- In the early days of the Cold War, in 1958, Cliburn became the first American to win the Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Piano Competition, in Moscow.
- He was awarded the 2010 National Medal of Arts for his contributions as a pianist in the history of music, and as an ambassador for American culture. Since his historic 1958 victory at the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, he has reached across political frontiers with the universal message of beautiful music.
- Van Cliburn received the John F. Kennedy Center Honors in 2001.
- His publicist was his close friend, Mary Lou Falcone.
- Son of Rildia Bee Cliburn.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content