An awful lot of Stan Freberg fans visit this site, and here's something they'll like. The above photo is from November 2, 1960. It was taken at the East Los Angeles Junior College football stadium. The 22,000 seat arena was jammed, and another 15,000 people were turned away from the event as a bevy of Hollywood stars rallied support for Democratic nominee John F. Kennedy. From left to right, the celebrities are actress Janet Leigh, singer Jo Stafford, musician Louis Prima, comedian Milton Berle, and Freberg.
The other day on the phone, I asked Stan what he remembered of that evening. He recalled Berle repeatedly trying to get his cigar lit as Senator Kennedy was speaking. After a few tries, Uncle Miltie announced — just loud enough for all to hear — "This lighter won't work. It's just like my brother-in-law." J.F.K. gave him a quick glance, then returned to his speech.
That's right. Berle was trying to upstage the man who, six days later, would be elected the 35th President of the United States.