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1. 'Happy Birthday Mr President' sung to President John F. Kennedy (1962)
Performed for the president at Madison Square Garden ten days before his 45th birthday, the tardy (and ill-fated) Marilyn was spookily introduced as "the late Marilyn Monroe". JFK responded from the stage, "I can now retire from politics after having had 'Happy Birthday' sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way".
2. 'My Heart Belongs To Daddy' from Let's Make Love (1960)
This risqué Cole Porter song was originally written for 1938 musical Leave It to Me! and had been reprised a number of times before Marilyn gave it her own ridiculously sexy spin.
3. 'I Wanna Be Loved By You' from Some Like It Hot (1959)
Originally penned for 1928 musical Good Boy, Marilyn's version in her best film is quite possibly the finest moment of her musical career.
4. 'I'm Gonna File My Claim' from River of No Return (1954)
Marilyn starred opposite Robert Mitchum in this Western, which boasted a beer-hall singing-and-dancing sequence that would probably still make Xtina and co. blush today.
5. 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend' from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Often imitated, most notably by Madonna in the 'Material Girl' vid, but never bettered. Marilyn and Jane Russell whipped up a storm in the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical.
6. 'Every Baby Needs A Da-Da-Daddy' from Ladies of the Chorus (1948)
From her first starring role, 'Every Baby Needs A Da-Da-Daddy' begins to hint at the iconic sexiness Marilyn was about to define for the next couple of decades.
