Desirable pairing 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; and 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. In overall fine condition.
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.'
