Van Cliburn, American classical pianist, dies at 78

Pianist Van Cliburn performed in the final round of the Tchaikovsky International Piano & Violin competition in Moscow on April 11, 1958. 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. He was 78.