Van Cliburn, American classical pianist, dies at 78

Pianist Van Cliburn spoke at the presentation ceremony of the Liberty Medal that was presented to former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev in Philadelphia on Sept. 18, 2008. Cliburn, the internationally celebrated 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 died early today at his Fort Worth home following a battle with bone cancer.