Exactly 50 years ago today, Marilyn Monroe performed one the most famous versions of 'Happy Birthday' ever sung - definitely to a sitting U.S President.
Wearing the iconic rhinetstone dress that she was literally sewn into, Monroe performed a sultry version of the popular song to President John F. Kennedy at a fundraiser on May 19, 1962.
And to commemorate that fact, LIFE magazine has released a series of rare black and white images taken by photographer Billy Ray from the gala held for JFK's birthday put on at Madison Square Garden when it existed between 50th and 51st streets.
All alone on stage, Marilyn Monroe sings 'Happy Birthday' to President John F. Kennedy, New York, May 19, 1962
The evening will always be remembered for 36-year-old Monroe's intimate rendition of 'Happy Birthday', sung to preempt the Democrat's 45th birthday by ten days.
Photographed by Bill Ray, the collection has been released for the anniversary, including his unique vantage point of Monroe as she sings, from behind her and up in the rafters of Madison Square Gardens.
Singing to married father-of-two Kennedy like they were the only two people in the 15,000 seater arena, the sex-symbol's performance has been much analysed and even parodied by the likes of Lady GaGa over the years.
That indelible night, Kennedy was on his own, as his wife Jackie was visiting friends in Virginia.
Already thought to have begun their alleged affair, Monroe's sexy rendition of 'Happy Birthday' merely added fuel to the fire of rumours at the time claiming the two were an item.
John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden for the 'Birthday Salute' in his honor, New York, May 19, 1962
John F. Kennedy arrives in a limo at the old Madison Square Garden for a 'Birthday Salute' in his honour
John F. Kennedy enters Madison Square Garden prior to Marilyn Monroe's iconic birthday wishes to him
John F. Kennedy on stage at Madison Square Garden during his 'Birthday Salute', New York, May 19, 1962
President Kennedy arrived without his wife Jackie for the evening
Cake at Madison Square Garden during a 'Birthday Salute' in honor of President Kennedy
As she performed, the slightly embarrassed president took to the stage to announce, 'Thank you. I can now retire from politics after having had 'Happy Birthday' sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way.'
Monroe's famous dress was noted for being made of a sheer and flesh coloured marquisette fabric, that had 2,500 rhinestones sewn into it.
Apparently, when viewed under the spotlight, the fabric seemed to disappear and the rhinestones simply glittered on the Jean Louis designed dress.
The evening was all the more poignant for the fact that less than three months later Monroe was found dead and of course in November 1963, JFK was shot dead in Dallas.
'For stargazers and dusty old historians, alike, the night that Marilyn sang to JFK remains an uncanny, once-in-a-lifetime collision of sex, politics, power and pop culture,' said LIFE magazine.
The stage and seating at Madison Square Garden during a 'Birthday Salute' in honor of JFK, New York, May 19, 1962
The program from a 'Birthday Salute' in honor of President John F. Kennedy
Vice President Lyndon Johnson, Madison Square Garden, New York, May 19, 1962
Singer Peggy Lee on stage at Madison Square Garden during a 'Birthday Salute' in honor of President Kennedy, New York, May 19, 1962
Actress Marilyn Monroe singing Happy Birthday at the Democratic rally for President John F. Kennedy's birthday
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2147038/Happy-Birthday-Mr-President-Rare-black-white-pictures-released-celebrate-50th-anniversary-Marilyn-Monroes-iconic-Madison-Square-Garden-performance-JFK.html
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8 comentários:
Wow, these black and white photos are great! :D
P.S. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Do check out my newest post when you can!
Lots of love, B
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After Flats Giveaway
Hoy quiero regalarte un cofre lleno de abrazos, para cuando te invada la melancolía lo habrás y descubras el afectuoso sentimiento que en su interior te estará aguardando…
Porque ayer has sido tú el puerto que albergo mis ilusiones, dibujando nuevos horizontes iluminados siempre por el constante aprecio de la amistad.
Hoy como ayer
Me paseo de tu mano
Dando las gracias
Por haberte conocido.
María del Carmen
thank you so much for visit me:) of course we can follow each other:) follow me and I will follow you back:)
Fantastico post!!!
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What a tragic end to both of their lives. Thanks for posting this!
Maravilloso post!!! quién no recuerda a Marilyn cantando el Happy Birthday al president!!!
Buen comienzo de semana, guapa!
Besos, desde España, Marcela♥
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