Rockettes give fourth-annual Liberace award

Robert Macy

Thursday, Nov. 6, 1997 | 10:43 a.m.

It was an evening Liberace would have loved: glitzy costumes, some classical music, and the dancers he first introduced to Las Vegas 17 years ago, the Radio City Rockettes.

The entertainment legend was remembered Wednesday night when the Rockettes were given the fourth annual Liberace Legend Award, a silver and Lucite candelabra inspired by the famed pianist's trademark.

The award is given annually to an entertainer or group making a significant contribution to the Las Vegas community and the world of entertainment. Previous honorees were Liza Minnelli, Siegfried and Roy, and Debbie Reynolds.

Liberace first brought the Rockettes to Las Vegas to perform in 1980, then performed with them at Radio City Music Hall in New York City in 1984, 1985 and 1986.

He died Feb. 4, 1987, of complications from AIDS.

"Liberace was the founding father of Las Vegas entertainment," singer Susan Anton said as she presented the award to the famous dance ensemble at the end of their performance at the Flamingo Hilton.

"He would be very proud of our wardrobe," she laughed, looking across a stage featuring 22 lavishly costumed dancers.

Anton recounted meeting Liberace when she was getting her start in the business, and accompanying him backstage to view some of his extravagant costumes.

"I got to go through his closets, trying on his capes," she said. "Every since then I've realized the value of a good rhinestone."

The award is presented by the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts, which has awarded more than $3.25 million in scholarships to students at more than 90 colleges and universities.

The Rockettes have been performing at the Las Vegas resort since February 1995.

The Liberace Museum has been visited by more than 3 million people since it opened April 15, 1979.