Desirable group of items from President John F. Kennedy's famous birthday celebration held at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962, including: an original ticket stub for "President Kennedy's Birthday Party and Gala All Star Show," 6.25 x 3.75, featuring his portrait on the left side; the original program from the event, entitled 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' on the front cover, two pages, 8.25 x 10.5, listing the performers inside, including Ella Fitzgerald, Maria Callas, Peter Lawford, and Marilyn Monroe—whose sultry rendition of 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' is remembered even today; and a blank ticket order form for the event. In very good to fine condition, with a central vertical fold, and a torn lower right side.
On the evening of May 19, 1962, 17,000 people filled Madison Square Garden to celebrate the birthday of President John F. Kennedy. The star-studded gala featured appearances and musical numbers by many noted celebrities including Maria Callas, Peggy Lee, and Diahann Carroll. The song that stole the show, however, was Marilyn Monroe’s now-infamous, sultry rendition of 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President.' Wearing a dazzling, skintight dress, the spotlight was on Monroe as she delivered the breathy number to the thrilled crowd. President Kennedy was then presented with a massive birthday cake, and he humorously remarked: 'I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way.'
