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When Harry Truman, Lauren Bacall and a Piano Made Sweet Music and Scandal Together
A US President and a Hollywood legend accidentally caused a scandal during the waning days of WWII
In the realm of unexpected encounters, a brief impromptu concert by then Vice President Harry Truman and young actress Lauren Bacall stand out as an unusual event in history. The grizzled politician and the beautiful thespian, who both were on their way to bigger things, had a chance meeting that led to them making some music together, but also causing scandal that made headlines and greatly annoyed Mrs. Truman.
Truman was a lover of music, who found solace and inspiration in playing the piano. He possessed a modest talent for playing the instrument, and often did so as a means of relaxation or just to tinker around. A former Senator and judge, he briefly served as the Vice President for Franklin D. Roosevelt before becoming the 33rd U.S. president in 1945 — serving two terms. His political legacy is marked by having led the country through World War II and using the nuclear bomb to effect the end of the global conflict.
Bacall was a sultry and husky-voiced actress and singer who first made her mark in noir films. She went on to have a legendary career in Hollywood and Broadway, with her…
