Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh and Gene Kelly
Tony Curtis and then-wife Janet Leigh, Hollywood’s power couple of the 1950s, attended John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball in 1961, where Gene Kelly performed a dance number.
Tony Curtis and then-wife Janet Leigh, Hollywood’s power couple of the 1950s, attended John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball in 1961, where Gene Kelly performed a dance number.
Better known as the “first lady of song,” jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald is pictured here singing at the Democratic rally for President Kennedy’s birthday in 1962. Fitzgerald also performed at the 1961 inaugural gala, where other artists such as Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr. also graced the stage.
In support of President Kennedy’s campaign, comedian Jimmy Durante performed at the 1961 pre-inaugural gala and was among the 15,000 guests invited to celebrate Kennedy’s birthday at a 1963 Democratic fundraising dinner.
Comedian-entertainer Joey Bishop, a member of Frank Sinatra’s notorious “Rat Pack,” and singer Pat Suzuki, acclaimed for her Broadway hit “I Enjoy Being a Girl,” were invited to perform at Kennedy’s inauguration.
Actor Peter Lawford’s marriage to Patricia Kennedy led him to gain widespread recognition as President Kennedy’s brother-in-law in the 1960s. The actor is pictured here viewing election results alongside Kennedy’s press agent, Pierre Salinger.
Singer and stage actress Diahann Carroll entertained guests at John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday celebration held in Madison Square Garden in 1962.
Close friend and leading supporter of Kennedy’s presidential campaign, legendary artist Frank Sinatra served as Master of Ceremonies during the inaugural gala that took place the eve of Kennedy’s inauguration. Sinatra led the 1960s “Rat Pack,” a group of performers closely tied to John F. Kennedy, which included Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford.
Marilyn Monroe’s performance of “Happy Birthday, dear Mr. President” at a fundraising gala celebrating John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday became infamous, largely due to the sex icon’s rumored affair with the president. Artists such as Madonna and Lana Del Rey later went on to re-enact the performance on different occasions.
Singer and political activist Harry Belafonte, pictured here beside then-wife Julie Robinson, celebrated with Kennedy at his 1962 birthday gathering, which artists including Peggy Lee and Diahann Carroll also attended.
Dina Merrill, seated to the left of actress Kim Novak, hosted Kennedy’s inaugural gala leading up to the presidential inauguration, which took place Jan. 20, 1961. She currently serves on the board of trustees at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Judy Garland, most known for her early role as Dorothy in 1939’s The Wizard of Oz, attended President Kennedy’s Democratic fundraising gala at the Beverly Hilton in 1960.