Vince Cardell (born Vincent M. Cardile) (September 16, 1938 – May 29, 2012) was an American pianist who was a protégé of

Liberace Władziu Valentino Liberace (May 16, 1919 – February 4, 1987) was an American pianist, singer, and actor. A child prodigy born in Wisconsin to parents of Italian and Polish origin, he enjoyed a career spanning four decades of concerts, recordi ...

. Cardell became a significant part of Liberace's act in the late 1970s and released several albums internationally. After separating personally and professionally from Liberace, Cardell continued as a professional pianist until his death.

Early life and career

Cardell was born Vincent M. Cardile on September 16, 1938 in

The Bronx The Bronx () is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Bronx County, in the state of New York. It is south of Westchester County; north and east of the New York City borough of Manhattan, across the Harlem River; and north of the New Y ...

, New York. He was earning his living driving a truck delivering diapers, and working as a lounge pianist at a

Ramada Inn Ramada is a large American multinational hotel chain owned by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. As of December 31, 2018, it operates 811 hotels with 114,614 rooms across 63 countries under the Ramada brand. Name The ''Ramada'' name derives from t ...

in New Jersey, when he was introduced to Liberace in 1975. He was immediately hired as Liberace's new stage chauffeur, driving the limousine onto the stage for Liberace's grand entrances.

Career with Liberace

Eventually Liberace came to showcase Cardell's piano abilities alongside him on stage, introducing him as his protégé. As Cardell became more integral to Liberace's act, they would wear identical outfits while performing duets. Cardell lived at Liberace's home for six years, and although Vince was married and had children,

Scott Thorson Scott Thorson (born January 23, 1959) is an American known for his relationship with and lawsuit against the entertainer Liberace. Liberace Relationship A teenaged Thorson met Liberace in 1976 through his romantic friendship with dancer B ...

thought that Cardell and Liberace were almost certainly lovers. Liberace produced Cardell's first albums, and he toured with Cardell until their personal relationship soured and their contractual obligations came to an end in 1981. Cardell's playing and flashy costumes were much like his mentor's. He was reviewed as having a pleasant musical style, but with a tendency to play in an "overblown" manner. For the last six years of his professional life, Cardell was a fixture at the

Gaylord Opryland Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, formerly known as Opryland Hotel, is a hotel and convention center located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (formerly known as Gaylord Entertainment Company), and o ...

in a show featuring a water fountain with synchronized lasers and other show lighting. Cardell died on May 29, 2012.

In film

The character of Billy Leatherwood in the HBO movie ''

Behind the Candelabra ''Behind the Candelabra'' is a 2013 American biographical drama film directed by Steven Soderbergh. It dramatizes the last ten years in the life of pianist Liberace and the relationship that he had with Scott Thorson. It is based on Thorson's ...

'' was based on Cardell and played by

Cheyenne Jackson Cheyenne David Jackson (born July 12, 1975) is an American actor and singer. His credits include leading roles in Broadway musicals and other stage roles, as well as film and television roles, concert singing, and music recordings. After beginni ...

Discography

* ''Liberace Presents Vince Cardell'' (1975) (duet with Liberace) (AVI Records) * ''Piano Gems'' (1976) (duet with Liberace) (

Pye Records Pye Records was a British record label. Its best known artists were Lonnie Donegan (1956–1969), Petula Clark (1957–1971), the Searchers (1963–1967), the Kinks (1964–1971), Sandie Shaw (1964–1971), Status Quo (1968–1971) and Brotherho ...

) * ''Vince'' (~1977) * ''Ebb Tide'' (1981) (AVI Records) * ''Classics Live Behind The Candelabra'' (2013) (AGR Television Records) * ''Country Live Behind The Candelabra'' (2013) (AGR Television Records) * ''Christmas Live Behind The Candelabra'' (2013 AGR Television Records)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cardell, Vincent 1938 births 2012 deaths American pop pianists American male pianists Easy listening musicians Musicians from New York City 20th-century American pianists 20th-century American male musicians