Five original vintage glossy 8 x 10 silver gelatin photographs taken at President John F. Kennedy's famous birthday celebration held at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962, with subjects including: Henry Fonda in a tuxedo; Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton seated together; Peggy Lee; Shirley MacLaine and Jimmy Durante; and Peter Lawford. In overall fine condition.
These photographs come 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 is seen in the backgrounds of four of these images, wearing wire-framed glasses and no tie.
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.'
