Pages

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

"MISS TRUMAN CANNOT SING VERY WELL & IS FLAT A GOOD DEAL OF THE TIME"

PRESIDENT TRUMAN'S DAUGHTER MARGARET DIES

Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) On January 29, 2008, the only child of President Harry S and Bess Truman, Mary Margaret Truman Daniel*, died here in Chicago at the age of 83.  The former First Daughter had moved to the Windy City from her home in New York City to be closer to her son, Clifton.

Miss Truman began a singing career in 1947.  She performed a concert at Washington's Constitution Hall in December 1950, but was given a harsh review by Washington Post critic Paul Hume**.  The review included these words....

"(Miss Truman) cannot sing very well (and)...is flat a good deal of the time."

The review did not go unnoticed by President Truman who immediately sent a letter to the critic.  The President called Mr. Hume "an eight ulcer man on four ulcer pay" and added...

"Some day I hope to meet you.  When that happens you'll need a new nose, a lot of beefsteak for black eyes, and perhaps a supporter below."


Despite the review, Margaret Truman went on to appear on both radio and television.  She also authored several books including mysteries as well as biographies of her mother and father.

*Mary Margaret Truman Daniel (1924-2008) was born in Independence, MO & earned a B.S. at George Washington University (1946).  MTD married Clifton Daniel, a NY Times reporter, in 1956.  The Daniels had 4 children.

**Paul Chandler Hume (1915-2001) was born in Chicago and was the music editor for the Washington Post (1946-1982).  PCH was also Professor of Music at Georgetown University (1950-1977).  PCH received the Peabody Award in 1977.


                       Margaret Truman
                            NARA Photo