy kisses and waves...and in a flash, he was gone! It was one of many Hollywood memories over the next 18 year's I lived there... and certainly, one of the sweetest! I was about 22 then... and now, almost 81! What a ride!
What a great historian this man is! He’s one of the few people left in our world that’s really a true friend. He deserved a few kind words from his mother while he grieved the loss of his friend. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Is Alex the Catholic church in Liberace clusters the name of the property is abandoned with abandoned Hotel 199 and his work with Frank Sinatra Liberace and Steve only 1981 great sense of humour auction Steve Liberace Liberace his name is Liberace with she was late Liberace elite l e y Liberace last name was all his name was EE Leigh L E L E Lee 0 clusters Liberace
@olivelane5619 That's a different Scott. The Scott who sold his story last name was Thornton or something similar. Liberace had the young man undergo extensive plastic surgery to look like him. Two very different people. This man sounds like a true friend without ulterior motives.
You know based on his tribute to Liberace, this man strikes me as the kind of person who wouldn't care about any money. He really is an impressive man and friend. 👍 ♡
Steve seems like a wonderful human being and it's awful that he lost his best friend and respect for his mother in the same day. Shame on her for saying that and bless Steve for being so kind and spreading good stories about a talented man.
@@LiberaceProtege your wonderful Steve did you marry? Thanks for sharing your experience and wonderful friendship with us, I hope Lee realised what a wonderful friend he had in you , if you are ever in the UK look me up x ❤
As he said it was the comment of a person of their generation. An older generation who did not understand or accept homosexuality. It was uncalled for, cruel and hurtful, but many who died of aids were subjected to that kind of comment.
@@janekeenan2372 Yes. I met my late husband in 1991 in the Netherlands and we were married a year later. We had 28 great years together before he passed quite suddenly from stomach cancer in 2020.
I thought the same thing that Steve should write a book. Such a wonderful story teller with tenderness, love and great respect for Liberace.I grew up watching Liberace and loved every moment of it. God bless you Mr. Garvey.
I grew up in a home watching Liberace on the Muppet show and Johnny Carson and my whole family knew that he was a gay man because we had a gay family member and we didn’t care we just loved him for his talent and his passion for his music. He was an absolutely incredible artist and his death was the end of an era. Thank you for sharing your story of love and loss. I am lucky that I grew up able to watch such an amazing talent play on television and in a family that never cared about who people loved. RIP Liberace .
As a new grad RN ….I was one of the few to step up and care for the HIV patients. I was cautious. I never forgot their humanity and treated them as such. I have good memories. What a shame to treat anyone like this. Let alone a kind generous man. Sorry, Lee! RIP Liberace the great man of showmanship. ❤️
I worked in a ltf that was owned by the sisters of Mercy in PHX. We were the first facility that cared for HIV pts. I was in charge of the education of the staff. I met with resistance at first. But eventually they accepted it and we had a special Dr that took care of the HIV pts and treated them with respect and love
Thanks Scott for keeping Lee's memory alive. Thanks Steve for being a true friend for Lee, in a world that literally screws everyone over. You are a legend yourself Sir!
I have been going to rock concerts for 30 years. Rock is my favorite style of music. In my early thirties my dad took me to a Liberace open air concert ( Pine Knob, Mi). What a gifted man. His talent blew me away. He put all the rock gods to shame! It was the best concert I have ever been to in my life and I have been to many, many concerts. I was very sad at his passing. The world lost an incredible artist and man! Excellent video.
The fact that you have such a high opinion of Liberace’s music tells me that you understand and appreciate music in general. It’s wonderful that you are open-minded enough to explore different styles and performers, and this is a credit to YOU! Btw, many rock musicians enjoy listening and playing classical and many diverse forms of music. Blessings to you and yours.
@@LiberaceProtege Hi Steve, thank you for a fantastic interview. I would love to know if you have any memories of Maila Nurmi who performed with Liberace in Las Vegas? ❤x
Thank you for a wonderful review of Liberace years in Palm Springs. As a child l admired his performance on TV and his music was divine and brought joy to so many people. Both of the presenters were outstanding and you spoke of your friend in the most loving and caring way. Thank you again for the happy memories.
It's so sad that we lost all these great people like Liberace, Freddie Mercury and Rock Hudson to AIDS only to find medicine that saved lives not long after. Heartbreaking.
Unfortunately, it takes the sacrifice of life to get to the lifesaving treatment. Same with COVID. It took a lot longer for AIDS to be figured out, though.
@@amiblueful yeah I guess you're right. And you know there's a guy that found a cure for cancer and the poor man has been sued by the AMA, FDA, every 3-letter agency you can think of. That should confirm it for you. He's still alive, found the cure in the 80's. His name is Bursynski, in Katy, TX USA. Too much money to be made by big pharma to allow the cure to come out.
Better than any interview I have ever seen on network TV or anywhere. You were a great host because you did not interrupt him and he was a great guest because his sincerity, loyalty and compassion for his friend came through. Wow. This blew me away. I was riveted. 🙌
YES!!! All while being 💯 about Lee's not such great quality (lack of compassion for addiction, blinders on, etc., etc.) & his own regrets (not being honest with Lee about the theft if the $17,000). Just an absolute amazing man!
Such a GREAT INTERVIEW!! I had the incredible honor in meeting Liberace with my mom when I was 11yrs old. He was such an amazing individual and amazing talent. I remember it so very well as if it was yesterday. He signed his biography book for us which I treasure dearly to this day. He spoke to me about my playing guitar and etc. He is an remains a 100% influence on my being a musician. Such a Beautiful, Humble and Kind man.
I remember watching the Liberace Show on TV as a child. Such an entertainer! I was 35 when he died so I assumed he was an "old" man. Now I realize he was "only" 67 years old and I will be 72 in June. Gone too soon! Thank you for this interview with Steve, Scott.
You can tell almost straight away, people give off a vibe when they are either really trustworthy or snakes, the in between ones can be harder but generally I would say always trust your gut instinct.
I used to live basically next door to Liberace in the late 70's until 1980 and I was a young girl who skated all over the very ground you both are standing on! How wonderful to wake up to this fascinating interview and Blast From The Past!!! I had a walkman and used to listen to Blondie while skating like it was my job! Such Great memories! Thank You 💗
@@oneseeker2 I lived on Palm Canyon Drive and I caught the school bus in the parking lot area that Scott was standing in for the latter part of the interview. I went to that church. I was 'basically' equal distance from Liberace's home and to the church. His home was behind where I lived, with no homes in between, just that parking lot.
I watched every documentary on Liberace and this is without a doubt the best one. Steve is a wonderful honest guy and it’s so good that he shared everything with us. Thank you very much. Thank you Scott for making this.
Well, after over an hour with this man via video, I have to say he comes across as a sincere, loving friend and person. Even though he was upfront about Liberace's weaknesses, he always ended up talking about his strengths. Excellent interview!
When a loved one died, I once witnessed a literal car chase from the graveside to the deceased's home. While the undertakers were burying the body, there was a free for all and nasty arguments over items going on at the house. I was 14 and have never forgotten that.
Death makes people do shitty things. I've heard of some people not even going to the graveside services they're racing back to the house to clean it out or stake claim on things. My friend her brother was going through their father's stuff as he was going through it he was posting it online to sell. This was the day the guy died! Death brings out the shittiest and greediest ways of people.
Yep. It's one of the most scumbagish, low life, bottom feeder things you can do. This very thing is happening to me right now. Going to court in two weeks, on the 28th to address it. Some people are just plain old trash. Smh
Steve, I am so sorry for the horrible words your mom told you when you told her you’d lost your best friend. I can tell it still hurts. I’m so very sorry. 😢❤
I'm so glad Steve was able to tell his story. What a great storyteller. I really enjoyed this. Steve seemed a great friend, Lee was lucky to have you as a friend. Great upload. Thanks for this. x.
A wonderful interview, given in a calm and respectful manner, thank you so much Scott for letting Steve Garvey speak without interruption, what a lovely humble man he is. I hope for more great interviews on this channel, the bar is extremely high with this subject matter, God bless you Scott!
@@turboredcart AMEN ! and thank you for being a wonderful interviewer Scott. This is about the 3rd time I watched this interview and l learn something I missed from the first time I watched it. I am STILL a big fan of Liberace and have never tired of his beautiful piano playing since I first watched his show in the 1950’s. A sweet man that is very much missed and thank God he is preserved on film and recordings for generations to listen and watch ❤❤❤❤
This video was absolutely fascinating. The story teller was amazing and a true friend of Liberace. I have great respect for Steve. I was shocked about the jewelry heist. That totally stunned me. RIP Mr Liberace, God bless him, he was a beautiful human being.
@LiberaceProtege I'm sure you probably seen this, but it's an EXCELLENT article written in Aug 1988 in the Los Angeles times about the disgusting court drama that played out with the "family" as they called themselves, All to get Lee's attorney off the trust, etc.. Which now I see why you said several times that he is STILL Lee's attorney to this day. He had to fight all of the people Lee thought was his closest friends, all to fight the will. I find it pretty telling that Mr. Liberace only left Dorothy $5,000, he left his housekeeper, the woman he called his second mother, more than that (car or a house and 50k if I remember correctly). It seems that it's like Lee knew in the end, there was tomfoolery afoot.. I'm so glad his attorney won, as he seemed so grateful, bc something like that could have destroyed his career, but not only that, he was the only one on the payroll that actually had morals and did his job as he was paid to do and didn't take advantage of his client. A man among thieves, unfortunately for him. But, thank God good won out in the end. Thank you so much for sharing that part of your life with us. I wasn't even ten when he passed, but my mom told me my grandmother LOOOVED Liberace! She also passed from emphysema at 65 in the early 90s. She obviously had excellent taste in music and musicians 😊 I hope you have a healthy & happy New Year!
@@LiberaceProtegeit wasn't allowed to stay, it was a li nk to the article I spoke about above.... LA times, writen by Peter King Aug 1988 the Title was Liberaces Last Agony: Ugly Battle Over Entertainers Estate Strips His Life of Any of its Final Secrets. A very good read. Im sure Scott has seen. But if not he should Def read it.
@@Em22-wtf My grandmother loved Liberace as well. We lived in Missouri and as a child in rhe 50's on Sat night she watched some of the musical and entertainment shows on TV at that time. Did Liberace have a show late 50's or early 60's? I remw.ber seeing him on TV. NO one looked or entertained the way Liberace did. I think people were more formal in dress back then. My grandmother, husband, children and grandchildren sat around and the grand parents sang! My mom sang with my dad sometimes at parties. He was a country western singer-guitar player, had his band and fulltime job then. Hramdmother's sister was a great piano player and everyone stood around and sang to Aunt Laura's playing. Another sister was very musical and owned local old picture show but also did musicals there. Both her children played piano, the grandson had a rock band. Music and singing even the men sang-was a regular thing back then. While Liberace was strange to look at-not in a mean way-you could tell when he spoke he was a kind man. You could hear it in hos voice! It's a shame Liberace didn't have some security at home/or during travel. I was pretty angry to hear what the trusted "boyfriend" and "maid" did to Liberace-stealing $17,000! Then stealing his jewelry seconds after his death! Disgusting, vile behavior
Very moving!💔 Especially about Steve’s phone call to his mother after Liberace death. That got me.😔 This was the best interview that you have done Scott. Steve shared great details about his friendship and experiences with Liberace.What a genuine friend!❤
Listening to the beautiful bird song in the background made me realize why Lee would love this home so much. Knowing how birds remain close to their birthplace, the birds we're hearing are direct descendants of the ones he listened to!
This gentleman is so interesting. His knowledge from the 1930’s up until now is amazing. This interview was respectfully informing of a one of a lifetime performer. Thank you. 💜☮️
I remember my grandma and parents always loved Liberace and seeing him perform on television growing up in the 70s. My grandma was a very religious person and I never heard one negative thing about him or his lifestyle (those were definitely different times) and I can also say that my uncle who passed away young (33) from kidney disease was a very talented singer/songwriter who had written Liberace several times about getting into the music business and Liberace wrote him back and was going to help him had he not become to sick. Yes it’s a fact and Liberace was a very sincere and kind person aside from being such a great talent and star. Very good interview 👍
My late aunt saw him perform in Las Vegas. With the 'dancing waters.' She said it was the best show she ever saw. I don't think most of the 'grandmothers' knew he was gay. Like you said, it was different times. I think most of them thought the flamboyancy was just part of his act.
I remember watching him on TV spending Sat nights at my grandparents. His costume’s were so flashy & unique. I remember being very impressed. He was bigger than life!
@@julielarson3107 He sure was over the top. So many people didn't know he was actually one of the best concert pianists at the time. Because he put so much showmanship into his performances.
I was young, but I remember when Liberace died. So many bad things were said about him at the time due to his death from AIDS, and he didn't do anything wrong. It's just so sad. He deserved better from people. It sounds like he was a really good person who was taken advantage of by a lot of people. Thank you for interviewing Steve so that everyone would know the truth.
What a wonderful video. I watched it twice in a row! Everyone should have a Steve in their life. Unfortunately, I never did. I “fell in love” with Liberace when I was about 7 years old watching his TV show in the 50s. He played at a venue outside of my hometown when I was about 7. I BEGGED my parents to take me to see him. They did. We had close to front row seats and he saw me in the audience. He waved to me and said “Hello, Little Girl”. I was so embarrassed I got on the floor and tried to crawl under my seat. I have loved him ever since! I wish he could have lived forever. Such an incredible man!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
When I was in 3rd or 4th grade..my classmate used ° Show n Tell ° time to describe the Liberace concert she had been to. Her description alone made me find out everything about him. Long story long..Been an adoring fan ever since. ❤
I've always been in awe of Liberace's talent and persona. He seemed like he genuinely loved people and entertaining. He appeared to be genuinely happy. It's so sad to know that the people he loved were only interested in his money. It's sad and heart breaking.
I was born and grew up in Milwaukee, where I believe Liberace was also born. We never missed his televised shows on Friday nights. I was very young and danced around our dining room for the entire half hour his show aired, pretending to be a ballerina performing in front of an audience. He had a huge candelabra on his piano, and his brother George, who never spoke (at least as I remember it) and George played the violin while Liberace played the piano. This was the early days of t.v., and the shows were in black and white. This was an amazing interview and a wonderful way to honor and memorialize Liberace.
I feel that the treatment of one of the greatest pianists that ever lived was nothing less then Outrageous and Disgraceful, it's all so very sad and what a loss..... 😪
My mom hired Lee for $35.00 a week when he was 19 in Milwaukee at a bar she managed. I met him once. His brother George was my godfather. Thanks Steve for the great insight. So much that was not known of those around him.
Hands down the best interview you have ever done. I sat entranced and enthralled by the whole thing. Nice to know there are such wonderful people in the world like Mr. Garey. Please relay our best wishes to the shiniest jewel in Liberace's crown and tell him how much we appreciated his time and memories.
Such a stalwart supporter of his dear friend and teacher. Steve is a sweet soul, I wish I was so lucky to have someone like him in my life. Even today, Steve displays a protectiveness of Liberace and his memory. Steve cutting ties with his toxic mother was in his best interests and exemplifies his loyalty-his mother isn't worthy of associating with him. Godspeed Steve Garey!
Steve tells such sad stories about an amazing and talented man . May Liberace rest in peace. People can be so cruel after we pass. Selling personal possessions is wrong and hurtful. HIV / AIDS is an awful way to pass and suffer from. So many good people are or have had to deal with the horrible disease.
amazing to here this story.really enjoyed it. My personal interaction with Lee happened as a young boy. my father was a arena manager/ promoter my mother was always in charge of the entertainment. one night before liberace played he came back to our home in Canada. I always (7 years old) had to be in a suite with a bow tie when dad had his clients back. this night was no different. I remember cigarettes and laughter and clinking glasses. their was a beautiful picture of my mom and Lee and myself for years in my dad's office. I sure wish I knew where that is now. I. 61 years old
Liberace was a lucky man to have a friend like Steve. You can tell he’s one in a million. It’s so sad that these talented individuals are used and abused and don’t know who to trust. Steve’s kindness and honesty is very plain to see. Bless him. ❤️🇨🇦
This is the most incredible video I have ever seen on Liberace. What a great interview and a very humble friend he had. It totally touched my heart. It's so sad that he had so many "friends" who took advantage of him and who were really not friends at all. Just terrible people. I grew up watching Liberace and this brought back such fond memories. God bless his friend Steve. I can feel his broken heart. I'm so sorry about the way his mother hurt him after Liberace's passing. That was uncalled for. Thank you for such a beautiful job very well done! I couldn't stop watching!
That is why people like them are called, "SO CALLED" FRIENDS, because they really aren't friends at all to him, what they really are, are "USERS." It is just disgusting how phony people can, and will, become to someone that they plan to use for their own benefit.
This was absolutely amazing! Thank you, Scott. When everyone else is trying to close the door on the past, you keep sticking your foot in and making sure that they can't shut that door for good!
Fascinating insight into Liberace's private life by a close friend and fellow piano player. I was completely enthralled by his personal anecdotes. For example, to hear that he hasn't communicated with his mother since Liberace died because of how she degraded him after his death was simply stunning and a very personal moment to share that was clearly still a very painful memory for him. Would be great if you could have a follow-up with Liberace's costume designer since he lives in Palm Springs too. Maybe you can even bring Steve back to join. Please give Steve a heartfelt thank you on behalf of myself and everyone else who has had the pleasure of hearing his personal stories. It felt like talking to a friend.
Thank you kind sir. Yes we are doing a Part 2 and your idea is excellent. I know Jim Lapidus and will have Dearly Departed reach out to him. Thanks for the suggestion.
What an absolutely amazing story. Thank you Steve for taking the time out to tell the story. What incredibly genuine nice people Steve, Scott, and are and Liberace was.
What a wonderful video. He was definitely the ultimate showman. It was a very sad passing. I can’t believe how horrible those people acted just after his passing. I guess every family has money grubbing low life’s. You and Troy did a great job on this video. Thank you two.
Why cant you believe that these people were taking his stuff ? The same happened with Elvis I am sure. Let's face it these people were really only in it for what they could get and who knows maybe Liberace was a really shitty person to them? We only have this guys opinion on the last hours of his life anyway ...
This was an absolutely wonderful interview. 5-stars! Steve offers some extraordinary insights into the life of one of the world's greatest entertainers. He seem like a wonderful guy, by the way. It's very sad to hear how people took advantage of Lee. The people stealing his jewelry moments after he died - that was just unreal. Rest in peace, Liberace.
Best interview I've seen thus far! I heard once that the billionaire Howard Hughes surrounded himself with personal assistants who were all LDS(Mormons), the story goes, because their religion made them honest and trustworthy, and they wouldn't try to steal from him. Don't know if it's true or not but with people stealing from Liberace it makes me wonder. Lee seemed like a very caring and trusting person, and in this world of coldness, the vultures come swooping in, sadly.
If it wasn’t for his mother treating and saving Lee’s finger with black salve when he was young, Liberace would not have had the career he had. However, that doesn’t give the mother the right to be in all of his adult business.
Thank you Scott Michaels for this fascinating piece and a very heartfelt thank-you to Steve Garey. He was obviously a good and true friend to the late Liberace, who was fortunate to have it.
I think one of the most interesting and honest interviews I have ever heard. I remember Liberoche growing up and he was eccentric and entertaining but had no idea what he went through. He was exploited by his staff and boyfriend. This man is such an informative friend. I love hearing the truth. I lived in LA married to a real-estate lawyer. Met a lot of famous people and I believe every word this man is saying.
Personal oral history is utterly fascinating. The life experience - the millions of moments over a hundred thousand hours - full of respect, affection, honest appraisal of faults and human weaknesses, and the obvious desire to pass along the knowledge . . . simply heartwarming and amazing!!
Every one should have someone in their life like this guy! What a friend he has given details that are so interesting yet he did not disrespect Liberace in any way. This was such a wonderful interview - all notorious people should have this man or someone similar,in their lives to inform their fans after their passing. BRAVO SIR- BRAVO!!!❤
Steve the fact that nobody has been in your cottage since the day you locked it is pretty amazing considering the real estate since that time frame. It would be so neat if you could step back inside there again after all these years. It's like a time capsule cottage.
I remember when I was in either 8th or 9th grade, I was walking home from school with some friends when it started downpouring. This Mercury station wagon with a keyboard painted down the side of it pulls up and there's Liberace! He told us to get in and he and his driver drove us to our neighborhood, which was 6 or 7 blocks from where he lived. He was a nice guy who donated money to every charity in Las Vegas.
I would love to meet Steve. He's a wonderful friend, and honest person. How lucky Liberace was to have such a beautiful soul around him over the years.
Thank you for introducing us to, Steve Garey. Such a true friend to Lee. Amazing and very revealing conversation. So sad and also, disgusting treatment and behaviour from those he trusted and likely loved.Heartbreaking!
what do you expect, he never built relationships of substance.. it was party, fun, party, all the time.. like teenagers and sex sex sex but that doesnt bring substance, so of course theres no wife or his own family no kids no loyalty .. he had an accountant and an atty.. but greed takes over and even liberaces family members lost out.. over $1OOM..
My Mother loved Liberace. She sang opera and loved his music, costumes, his joyous flamboyant nature.❤ She recognized his great talent And was devastated when he passed.
This literally has to be one of the best interviews I have ever seen anyone give!! So much inside information and delivered in such a genuine way; two friends chatting all the while providing so much insight to the life behind the fence/gate/bushes of a legend. Well done....I feel this gentleman has so many more interesting stories and would love to see and hear from him again. Two words to you both... "Thank You"
I've just sat riveted throughout this presentation. Steve's candor and forthrightness are so refreshing and illuminate the entire video. I'm of an age to remember Lee's television program and fondly recall his magnetic warmth and obvious joie de vivre. Superb work Scott and please relay our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Garey for reliving the details of an unforgettable man and his lifetime of work.
@@LiberaceProtege I feel the same. You are a beautiful soul and I am overjoyed to see this video this morning. I used to live within one block of this home in the late 70's. I remember always hearing dogs barking when I was skating past (I am sure that they were just saying Hello) 💗 Thank You!
What a wonderful story and what a good man and friend he was to "Lee". My mother back in the 40s worked with Liberace, she was a dancer and met him many times, she was just in her late teens but said Liberace was so kind and sweet to her and everyone else he met. This must be so hard for Steve to even recant the past. Thank you Scott for another great video and so many stories we never knew about thanks to Steve.
This is one of the best interviews I have watched. Liberace was one of the most caring, loving and talented people who walk the earth. I was fortunate enough to watch him perform in Las Vegas. I will never forget that. Thank you and Steve for sharing such wonderful and somewhat sad memories. It was nice to hear that he among others really loved Liberace for who he was and not for what they could get from him
Steve and Scott, Thanks for doing this documentary about the life of Liberace. Steve, you sound like a genuine friend. Lee was very lucky to have a true and honest friend like you.
What a wonderful man Steve is and such a good friend of Lee. My heart broke when he talked about his mother’s words on hearing her son’s best friend and mentor had died. That made me just as sad as the death of Lee. What a waste, she has missed out on having a relationship with this warm, remarkable, articulate man.
It’s a shame that Liberace died so young. He had a lot of talent to share with the world for many decades more. I was lucky enough to tour his museum. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I wish I could’ve toured his home. I was very sad when I heard that they closed the museum. I wish it we’re still open today. I’d love to see it again. And I really enjoyed your video. It would be fascinating to meet Steve. Even for a quick, hello. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Steve for talking about everything you went through and the tragedy and bad deeds by Liberace's so called friends. How very tragic. Bless him and Liberace. He is fondly remembered
My grandma loved Liberace & I remember watching him as a kid in the 70’s. I think it’s great that you’re sharing all the info, memorabilia & friends of his with us Scott 🙏🌈🎼🎹
Scott, what a great interview of a genuine friend of Liberace. He is a wealth of knowledge well spoken and a gentleman. I hope you interview him again one day. Thanks, it was great.
In perth australia Swan River parked. Flash vision he died as loved him and his spirit moved over the waters. Turned car radio on and he had just past announced. Liberace inspired my career and adapted his style. Came to Vegas and played his glitter piano. Test in peace Liberace and friend in spirit. Thanks for visiting me a mighty fan in your pass over here in Perth australia across the Swan River that day.
Such a nice and wonderful friend Steve was to Liberace! So nice to see him get the respect he deserves(Liberace).And you are quite the fan! Lberace was an exceptional talent and showman.Never be another like him! Thanks Scott! Eventually,every dog has its day.And in this case-several dogs.Rest in piece Liberace!
Mr. Gary is an absolute TROVE of gold in all things LEE! His memories command of names, dates, events are remarkable, including his knowledge of where bones are buries ...and who buried them. Amazing! God speed to him et al. ✌
This is one of the most honest, informative interviews. Thank you for taking the time explaining and sharing intimate details of this famous artist. It’s moving. God bless and May Mr. L RIP
I worked in a convalescent in Sacramento Ca that was caring for his father in the late 70s and he came there to see his dad and George was living in Sacramento at the time. He paid to put color TV in every patient's room and that was a big deal back then. He also sent a bunch of Christmas tree bulbs with his face on them. He was a very nice person. Thanks for the video.
He was indeed.
Too nice for his on good...his good heart let the wrong ones in.
Scott you are a very very very good friend God bless you
😊👍
Wonderful story.
I could listen to Steve's stories all day long. He is truly a historian and a treasure.
Thank you Brian
yes i would love to hear many more stories from him..bless you Steve for being Liberace's truth teller! God bless you!
he should leave his dogs home if he I doing interviews.
I could listen to Mr. Garey talk all day long. What a wealth of memories, told so wonderfully. Thank you for this.
Jeez that guy has an amazing memory. He's sharp as a tack and is as loyal a friend as anyone could hope for.
Thank you. I am a black married man with 3 children from Compton and Los Angeles. Liberace's influence was far and wide. I was always so very impressed with this man's extreme talent and showmanship. He seemed so very happy all of the time and just genuinely nice. I was saddened by his death.
This was one of the BEST and most informative interviews I have ever seen. Again-thank you! I tell you, this man MUST have a book written. He would be a great technical advisor for any future Liberace biopics.
This is one of the best interview , if it is called that . Steve was so straight forward and respectful . Two class acts !!!
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I agree with you. He seems very knowledgeable and good natured. But if he was not one of Kiberace's boyfriends how does he know so much?
He claims the settlement between Scott Thorson and Liberace was finally settled for $165,000. How would he know such a thing? When Liberace died he gave his lover Carrie James anywhere from $500,000 to $700,000, or so he claims in this video. If he was not involved in those financial matters then how in the world would he know such a thing?
What a great man you are for telling your story without any judgement or betterment. Truly a true, true friend 😢.
@@David-vt3hn
I would think those settlements would be would be public records. Although he may just have knowledge of things first hand. The gay community is always small enough no matter what city or town in America, that word gets around about members of the community.
Liberace sat with Little Richard on The Merv Griffin Show, in 1970. It's one of the best shows ever.
What a lovely man. A true friend. He deserves to be heard.
Thank you
This guy is a walking encyclopedia of Liberace! He knows so much. Really interesting. He should write a book. Seriously.
What a sweet and loyal guy.Incredbly touching interview.If only Liberace had more friends like Steve.
Indeed!
Liberace was only interested really in the male friends he could sleep with...the other friends were less important to him.
@@cherryedwards8117 And you know this HOW???? Were you there? You heard Steve. They were good friends and 'NO MONKEY BUSINESS!' He lived on Liberace's property so that sounds like good friends to ME!
@@retroguy9494 That was her point. He treated sex partners better than real friends.
@@edwardbaker1331 Maybe you misread my comment. Steve clearly stated that there was NEVER any sex with him and Liberace. He was not only his student, but a really good friend. And Liberace treated him VERY well. Let him live on his estate and would have even let him live rent free if Steve hadn't insisted on paying Liberace rent! So that disproves her statement!
Such a pleasure to have been introduced to Steve Garey via this interview. In hopes that he views comments made here, I am compelled to relay my sincere admiration for and appreciation of this well spoken man of integrity. Indeed it is more rare than I care to think that I come across an individual of such fine character. I would give him the key to my home at this very moment.
You are so nice. Thank you for your kind words.
@@LiberaceProtegeHa! My pleasure Steve. Had an extra house key made....your name on it. Wishing you a joyous holiday season from the Tar Heel State.
🎄🐶🐺🎹💕
I thought: 'No way will I manage to watch 1hr 47 mins of two blokes talking about Liberace'. I was wrong.
Thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Thanks Carl
Same 👏❤️
Absolutely! ❤ Agreed
@@philstrachan same
I know I said the same thing, and after it was over, I wanted it to be longer LOL.
To have a friend stand up for you when your voice goes silent is priceless. Steve was probably Liberace’s only true friend. I only wish that Steve has at least one good friend like that in his own life. His gentle demeanour radiates through the camera. I learned so much about humanity watching this interview but I want to thank Steve for being a stand-up man when everyone and everything was falling apart. God bless you, mister. And PJ is a clear example of the gentle energy he is subjected to.
Thank you Bernard. You're very nice.
It's absolutely wonderful to hear from someone who has so much love for another person. Makes many of us wonder if we will have at least one person who will care for us when we are gone 🤔
I’m glad someone with your values is on the planet. Stay gold.
Great memories, Thankyou.
@@LiberaceProtege struck by your "old fashioned values"in this interview.Sadly kindness, lasting friendship(after death), truthfulness and gentleness.are not seen so much in the modern age.I loved Lee as a child, drawn by his exuberant playing and smile.He was one of the greats ❤❤❤
What a good and caring friend you were, Steve. Thanks for telling your story. You're a good man.
E
.?
😊
1🙏
agree, what a lovely man
This breaks my
heart
😢
What a lovely friend to Liberace. We all should be so lucky to have a loyal friend like Steve.
What a tragic end to the life of such a talented & kind musical giant! He was a true showman in the truest sense of the word... who gave his audience everything he had, and then some! What an extraordinary artist!
Over the years, I've read & heard many stories about Liberace,
but never anything as poignant and personal as this! A REAL story from a true friend's perspective who was actually around when things happened, and who knew a side of his friend, that others did not. As a friend, mentor & colleague... Liberace probably discussed personal things with him, that others were not privy to. He really should write a book, to let people know the OTHER side of the negative stories that have been written about him!! He has been so unfairly trashed by lovers, so-called friends, & others just looking to make a buck!
I have a little story of my own, that comes to mind every time I listen to his music from my youtube playlist...
As a teenager, I watched him, with my family, never knowing our paths would briefly cross one day!
It was at a department store counter in Hollywood, around the mid 60's. I'd been a theatre arts student in NY, (my hometown) then at the Pasadena Playhouse... and after graduation, decided to
move to Hollywood, and try my luck in tinsletown! One day, I was looking at dress gloves... when suddenly, there stood Liberace, & an older gentleman, a few steps away... shopping for an evening bag! I looked over & recall he was smiling broadly and acknowledging the staff & customers, & that he wore a beautiful white silk scarf! He held up 3 bags, & looking over at me... asked which one I liked best, or would I buy of the 3. I looked them over and picked a small & lovely white beaded bag, which the hanging price tag indicated cost $19.99!
He said I had very good taste, thanked me & asked the sales girl to please wrap it up, quickly... as he was in a hurry! We exchanged blowy kisses and waves...and in a flash, he was gone!
It was one of many Hollywood memories over the next 18 year's I lived there... and certainly, one of the sweetest!
I was about 22 then... and now, almost 81!
What a ride!
What a great historian this man is! He’s one of the few people left in our world that’s really a true friend. He deserved a few kind words from his mother while he grieved the loss of his friend. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Thank you for your kind words!
Is Alex the Catholic church in Liberace clusters the name of the property is abandoned with abandoned Hotel 199 and his work with Frank Sinatra Liberace and Steve only 1981 great sense of humour auction Steve Liberace Liberace his name is Liberace with she was late Liberace elite l e y Liberace last name was all his name was EE Leigh L E L E Lee 0 clusters Liberace
@olivelane 5619 He said it was Jamie, not Scott.
@olivelane5619 That's a different Scott. The Scott who sold his story last name was Thornton or something similar. Liberace had the young man undergo extensive plastic surgery to look like him. Two very different people. This man sounds like a true friend without ulterior motives.
Very impressed with Steve Garey,I'm a good judge of character and can tell he's genuine.
I hope Liberace left you comfortable after he passed away, you were a good friend, and thanks for telling what really happened.
You know based on his tribute to Liberace, this man strikes me as the kind of person who wouldn't care about any money. He really is an impressive man and friend. 👍 ♡
@@DorothySpang I took nothing.
Incredible story. Cool guy.
@@LiberaceProtege Steve think you have some stories to tell, RUclips is the place.
@@LiberaceProtegeYou are a kind soul. ❤
What an absolute treat to talk with someone who so intimately knew Liberace. We should all be so lucky to have such a true friend in our lives.
It's just sad to see his home in Vegas now if it is still there . is this the palm springs home home ?
Steve seems like a wonderful human being and it's awful that he lost his best friend and respect for his mother in the same day. Shame on her for saying that and bless Steve for being so kind and spreading good stories about a talented man.
Thank you Allie
@@LiberaceProtege your wonderful Steve did you marry? Thanks for sharing your experience and wonderful friendship with us, I hope Lee realised what a wonderful friend he had in you , if you are ever in the UK look me up x ❤
As he said it was the comment of a person of their generation. An older generation who did not understand or accept homosexuality. It was uncalled for, cruel and hurtful, but many who died of aids were subjected to that kind of comment.
@@janekeenan2372
Yes. I met my late husband in 1991 in the Netherlands and we were married a year later. We had 28 great years together before he passed quite suddenly from stomach cancer in 2020.
He was such a talented man.
If this guy has not written a book, he should! He has a different spin on the Liberace story! What great details and memory he has. Great story Scott!
I thought the same thing that Steve should write a book. Such a wonderful story teller with tenderness, love and great respect for Liberace.I grew up watching Liberace and loved every moment of it. God bless you Mr. Garvey.
Liberace trusting the wrong people reminds me very much of Freddie Mercury. May they both R.I.P.
bad bad teeth
@@shirliepovey4886 looking in the mirror are we Shirley? Do not be so hard on yourself
@@shirliepovey4886 🤡🤡🤡
I grew up in a home watching Liberace on the Muppet show and Johnny Carson and my whole family knew that he was a gay man because we had a gay family member and we didn’t care we just loved him for his talent and his passion for his music. He was an absolutely incredible artist and his death was the end of an era. Thank you for sharing your story of love and loss. I am lucky that I grew up able to watch such an amazing talent play on television and in a family that never cared about who people loved. RIP Liberace .
As a new grad RN ….I was one of the few to step up and care for the HIV patients. I was cautious. I never forgot their humanity and treated them as such. I have good memories.
What a shame to treat anyone like this. Let alone a kind generous man. Sorry, Lee! RIP Liberace the great man of showmanship. ❤️
I worked in a ltf that was owned by the sisters of Mercy in PHX. We were the first facility that cared for HIV pts. I was in charge of the education of the staff. I met with resistance at first. But eventually they accepted it and we had a special Dr that took care of the HIV pts and treated them with respect and love
Thanks Scott for keeping Lee's memory alive.
Thanks Steve for being a true friend for Lee, in a world that literally screws everyone over. You are a legend yourself Sir!
I have been going to rock concerts for 30 years. Rock is my favorite style of music. In my early thirties my dad took me to a Liberace open air concert ( Pine Knob, Mi). What a gifted man. His talent blew me away. He put all the rock gods to shame! It was the best concert I have ever been to in my life and I have been to many, many concerts. I was very sad at his passing. The world lost an incredible artist and man! Excellent video.
The fact that you have such a high opinion of Liberace’s music tells me that you understand and appreciate music in general. It’s wonderful that you are open-minded enough to explore different styles and performers, and this is a credit to YOU! Btw, many rock musicians enjoy listening and playing classical and many diverse forms of music. Blessings to you and yours.
Steve has a great memory and tells his tale in such an articulate, respectful manner. Hope his life is good.
Thank you. Yes life is good. My dogs are a real blessing for me. They're healthy and quite happy thank goodness.
@@LiberaceProtege Hi Steve, thank you for a fantastic interview. I would love to know if you have any memories of Maila Nurmi who performed with Liberace in Las Vegas? ❤x
Rest in peace Liberace, you are not forgotten. And thank you for sharing your music and talent with us for so many years.
Thank you for a wonderful review of Liberace years in Palm Springs. As a child l admired his performance on TV and his music was divine and brought joy to so many people. Both of the presenters were outstanding and you spoke of your friend in the most loving and caring way. Thank you again for the happy memories.
@@MaggyFitzpatrick
Thank you for your kind words!
It's so sad that we lost all these great people like Liberace, Freddie Mercury and Rock Hudson to AIDS only to find medicine that saved lives not long after. Heartbreaking.
Unfortunately, it takes the sacrifice of life to get to the lifesaving treatment. Same with COVID. It took a lot longer for AIDS to be figured out, though.
@@amiblueful yeah I guess you're right. And you know there's a guy that found a cure for cancer and the poor man has been sued by the AMA, FDA, every 3-letter agency you can think of. That should confirm it for you. He's still alive, found the cure in the 80's. His name is Bursynski, in Katy, TX USA. Too much money to be made by big pharma to allow the cure to come out.
Well booty bumping will do that to you
Why did they catch AIDS? I DON'T UNDERSTAND.😢
@@NancyR.A. you know why, both booty thumpers
Poor man. He seems like he truly loved his friend. One can only hope for friends like that in life. Bless him.
Yea good friends like that don't come into your life very often.
Better than any interview I have ever seen on network TV or anywhere.
You were a great host because you did not interrupt him and he was a great guest because his sincerity, loyalty and compassion for his friend came through. Wow. This blew me away. I was riveted. 🙌
Thank you so much!
YES!!! All while being 💯 about Lee's not such great quality (lack of compassion for addiction, blinders on, etc., etc.) & his own regrets (not being honest with Lee about the theft if the $17,000).
Just an absolute amazing man!
Wow what a great Interview!! People can be so cruel!! 😢
Well said.
Such a GREAT INTERVIEW!!
I had the incredible honor in meeting Liberace with my mom when I was 11yrs old. He was such an amazing individual and amazing talent. I remember it so very well as if it was yesterday. He signed his biography book for us which I treasure dearly to this day. He spoke to me about my playing guitar and etc. He is an remains a 100% influence on my being a musician. Such a Beautiful, Humble and Kind man.
Every word this man said was genuine and heartfelt. I’m sorry for the horrible ending with his mother. That was hard to hear.
I remember watching the Liberace Show on TV as a child. Such an entertainer! I was 35 when he died so I assumed he was an "old" man. Now I realize he was "only" 67 years old and I will be 72 in June. Gone too soon! Thank you for this interview with Steve, Scott.
Not only is Steve a great storyteller, he seems like the kind of loyal friend anyone would be lucky to have 😃💯 another phenomenal video, Scott!
You can tell almost straight away, people give off a vibe when they are either really trustworthy or snakes, the in between ones can be harder but generally I would say always trust your gut instinct.
I used to live basically next door to Liberace in the late 70's until 1980 and I was a young girl who skated all over the very ground you both are standing on! How wonderful to wake up to this fascinating interview and Blast From The Past!!! I had a walkman and used to listen to Blondie while skating like it was my job! Such Great memories! Thank You 💗
Thats awesome. I was the same way when skating. I acted like I was being paid. So cool.
So u lived beside him for 1 year?
What's basically mean? Close?
To Paula Davis . Naughty, Naughty! Under the circumstances, shouldn't have been listening to LIBERACE?
@@oneseeker2 I lived on Palm Canyon Drive and I caught the school bus in the parking lot area that Scott was standing in for the latter part of the interview. I went to that church. I was 'basically' equal distance from Liberace's home and to the church. His home was behind where I lived, with no homes in between, just that parking lot.
I watched every documentary on Liberace and this is without a doubt the best one. Steve is a wonderful honest guy and it’s so good that he shared everything with us. Thank you very much. Thank you Scott for making this.
Thank you Phil
Well, after over an hour with this man via video, I have to say he comes across as a sincere, loving friend and person. Even though he was upfront about Liberace's weaknesses, he always ended up talking about his strengths. Excellent interview!
Thank you for your kind words.
I could listen to Steve all day, I wish he had a show of his own. Liberace had a wonderful friend.
What a wonderful interview. I cannot believe how people can steal someone’s stuff when they just died. How disgusting is that.
I totally agree - they sound like Sociopaths to me!
When a loved one died, I once witnessed a literal car chase from the graveside to the deceased's home. While the undertakers were burying the body, there was a free for all and nasty arguments over items going on at the house. I was 14 and have never forgotten that.
Death makes people do shitty things. I've heard of some people not even going to the graveside services they're racing back to the house to clean it out or stake claim on things. My friend her brother was going through their father's stuff as he was going through it he was posting it online to sell. This was the day the guy died! Death brings out the shittiest and greediest ways of people.
Yep. It's one of the most scumbagish, low life, bottom feeder things you can do. This very thing is happening to me right now. Going to court in two weeks, on the 28th to address it. Some people are just plain old trash. Smh
It always goes that way. Crazy.
Thank you Scott for having Steve on your channel and sharing his Liberace friendship with us.
That's a loyal good man . I'm so touched to see he had great friends because when a person is sick and dying disloyal people are in your family .
Steve, I am so sorry for the horrible words your mom told you when you told her you’d lost your best friend. I can tell it still hurts. I’m so very sorry. 😢❤
You are so sweet.
yea it sure stinks. She can have her feels but she also needed to respect your feels towards Lee and she didn't.@@SandySaunders9142
I'm so glad Steve was able to tell his story. What a great storyteller. I really enjoyed this. Steve seemed a great friend, Lee was lucky to have you as a friend. Great upload. Thanks for this. x.
Thank you for those kind words!
@LiberaceProtege no problem Steve, thanks.
OMG wasn’t he though!!! The Liberace estate should pay him to tell his story. He was so kind and loyal to Liberace. ❤
A wonderful interview, given in a calm and respectful manner, thank you so much Scott for letting Steve Garvey speak without interruption, what a lovely humble man he is. I hope for more great interviews on this channel, the bar is extremely high with this subject matter, God bless you Scott!
I hate when a talker is over inter-rupted.
@@turboredcart AMEN ! and thank you for being a wonderful interviewer Scott. This is about the 3rd time I watched this interview and l learn something I missed from the first time I watched it. I am STILL a big fan of Liberace and have never tired of his beautiful piano playing since I first watched his show in the 1950’s. A sweet man that is very much missed and thank God he is preserved on film and recordings for generations to listen and watch ❤❤❤❤
This video was absolutely fascinating. The story teller was amazing and a true friend of Liberace. I have great respect for Steve. I was shocked about the jewelry heist. That totally stunned me. RIP Mr Liberace, God bless him, he was a beautiful human being.
Thank you for your kind words!
@LiberaceProtege I'm sure you probably seen this, but it's an EXCELLENT article written in Aug 1988 in the Los Angeles times about the disgusting court drama that played out with the "family" as they called themselves, All to get Lee's attorney off the trust, etc.. Which now I see why you said several times that he is STILL Lee's attorney to this day. He had to fight all of the people Lee thought was his closest friends, all to fight the will. I find it pretty telling that Mr. Liberace only left Dorothy $5,000, he left his housekeeper, the woman he called his second mother, more than that (car or a house and 50k if I remember correctly). It seems that it's like Lee knew in the end, there was tomfoolery afoot.. I'm so glad his attorney won, as he seemed so grateful, bc something like that could have destroyed his career, but not only that, he was the only one on the payroll that actually had morals and did his job as he was paid to do and didn't take advantage of his client. A man among thieves, unfortunately for him.
But, thank God good won out in the end. Thank you so much for sharing that part of your life with us. I wasn't even ten when he passed, but my mom told me my grandmother LOOOVED Liberace! She also passed from emphysema at 65 in the early 90s. She obviously had excellent taste in music and musicians 😊 I hope you have a healthy & happy New Year!
@@LiberaceProtegeit wasn't allowed to stay, it was a li nk to the article I spoke about above.... LA times, writen by Peter King Aug 1988 the Title was Liberaces Last Agony: Ugly Battle Over Entertainers Estate Strips His Life of Any of its Final Secrets. A very good read. Im sure Scott has seen. But if not he should Def read it.
@@Em22-wtf My grandmother loved Liberace as well. We lived in Missouri and as a child in rhe 50's on Sat night she watched some of the musical and entertainment shows on TV at that time. Did Liberace have a show late 50's or early 60's? I remw.ber seeing him on TV. NO one looked or entertained the way Liberace did. I think people were more formal in dress back then. My grandmother, husband, children and grandchildren sat around and the grand parents sang! My mom sang with my dad sometimes at parties. He was a country western singer-guitar player, had his band and fulltime job then. Hramdmother's sister was a great piano player and everyone stood around and sang to Aunt Laura's playing. Another sister was very musical and owned local old picture show but also did musicals there. Both her children played piano, the grandson had a rock band. Music and singing even the men sang-was a regular thing back then. While Liberace was strange to look at-not in a mean way-you could tell when he spoke he was a kind man. You could hear it in hos voice! It's a shame Liberace didn't have some security at home/or during travel. I was pretty angry to hear what the trusted "boyfriend" and "maid" did to Liberace-stealing $17,000! Then stealing his jewelry seconds after his death! Disgusting, vile behavior
Loved this but found the screeching birds annoying as heck!!
Very moving!💔
Especially about Steve’s phone call to his mother after Liberace death. That got me.😔
This was the best interview that you have done Scott. Steve shared great details about his friendship and experiences with Liberace.What a genuine friend!❤
I wish I could undo that phone call.
I could listen to Steve for hours. He has such interesting stories from Hollywood.
Why is simply knowing and being in the presence of someone so amazing never enough? This man is a breath of fresh air....God bless him!
Listening to the beautiful bird song in the background made me realize why Lee would love this home so much. Knowing how birds remain close to their birthplace, the birds we're hearing are direct descendants of the ones he listened to!
That's right.
It's a pleasure to interact with you, Steve. And I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine.
So glad you pointed that out. 🐦 The Birds Singing 🎶 was almost Spiritual
This gentleman is so interesting. His knowledge from the 1930’s up until now is amazing. This interview was respectfully informing of a one of a lifetime performer. Thank you. 💜☮️
I remember my grandma and parents always loved Liberace and seeing him perform on television growing up in the 70s. My grandma was a very religious person and I never heard one negative thing about him or his lifestyle (those were definitely different times) and I can also say that my uncle who passed away young (33) from kidney disease was a very talented singer/songwriter who had written Liberace several times about getting into the music business and Liberace wrote him back and was going to help him had he not become to sick. Yes it’s a fact and Liberace was a very sincere and kind person aside from being such a great talent and star. Very good interview 👍
My late aunt saw him perform in Las Vegas. With the 'dancing waters.' She said it was the best show she ever saw.
I don't think most of the 'grandmothers' knew he was gay. Like you said, it was different times. I think most of them thought the flamboyancy was just part of his act.
I remember watching him on TV spending Sat nights at my grandparents. His costume’s were so flashy & unique. I remember being very impressed. He was bigger than life!
@@julielarson3107 He sure was over the top. So many people didn't know he was actually one of the best concert pianists at the time. Because he put so much showmanship into his performances.
I was young, but I remember when Liberace died. So many bad things were said about him at the time due to his death from AIDS, and he didn't do anything wrong. It's just so sad. He deserved better from people. It sounds like he was a really good person who was taken advantage of by a lot of people. Thank you for interviewing Steve so that everyone would know the truth.
Thank you for your kind words jesterr
@@LiberaceProtege thank you for this incredible insight...best wishes to you from toronto......
What a wonderful video. I watched it twice in a row! Everyone should have a Steve in their life. Unfortunately, I never did. I “fell in love” with Liberace when I was about 7 years old watching his TV show in the 50s. He played at a venue outside of my hometown when I was about 7. I BEGGED my parents to take me to see him. They did. We had close to front row seats and he saw me in the audience. He waved to me and said “Hello, Little Girl”. I was so embarrassed I got on the floor and tried to crawl under my seat. I have loved him ever since! I wish he could have lived forever. Such an incredible man!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
When I was in 3rd or 4th grade..my classmate used ° Show n Tell ° time to describe the Liberace concert she had been to. Her description alone made me find out everything about him. Long story long..Been an adoring fan ever since. ❤
Beautiful story
I've always been in awe of Liberace's talent and persona. He seemed like he genuinely loved people and entertaining. He appeared to be genuinely happy. It's so sad to know that the people he loved were only interested in his money. It's sad and heart breaking.
You will always have plenty of friends when you have lot's of money very few if any of them geniune.
Talking with Steve was a terrific video, Scott. Steve comes across as kind, loyal and faithful to Lee in both life and death. Such an amazing life.
I was born and grew up in Milwaukee, where I believe Liberace was also born. We never missed his televised shows on Friday nights. I was very young and danced around our dining room for the entire half hour his show aired, pretending to be a ballerina performing in front of an audience. He had a huge candelabra on his piano, and his brother George, who never spoke (at least as I remember it) and George played the violin while Liberace played the piano. This was the early days of t.v., and the shows were in black and white. This was an amazing interview and a wonderful way to honor and memorialize Liberace.
I feel that the treatment of one of the greatest pianists that ever lived was nothing less then Outrageous and Disgraceful, it's all so very sad and what a loss..... 😪
Sounds like its happening to Richard Simmonds right now
@@joshwiggin9372 Simmons...
My mom hired Lee for $35.00 a week when he was 19 in Milwaukee at a bar she managed. I met him once. His brother George was my godfather. Thanks Steve for the great insight. So much that was not known of those around him.
Really marvelous! Thanks for sharing that memory!
Hands down the best interview you have ever done. I sat entranced and enthralled by the whole thing. Nice to know there are such wonderful people in the world like Mr. Garey. Please relay our best wishes to the shiniest jewel in Liberace's crown and tell him how much we appreciated his time and memories.
Thank you so much
@@LiberaceProtege You are very welcome!
Such a stalwart supporter of his dear friend and teacher. Steve is a sweet soul, I wish I was so lucky to have someone like him in my life. Even today, Steve displays a protectiveness of Liberace and his memory. Steve cutting ties with his toxic mother was in his best interests and exemplifies his loyalty-his mother isn't worthy of associating with him. Godspeed Steve Garey!
Thank you Kim!
Steve is an encyclopaedia, I could listen to him all day.
Steve tells such sad stories about an amazing and talented man . May Liberace rest in peace. People can be so cruel after we pass. Selling personal possessions is wrong and hurtful. HIV / AIDS is an awful way to pass and suffer from. So many good people are or have had to deal with the horrible disease.
amazing to here this story.really enjoyed it. My personal interaction with Lee happened as a young boy. my father was a arena manager/ promoter my mother was always in charge of the entertainment.
one night before liberace played he came back to our home in Canada. I always (7 years old) had to be in a suite with a bow tie when dad had his clients back. this night was no different. I remember cigarettes and laughter and clinking glasses. their was a beautiful picture of my mom and Lee and myself for years in my dad's office. I sure wish I knew where that is now. I. 61 years old
Liberace was a lucky man to have a friend like Steve. You can tell he’s one in a million. It’s so sad that these talented individuals are used and abused and don’t know who to trust. Steve’s kindness and honesty is very plain to see. Bless him. ❤️🇨🇦
Thank you
This is the most incredible video I have ever seen on Liberace. What a great interview and a very humble friend he had. It totally touched my heart. It's so sad that he had so many "friends" who took advantage of him and who were really not friends at all. Just terrible people. I grew up watching Liberace and this brought back such fond memories. God bless his friend Steve. I can feel his broken heart. I'm so sorry about the way his mother hurt him after Liberace's passing. That was uncalled for. Thank you for such a beautiful job very well done! I couldn't stop watching!
Agreed, Excellent
That is why people like them are called, "SO CALLED" FRIENDS, because they really aren't friends at all to him, what they really are, are "USERS." It is just disgusting how phony people can, and will, become to someone that they plan to use for their own benefit.
@@chirelle.alanalooney8609 there are very few true friends in this world, specially when there is a woman or money involved.
sadly Liberaces name was not found in the book of life because he rejected Gods word and chose the perverse lifestyle and lived for self!
Or Better Still, Paracites, which is what they really are as well.
This was absolutely amazing! Thank you, Scott. When everyone else is trying to close the door on the past, you keep sticking your foot in and making sure that they can't shut that door for good!
Love that! Thank you
Well said!
Here here! ❤❤❤🦘🇦🇺🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️
@@Disco1000 "Hear, hear."
Fascinating insight into Liberace's private life by a close friend and fellow piano player. I was completely enthralled by his personal anecdotes. For example, to hear that he hasn't communicated with his mother since Liberace died because of how she degraded him after his death was simply stunning and a very personal moment to share that was clearly still a very painful memory for him.
Would be great if you could have a follow-up with Liberace's costume designer since he lives in Palm Springs too. Maybe you can even bring Steve back to join. Please give Steve a heartfelt thank you on behalf of myself and everyone else who has had the pleasure of hearing his personal stories. It felt like talking to a friend.
Thank you kind sir.
Yes we are doing a Part 2 and your idea is excellent. I know Jim Lapidus and will have Dearly Departed reach out to him. Thanks for the suggestion.
What an absolutely amazing story. Thank you Steve for taking the time out to tell the story. What incredibly genuine nice people Steve, Scott, and are and Liberace was.
What a wonderful video. He was definitely the ultimate showman. It was a very sad passing. I can’t believe how horrible those people acted just after his passing. I guess every family has money grubbing low life’s. You and Troy did a great job on this video. Thank you two.
Why cant you believe that these people were taking his stuff ? The same happened with Elvis I am sure. Let's face it these people were really only in it for what they could get and who knows maybe Liberace was a really shitty person to them? We only have this guys opinion on the last hours of his life anyway ...
@@nmfranklin66
This was an absolutely wonderful interview. 5-stars! Steve offers some extraordinary insights into the life of one of the world's greatest entertainers. He seem like a wonderful guy, by the way. It's very sad to hear how people took advantage of Lee. The people stealing his jewelry moments after he died - that was just unreal. Rest in peace, Liberace.
Best interview I've seen thus far! I heard once that the billionaire Howard Hughes surrounded himself with personal assistants who were all LDS(Mormons), the story goes, because their religion made them honest and trustworthy, and they wouldn't try to steal from him. Don't know if it's true or not but with people stealing from Liberace it makes me wonder. Lee seemed like a very caring and trusting person, and in this world of coldness, the vultures come swooping in, sadly.
If it wasn’t for his mother treating and saving Lee’s finger with black salve when he was young, Liberace would not have had the career he had. However, that doesn’t give the mother the right to be in all of his adult business.
I met Liberace’s sister in law, Dora, at the Liberace museum in Las Vegas in the 80’s.
Saw Liberace perform many times in Vegas.
Very good friend you were, Steve.
Where do you live now, Steve?
Thank you Scott Michaels for this fascinating piece and a very heartfelt thank-you to Steve Garey. He was obviously a good and true friend to the late Liberace, who was fortunate to have it.
I think one of the most interesting and honest interviews I have ever heard. I remember Liberoche growing up and he was eccentric and entertaining but had no idea what he went through. He was exploited by his staff and boyfriend. This man is such an informative friend. I love hearing the truth. I lived in LA married to a real-estate lawyer. Met a lot of famous people and I believe every word this man is saying.
Personal oral history is utterly fascinating.
The life experience - the millions of moments over a hundred thousand hours - full of respect, affection, honest appraisal of faults and human weaknesses, and the obvious desire to pass along the knowledge . . . simply heartwarming and amazing!!
Thank you for all those nice words Willie. Much appreciated.
What a treat to hear the stories not from a reporter, but a genuine insider! Thanks so much.
Every one should have someone in their life like this guy! What a friend he has given details that are so interesting yet he did not disrespect Liberace in any way. This was such a wonderful interview - all notorious people should have this man or someone similar,in their lives to inform their fans after their passing.
BRAVO SIR- BRAVO!!!❤
Thank you so much for that Natly
What a lovely man. I’m so glad that Liberace had such a loving friendship with someone who didn’t use him ♥️
Steve the fact that nobody has been in your cottage since the day you locked it is pretty amazing considering the real estate since that time frame. It would be so neat if you could step back inside there again after all these years. It's like a time capsule cottage.
I remember when I was in either 8th or 9th grade, I was walking home from school with some friends when it started downpouring. This Mercury station wagon with a keyboard painted down the side of it pulls up and there's Liberace! He told us to get in and he and his driver drove us to our neighborhood, which was 6 or 7 blocks from where he lived. He was a nice guy who donated money to every charity in Las Vegas.
I would love to meet Steve. He's a wonderful friend, and honest person. How lucky Liberace was to have such a beautiful soul around him over the years.
Thank you for introducing us to, Steve Garey. Such a true friend to Lee. Amazing and very revealing conversation. So sad and also, disgusting treatment and behaviour from those he trusted and likely loved.Heartbreaking!
what do you expect, he never built relationships of substance.. it was party, fun, party, all the time.. like teenagers and sex sex sex but that doesnt bring substance, so of course theres no wife or his own family no kids no loyalty .. he had an accountant and an atty.. but greed takes over and even liberaces family members lost out.. over $1OOM..
This man is a wealth of information. Thanks for such an in depth look at Liberace.
My Mother loved Liberace.
She sang opera and loved his music, costumes, his joyous flamboyant nature.❤
She recognized his great talent
And was devastated when he passed.
Your mother was right! She had great taste in music obviously. Thanks for your kind comment.
This gentleman had a true friendship and loyalty to Liberace. That is a blessing for a celebrity. ❤
Steve is a class act, what a charming gentleman , thanks for this incredible fascinating journey back to the heydays of Liberace
This literally has to be one of the best interviews I have ever seen anyone give!! So much inside information and delivered in such a genuine way; two friends chatting all the while providing so much insight to the life behind the fence/gate/bushes of a legend. Well done....I feel this gentleman has so many more interesting stories and would love to see and hear from him again. Two words to you both... "Thank You"
Thanks Jo
I totally agree
I've just sat riveted throughout this presentation. Steve's candor and forthrightness are so refreshing and illuminate the entire video. I'm of an age to remember Lee's television program and fondly recall his magnetic warmth and obvious joie de vivre. Superb work Scott and please relay our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Garey for reliving the details of an unforgettable man and his lifetime of work.
You're very nice. Thank you
You're so nice. Thank you
@@LiberaceProtege I feel the same. You are a beautiful soul and I am overjoyed to see this video this morning. I used to live within one block of this home in the late 70's. I remember always hearing dogs barking when I was skating past (I am sure that they were just saying Hello) 💗
Thank You!
What a wonderful story and what a good man and friend he was to "Lee". My mother back in the 40s worked with Liberace, she was a dancer and met him many times, she was just in her late teens but said Liberace was so kind and sweet to her and everyone else he met. This must be so hard for Steve to even recant the past. Thank you Scott for another great video and so many stories we never knew about thanks to Steve.
This is one of the best interviews I have watched. Liberace was one of the most caring, loving and talented people who walk the earth. I was fortunate enough to watch him perform in Las Vegas. I will never forget that. Thank you and Steve for sharing such wonderful and somewhat sad memories. It was nice to hear that he among others really loved Liberace for who he was and not for what they could get from him
My mother saw him in Vegas and said he was phenomenal. Pity I never got to see him.
What a genuine friend to have. This interview was heartfelt for sure.
Steve and Scott,
Thanks for doing this documentary about the life of Liberace. Steve, you sound like a genuine friend. Lee was very lucky to have a true and honest friend like you.
Thank you
What a wonderful man Steve is and such a good friend of Lee. My heart broke when he talked about his mother’s words on hearing her son’s best friend and mentor had died. That made me just as sad as the death of Lee. What a waste, she has missed out on having a relationship with this warm, remarkable, articulate man.
It’s a shame that Liberace died so young. He had a lot of talent to share with the world for many decades more. I was lucky enough to tour his museum. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I wish I could’ve toured his home. I was very sad when I heard that they closed the museum. I wish it we’re still open today. I’d love to see it again. And I really enjoyed your video. It would be fascinating to meet Steve. Even for a quick, hello. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Steve for talking about everything you went through and the tragedy and bad deeds by Liberace's so called friends. How very tragic. Bless him and Liberace. He is fondly remembered
Thank you so much.
My grandma loved Liberace & I remember watching him as a kid in the 70’s. I think it’s great that you’re sharing all the info, memorabilia & friends of his with us Scott 🙏🌈🎼🎹
Wow.. I love the piano and music note emoji.. in case you were interested lol 😊
Scott, what a great interview of a genuine friend of Liberace. He is a wealth of knowledge well spoken and a gentleman. I hope you interview him again one day. Thanks, it was great.
In perth australia Swan River parked. Flash vision he died as loved him and his spirit moved over the waters. Turned car radio on and he had just past announced. Liberace inspired my career and adapted his style. Came to Vegas and played his glitter piano. Test in peace Liberace and friend in spirit. Thanks for visiting me a mighty fan in your pass over here in Perth australia across the Swan River that day.
I was a nanny and my friend Betty who was the mum went to see him. When I turned 40 my BFF and I went to Vegas. We loved his museum.
Such a nice and wonderful friend Steve was to Liberace! So nice to see him get the respect he deserves(Liberace).And you are quite the fan! Lberace was an exceptional talent and showman.Never be another like him! Thanks Scott! Eventually,every dog has its day.And in this case-several dogs.Rest in piece Liberace!
Mr. Gary is an absolute TROVE of gold in all things LEE! His memories command of names, dates, events are remarkable, including his knowledge of where bones are buries ...and who buried them. Amazing! God speed to him et al. ✌
Thank you for your kind words!
This is one of the most honest, informative interviews. Thank you for taking the time explaining and sharing intimate details of this famous artist. It’s moving. God bless and May Mr. L RIP
I am sorry your mom said those mean things to you Steve .you are a good kind man..May God Always bless you
God certainly Blessed us with Steve didn't he ❤ 🙏 😊
Everyone should have a friend like this. Thank you Steve.
That’s nice to know that Liberace cared for dogs so much. I didn’t know. He had a good heart.