Happy Birthday, Mr. President
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"Happy Birthday, Mr. President" is a song sung by actress and singer Marilyn Monroe on Saturday, May 19, 1962, for President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, at a celebration of his forty-fifth birthday, ten days before the actual day of his 45th birthday (Tuesday, May 29). Sung in a sultry voice, Monroe sang the traditional "Happy Birthday to You" lyrics, with "Mr. President" inserted as Kennedy's name.
Monroe continued the song with a snippet from the classic song, "Thanks for the Memory", for which she had written new lyrics specifically aimed at Kennedy.
- Thanks, Mr. President
- For all the things you've done
- The battles that you've won
- The way you deal with U.S. Steel
- And our problems by the ton
- We thank you so much
Afterwards, President Kennedy came on stage and joked about the song, saying, "I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way," alluding to Monroe's delivery, her racy dress, and her general image as a sex symbol.[1]
The song and Monroe's performance have been remembered for numerous reasons. First, it was one of her last major public appearances (Monroe died August 5, 1962). In addition, there are persistent rumors that President Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe had had an affair,[2] giving Monroe's performance another layer of meaning.
Monroe's performance was accompanied by jazz pianist Hank Jones.[3]
[edit] History
President Kennedy's birthday celebrations were held at the old Madison Square Garden[4] on May 19, 1962, and more than 15,000 people attended along with numerous celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe. Jackie Kennedy was not in attendance.
Monroe's dress was noted for being made of a sheer and flesh colored marquisette fabric, with 2500 rhinestones sewn into it. The dress was so tight-fitting that Monroe had to be literally sewn into it; she wore nothing under it.[5] Under the bright stage spotlight the fabric seemed to "melt away", leaving only the glitter of the rhinestone brilliants.[6] It was designed by Jean Louis.
Peter Lawford was at the event that night to introduce Monroe. He made a play on the actress's lateness by giving her a number of introductions throughout the night, after which she did not go on stage. As she finally came on stage several hours into the show, Lawford introduced her as the "late Marilyn Monroe".[1]
The event was choreographed by Carol Haney of The Pajama Game fame.
[edit] Impact
Monroe's dress has become famous as a symbol of the song, selling in 1999 at an auction in New York for over US$1.26 million.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Original performance of "Happy Birthday", Marylin Monroe. Shown on Columbia Broadcasting System, May 29, 1962.
- ^ Guy Rocha, "[1][dead link]", Reno Gazette-Journal, August 12, 2004. URL last accessed December 26, 2006.
- ^ Hank Jones: The Man Who Accompanied Marilyn
- ^ "Madison Square Garden III" on Ballparks.com
- ^ a b "Happy Birthday, JFK", University of Massachusetts Lowell, URL last accessed February 2, 2010
- ^ Hollywood Costume: Glamour, Glitter, Romance by Dale McConathy, 1976. Pages 247-248 ISBN 0-8109-1050-0
