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[Kennedy, John F. (1917–1963)] Novak, Kim. (b. 1933) . John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Gala Program, signed.

Washington, D.C.: The Armory, January 19, 1961. Printed program for the "Inaugural Gala In Honor of the Inauguration of The Honorable John Fitzgerald Kennedy The Honorable Lyndon Baines Johnson...", signed to the front lower right in blue ink by actress Kim Novak, who co-hosted an NBC news broadcast covering the inaugural ball, alongside actress Dina Merrill.  4to. Unpaginated (44 pp). Illustrated with black and white portraits, including the Kennedys and Johnsons, as well as the night's performers Helen Traubel, Harry Belafonte, Milton Berle, Leonard Bernstein, Joey Bishop, Nat King Cole, Tony Curtis, Bette Davis, Jimmy Durante, Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson, Alan King, Janey Leigh, Frederic March, Ethel Merman, Sir Laurence Olivier, Sidney Poitier, Keely Smith , Louis Prima, Juliet Prowse, Anthony Quinn, and Frank Sinatra. Original printed wrappers, fine. 

The Inaugural Gala honoring President-elect John F. Kennedy took place on January 19, 1961 at the Washington, D.C. Armory, the night before the inauguration. Organized by Peter Lawford and Frank Sinatra, it was a star-studded event, remembered as one of the best and most glamorous parties ever held in Washington. The show was directed by Roger Edens, who was assisted by Kay Thompson. The performers represented a cross-section of the best in entertainment, including performances by Leonard Bernstein, Broadway legend Ethel Merman, comedians Milton Berle and Alan King, and others. As Kennedy was a defender of Civil Rights, the Star Spangled Banner was sung by Mahalia Jackson, and later performances included Ella Fitzgerald, as well as Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier. Notably, a performance by several members of the Rat Pack, including Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, and Frank Sinatra, then at the height of his fame.

From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications.

[Kennedy, John F. (1917–1963)] Novak, Kim. (b. 1933) John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Gala Program, signed

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[Kennedy, John F. (1917–1963)] Novak, Kim. (b. 1933) . John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Gala Program, signed.

Washington, D.C.: The Armory, January 19, 1961. Printed program for the "Inaugural Gala In Honor of the Inauguration of The Honorable John Fitzgerald Kennedy The Honorable Lyndon Baines Johnson...", signed to the front lower right in blue ink by actress Kim Novak, who co-hosted an NBC news broadcast covering the inaugural ball, alongside actress Dina Merrill.  4to. Unpaginated (44 pp). Illustrated with black and white portraits, including the Kennedys and Johnsons, as well as the night's performers Helen Traubel, Harry Belafonte, Milton Berle, Leonard Bernstein, Joey Bishop, Nat King Cole, Tony Curtis, Bette Davis, Jimmy Durante, Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson, Alan King, Janey Leigh, Frederic March, Ethel Merman, Sir Laurence Olivier, Sidney Poitier, Keely Smith , Louis Prima, Juliet Prowse, Anthony Quinn, and Frank Sinatra. Original printed wrappers, fine. 

The Inaugural Gala honoring President-elect John F. Kennedy took place on January 19, 1961 at the Washington, D.C. Armory, the night before the inauguration. Organized by Peter Lawford and Frank Sinatra, it was a star-studded event, remembered as one of the best and most glamorous parties ever held in Washington. The show was directed by Roger Edens, who was assisted by Kay Thompson. The performers represented a cross-section of the best in entertainment, including performances by Leonard Bernstein, Broadway legend Ethel Merman, comedians Milton Berle and Alan King, and others. As Kennedy was a defender of Civil Rights, the Star Spangled Banner was sung by Mahalia Jackson, and later performances included Ella Fitzgerald, as well as Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier. Notably, a performance by several members of the Rat Pack, including Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, and Frank Sinatra, then at the height of his fame.

From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications.