In 1955, Marilyn Monroe learned the Mocambo, a popular Hollywood nightclub, would not book Ella Fitzgerald because she was black.

Monroe phoned the manager and told him she would reserve a front row table every night Ella performed there, knowing that her presence would get a lot of press and publicity for the club.

Soon, Ella became the first African American to perform at the Mocambo, and as promised, Marilyn was seated up front to enjoy her favorite singer.