Benny, Jack, 1894-1974

Former President Harry S. Truman (right) chats with comedian Jack Benny (center) today after Benny's arrival at the Kansas City Municipal Airport. Benny arrived by plane -- not in the ancient Maxwell in which he's seated. As a gag, he took a brief ride in the car driven by Carthell McClain, left. Truman and Benny will make guest appearances with the Kansas City Philharmonic orchestra tomorrow night, Truman as a conductor and Benny as a violin soloist.

Kansas City, MO. This is a combination that would draw crowds anywhere, but you'd hardly expect it at a serious concert. Conducting the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra in "The Stars and Strips forever," is Harry S. Truman, better known as a former U. S. President. The violinist at left is well known in another field -- he is comedian Jack Benny. The concert raised about $50,000 and nearly erased the orchestra's deficit. Benny played two solos -- "Zigeunerweisen" (Gypsy Airs) by Sarasate Mendelssohn's violin concerto in "E" minor. Truman also conducted the national anthem.

Former President Harry S. Truman (at right), Jack Benny (third from left), Ben F. Weinberg (far left) and an unidentified man seated at a banquet table during the Silver Anniversary commemoration of the Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra. From: White Leather album, gift from Ben F. Weinberg.

Former President Harry S. Truman shown seated (head of table, right) talking to movie director Charles Vidor (seated right). Comedian Jack Benny is seated (head of table, left) with Ben F. Weinberg (light suit and bow tie, standing). Others are unidentified. Banquet commemorates the Silver Anniversary of the Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra. From: White leather album, gift from Ben F. Weinberg.