Happy Birthday, Mr. President — song sung by Marilyn Monroe in 1962 for John F. Kennedy
Monroe's intimate rendition for Kennedy became one of the most iconic moments in American celebrity and political culture.
Key Facts
- Date of performance
- May 19, 1962
- Venue
- Madison Square Garden (third incarnation)
- Kennedy's birthday age
- 45 years
- Days before actual birthday
- 10 days
- Monroe's death after event
- Less than 3 months (August 4, 1962)
- Accompanist
- Jazz pianist Hank Jones
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A Democratic Party fundraising gala was organized at Madison Square Garden to celebrate President John F. Kennedy's 45th birthday, held ten days before the actual date of May 29, 1962. The event was co-hosted by Arthur B. Krim and Anna M. Rosenberg and featured numerous celebrities.
Marilyn Monroe performed a sultry, intimate rendition of 'Happy Birthday to You' for President Kennedy, addressing him as 'Mr. President.' She followed with a customized version of 'Thanks for the Memory,' with new lyrics written specifically for Kennedy. Monroe wore a skintight dress, and Kennedy himself joked about the performance afterward from the stage.
The performance became one of the most memorable moments in American cultural and political history. It was among Monroe's last major public appearances before her death on August 4, 1962. Kennedy's lighthearted stage remarks about retiring from politics after such a rendition added to the enduring notoriety of the event.
Political Outcome
A celebrated but informal cultural moment at a Democratic Party gala; Kennedy acknowledged Monroe's performance with a joking remark from the stage.