Lot 172

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Description:

John F. Kennedy Signs "High Hopes" 1960 Presidential Campaign Song Lyrics Adapted from Sinatra Single

A 1p typed sheet of lyrics from the 1960 presidential campaign song of future 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), inscribed and signed by him as "For Dorothy / from / John Kennedy" at upper right. Expected wear including light smudges along the right edge. Folded into quarters. Minor loss and adhesive traces along the top verso. Else near fine. 8.5" x 11."

Singer and actor Frank Sinatra (1915-1998) harnessed his double star power to promote his friend JFK's political ambitions by performing Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign song, an adaption of Sinatra's 1959 single "High Hopes." The original song, with music by James Van Heusen and lyrics by Sammy Cahn, had appeared in the film "A Hole in the Head" and eventually reached number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Sinatra and JFK had probably met in the 1950s through Patricia Kennedy and her Rat Pack husband Peter Lawford. The presidential hopeful and matinee idol shared similar lifestyle choices, including drinking, carousing, and courting beautiful women. Sinatra tirelessly campaigned for JFK, recruiting donors, performing radio ads, and also singing at Kennedy's star-studded pre-Inauguration gala in 1961.

"Jack Kennedy

High Hopes

Everyone is voting for Jack 
'Cause he's got what all the rest lack 
Everyone wants to back -- Jack 
Jack is on the right track. 
'Cause he's got high hopes 
He's got high hopes 
Nineteen Sixty's the year for his high hopes. 
Come on and vote for Kennedy 
Vote for Kennedy 
And we'll come out on top! 
Oops, there goes the opposition - ker - 
Oops, there goes the opposition - ker - 
Oops, there goes the opposition - KERPLOP! 
K--E--DOUBLE N--E--D--Y 
Jack's the nation's favorite guy 
Everyone wants to back -- Jack 
Jack is on the right track. 
'Cause he's got high hopes 
He's got high hopes 
Nineteen Sixty's the year for his high hopes. 
Come on and vote for Kennedy 
Vote for Kennedy 
Keep America strong. 
Kennedy, he just keeps rollin' - a - 
Kennedy, he just keeps rollin' - a - 
Kennedy, he just keeps rollin' along."

Kennedy eked out a narrow victory in the 1960 presidential election, defeating Republican candidate Richard M. Nixon by only 112,000 popular votes and 84 Electoral College ballots.

By 1962, the friendship between JFK and Sinatra had deteriorated. Possible causes of the estrangement included Jackie Kennedy's reported personal dislike of the womanizing singer, or younger brother Bobby Kennedy's desire to separate his brother's political legacy from Sinatra's mob connections.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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May 26, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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