19 May 1962 Actor and singer, Marilyn Monroe, performs at a Democratic Party fund-raising dinner and birthday salute to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
Monroe sang the traditional "Happy Birthday to You" lyrics in a sultry, intimate voice, with "Mr. President" inserted as Kennedy's name. She continued the song 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 battles that you've won The way you deal with Steel And our problems by the ton We thank you so much Afterwards, as an enormous birthday cake was presented to him, President Kennedy came on stage and joked about Monroe's version of the song, saying, "I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way," alluding to Marilyn's delivery, skintight dress, and image as a sex symbol. The performance was one of her last major public appearances before her death less than three months later on August 4, 1962. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who rarely attended Democratic Party events, spent the day at the Loudon Hunt Horse Show with her children, John and Caroline. Monroe was accompanied by jazz pianist Hank Jones. History President Kennedy's birthday celebration was held at the third Madison Square Garden[3] on May 19, 1962, and more than 15,000 people attended, including numerous celebrities. The event was a fundraising gala for the Democratic Party.[4] Monroe's dress was made of a sheer and flesh-colored marquisette fabric, with 2,500 shimmering rhinestones sewn into it. The dress was so tight-fitting that Monroe had difficulty putting it on; she wore nothing under it.[5] It was designed by Jean Louis.[6] Monroe was accompanied to the event by her publicist Patricia Newcomb and her former father-in-law Isidore Miller with whom she had remained very close. Peter Lawford was at the event that night to introduce Monroe.
Size: 3280px × 4104px
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Photo credit: © American Photo Archive / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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