Liza Minnelli’s Enduring Legacy: From ‘New York, New York’ to Street Performances
Liza Minnelli, the celebrated American actress, singer, and dancer, continues to captivate audiences decades after originating the iconic song “New York, New York.” While Frank Sinatra’s rendition became a defining hit of his later career, it was Minnelli who first breathed life into the song in the 1977 Martin Scorsese film of the same name.
Born Liza May Minnelli on , the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, she has established herself as a powerhouse performer with a commanding stage presence and a powerful alto singing voice. Her career spans over seven decades, beginning in and continuing to the present day.
Minnelli’s early career blossomed in New York City after she moved there in . She quickly found success in musical theatre, nightclub performances, and as a traditional pop artist. Her professional stage debut came in with an Off-Broadway revival of “Best Foot Forward.”
Throughout her career, Minnelli has collaborated with some of the most esteemed names in the industry, notably John Kander and Fred Ebb. These collaborations led to Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical for her roles in “Flora the Red Menace” in and “The Act” in . She also received Tony nominations for “The Rink” in , and Special Tony Awards for “Liza at the Winter Garden” in and “Liza at the Palace!” in .
The song “New York, New York,” penned by Ebb and Kander, holds a special place in Minnelli’s repertoire. As reported by Genius Lyrics, the song appears near the end of the film, sung by Minnelli’s character, Francine Evans, as she confirms her stardom by adding lyrics to an instrumental piece composed by her on-screen ex-husband, Jimmy Doyle.
Minnelli’s accolades extend beyond the stage and screen. She is one of the few performers to achieve an honorary EGOT – Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards – and is a Knight of the French Legion of Honour. She has recorded albums on labels including Capitol, A&M, Columbia, Epic, Angel, and Decca.
Recently, a video surfaced online – dated – showcasing Minnelli’s enduring appeal. The video, captured at the 3rd Street Promenade, features an impromptu performance of “New York, New York” as part of what is described as the “world’s only street singing concert,” dubbed “Street’s Got Talent & K-pop.” The performance, shared on YouTube, has been described as “insane” and “blew my mind” by viewers.
Minnelli’s personal life has also been widely documented, including her marriages to Peter Allen (–), Jack Haley Jr. (–), Mark Gero (–), and David Gest (–).
At age 79, Liza Minnelli remains a vibrant and influential figure in the entertainment world, continuing to inspire audiences with her talent and resilience. Her legacy is cemented not only through her numerous awards and iconic performances but also through spontaneous moments of joy, like her recent street performance, demonstrating her continued connection with fans and her enduring love for performing.
