Van Cliburn, U.S. classical pianist, dies at 78

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) ― Van Cliburn, the U.S. pianist whose triumph at a 1958 Moscow competition helped thaw the Cold War and launched a spectacular career that made him the rare classical musician to enjoy rock star status, has died. He was 78.

Cliburn died early Wednesday at his Texas home surrounded by loved ones following a battle with bone cancer, said his publicist and longtime friend Mary Lou Falcone.

The Grammy winner made what would be his last public appearance in September at the 50th anniversary of the prestigious piano competition named for him. To a roaring standing ovation, Cliburn said: “Never forget: I love you all from the bottom of my heart, forever.’’

Cliburn skyrocketed to fame when he won the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow at age 23 in 1958, six months after the Soviets’ launch of Sputnik embarrassed the U.S. and propelled the world into the space age. He triumphantly returned to a New York City ticker tape parade ― the first ever for a classical musician ― and a Time magazine cover proclaimed him “The Texan Who Conquered Russia.’’

But the win also proved the power of the arts, bringing unity in the midst of strong rivalry. Despite the tension between the nations, Cliburn became a hero to music-loving Soviets who clamored to see him perform, and Premier Nikita Khrushchev reportedly gave the approval for the judges to honor a foreigner: “Is Cliburn the best? Then give him first prize.’’

In the years that followed, Cliburn’s popularity soared, and the young man sold out concerts, caused riots when spotted in public and even prompted an Elvis Presley fan club to change its name to his.