On May 19, 1962, the Democratic Party held a massive fundraiser at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Over 15,000 people attended the gala, which celebrated President John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday — ten days before his actual birthday on May 29. Tickets ranged from $100 to $1,000, enormous sums at the time. Performers like Ella Fitzgerald, Jimmy Durante, and Maria Callas took the stage throughout the night.
President Kennedy arrived at Madison Square Garden that evening as the guest of honor, greeted by thousands of supporters.
Notable guests and performers gathered outside and backstage before the event began, including comedian Jack Benny and singer Ella Fitzgerald.
Marilyn Monroe was the night’s most anticipated performer. She had defied orders from 20th Century Fox — where she was filming Something’s Got to Give — to fly from Los Angeles to New York for the event. She arrived wearing a white ermine fur wrap. Beneath it was a flesh-colored soufflé gauze dress designed by Jean Louis, hand-sewn with over 2,500 rhinestones. The fit was so tight her staff had to sew her into it. The dress originally cost $1,440.33. Under the stage lights, the fabric nearly disappeared, making the rhinestones appear to float on her skin.
Master of ceremonies Peter Lawford — an actor and Kennedy’s brother-in-law — had joked all evening about Monroe’s tardiness, introducing her several times before she appeared. Finally, he announced her as “the late Marilyn Monroe.” She walked to the microphone, dropped the fur wrap, and sang “Happy Birthday” in a slow, breathy voice, placing deliberate emphasis on the word “President.” The crowd fell silent. She then performed a custom version of “Thanks for the Memory” with lyrics written specifically for Kennedy. The entire performance lasted under two minutes.
Vice President Lyndon Johnson was also present at Madison Square Garden that night.
A large five-tier birthday cake was brought onstage after the performance.
Kennedy joined Monroe at the podium to address the crowd. He joked that he could now retire from politics, having had “Happy Birthday” sung to him in such a way. The gala raised over $1 million for the Democratic Party.
After the public event ended, a private party was held at the home of United Artists chairman Arthur Krim. Both Kennedy and Monroe attended. Photographer Cecil Stoughton captured the two together there — one of the few existing photos of them in the same room. It was among the last times they were seen together publicly.
