Clark County officials recently announced that a Las Vegas street has been named after entertainment icon and celebrity pianist Liberace, 35 years after his death.
According to a Clark County new release issued Dec. 14, Karen Avenue between heavily trafficked Maryland Parkway and Joe W. Brown Drive has been renamed to Liberace Avenue.
“It’s been 35 years since Liberace passed away,” County Commissioner Tick Segerblom said, according to the news release. “This recognition is long past due. Liberace was an incredible pianist and a spectacular showman. He ruled the Las Vegas Strip for four-plus decades and at the height of his fame was the highest-paid entertainer in the world.
“His impact on Las Vegas and the entertainment industry generally is unquestionable and this is just one small way to acknowledge his contributions,” Segerblom added.
“During his tenure on the Strip, Liberace’s show was must-see entertainment,” Commissioner Ross Miller said in the release. “He was ahead of his time with Las Vegas’ first residency. And in 1972, the Las Vegas Hilton paid him $300,000 weekly to perform, the top salary at that time. It reflected his popularity and enduring appeal.”
A second phase of the name change is planned to extend the name from Joe W. Brown Drive to Paradise Road.
