Petrillo, James C. (James Caesar), 1892-1984

Former President Harry S. Truman playing the piano, with James Petrillo, head of the American Federation of Musicians, at the cornet.

President of the American Federation of Music and National Music Chairman on the 1949 Inaugural Committee, James C. Petrillo participated in the inaugural events held January 1949.

James C. Petrillo, President of the American Federation of Musicians, shows off a few dance steps (right) while former President Harry S. Truman, standing before the piano, cheers him on. They teamed up for three wild choruses of Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here. The duet gave Mr. Truman a chance to test the concert grand piano presented to him by the Federation for the Truman Memorial Library in Independence, Missouri. Later that day, Mr. Truman addressed the 57th annual convention of the Federation, which was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Chairman Fred A. Hartley, Jr., Congressman from New Jersey, told James C. Petrillo today that he was "clearly in violation" of the Lea Act despite the recent acquittal of the Musicians Union Leader in Federal court in Chicago. The two are shown together before the start of the hearing. From: Beth Gore.

James C. Petrillo, head of the Musicians Labor Union, is shown in testimony before the House Labor Subcommittee. From: Beth Gore.