President Kennedy 1962 Birthday Photograph Album: unique one-of-a-kind leather bound photograph album commemorating President Kennedy's 45th birthday on May 19,1962 (actual birthday May 29) at Madison Square Garden in N.Y. highlighted by Marilyn Monroe singing "Happy Birthday Mr. President." Album contains 23 glossy 9.5″ x 7.75″ candid photos of the celebration. Photographs professionally mounted to cardstock boards. This event was a fundraising gala for the Democratic Party and was attended by over 15,000 people who paid anywhere from $300-$1000 to attend and be entertained from the likes of Jack Benny, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimmy Durante, Harry Belafonte, Peggy Lee, and others. Peter Lawford organized this event and acted as master of ceremonies. All evening Lawford made a play on Marilyn's reputation for tardiness by giving her a number of introductions throughout the night, after which she did not appear on stage.
Marilyn Monroe wore her white ermine fur coat before peeling it off, revealing her skintight dress.This would be Marilyn Monroe's last major public appearance before her death less than three months later on Aug. 5, 1962. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy did not attend the celebration.
Includes two images of Marilyn Monroe, who famously sang "Happy Birthday" to President Kennedy with a snippet from the classic song, "Thanks for the Memory," for which she had written new lyrics specifically aimed at Kennedy: "Thanks, Mr. President—For all the things you've done—The way you deal with U.S. Steel—and our problems by the ton—We thank you so much— Everybody, Happy Birthday" as she jumped up and down to a screaming audience. After Marilyn sang, President Kennedy came on stage and with his usual wit joked about the song, saying "I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way." He was alluding to her delivery and appearance.
From The Paloger Collection of John F. Kennedy Memorabilia, Historic Photographs & Original Negatives.
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