Original vintage glossy 8 x 10 silver gelatin photograph of Marilyn Monroe in her incredible skintight dress, posing beside renowned opera singer Maria Callas, taken backstage at President John F. Kennedy's famous birthday celebration held at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962. In fine condition.
This photograph comes from the collection of Frank Lauer, who went to the event as the 'camera bag-carrier' for a friend who freelanced for the New Brunswick newspaper The Home News. Issued a press pass, Lauer had free rein of Madison Square Garden and its backstage/basement. He was struck by the lack of security—the president walked right past him, the celebrity guests were milling about, and he was able to stand there in the hallway and get their autographs. Lauer was particularly taken by Monroe and her incredibly striking, practically see-through dress—she had to be sewn into it and she could not sit down. He later reported that she was as beautiful or more beautiful in person than she was on film, an unusual quality for a movie star.
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.'
