Deaths on January 29

Margaret Truman, American singer and author (b. 1924)

Margaret Truman Daniel, born Mary Margaret Truman Daniel on February 17, 1924, and passing away on January 29, 2008, was a distinguished American figure who seamlessly navigated multiple prominent careers. Renowned for her versatility, she was recognized as a classical soprano, an actress, a respected journalist, a memorable radio and television personality, a successful writer, and a prominent New York socialite. Her unique standing in American history stemmed from being the sole child of President Harry S. Truman and First Lady Bess Truman, a lineage that profoundly shaped her public life and personal endeavors.

During her father's transformative presidency, spanning from 1945 to 1953, Margaret played an unexpectedly vital public role. She frequently accompanied him on critical political engagements, most notably during the arduous 1948 countrywide "Whistle-stop" campaign. This extensive, weeks-long train-borne tour was pivotal in securing her father's unexpected re-election against Thomas E. Dewey. Margaret's consistent presence on these trips and at significant White House and political events provided a humanizing element to the Truman administration, making her a beloved and highly visible figure in the eyes of the media and the public alike.

A Multifaceted Career: From Soprano to Socialite

The Aspiring Soprano: A Public Debut

Upon her graduation from George Washington University in 1946, Margaret Truman embarked on a career as a coloratura soprano. A coloratura soprano is a type of operatic soprano voice that specializes in music that is distinguished by agile runs, leaps, and trills. Her professional debut in 1947 with the esteemed Detroit Symphony Orchestra marked the beginning of this ambitious pursuit. For nearly a decade, through 1956, she performed extensively, captivating audiences in concerts with major orchestras across the United States and in solo recitals. Her vocal talents were also preserved on recordings for RCA Victor, and she made notable television appearances on popular programs of the era, including the long-running panel show What's My Line? and the esteemed musical showcase The Bell Telephone Hour. While her singing career garnered considerable attention, it was often met with mixed critical reception, a factor that ultimately contributed to her decision to transition into new professional avenues.

Pivoting to Journalism and Broadcasting

In 1957, Margaret Truman made a significant career shift, moving away from the demanding world of professional singing to embrace journalism and broadcasting. She quickly established herself as a credible voice, becoming the co-host of the program Weekday alongside the then-emerging broadcaster Mike Wallace. This groundbreaking radio show allowed her to engage with current events and public figures. Beyond broadcasting, she leveraged her sharp intellect and unique perspective as an independent journalist, contributing numerous articles to a diverse array of publications throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

A Bestselling Author: Mysteries and Memoirs

Margaret Truman's most enduring and widely recognized professional success came as a prolific and beloved author. She gained immense popularity for her series of Washington, D.C.-based murder mysteries, often referred to as the "Capital Crimes" series. These novels, such as Murder in the White House and Murder on Capitol Hill, captivated readers with their intricate plots and insider's view of political intrigue, drawing on her intimate familiarity with the city's power structures and hidden corners. Beyond fiction, she penned several well-received non-fiction works focusing on U.S. First Ladies and First Families, providing unique insights into the lives of those who occupied the nation's highest offices. Her critically acclaimed biographies of her parents, President Harry S. Truman and First Lady Bess Truman, offered a deeply personal yet historically informed perspective on their lives and legacies, becoming valuable contributions to American historical literature.

A Prominent New York Socialite

In her personal life, Margaret Truman was married to the distinguished journalist Clifton Daniel, who served as the managing editor of The New York Times, a position of significant influence in American media. Together, they raised four children and became a highly prominent fixture within New York City's elite social circles. As active and influential New York socialites, the couple frequently hosted and attended significant cultural and philanthropic events, further solidifying their status as influential figures in the city's vibrant high society.

Frequently Asked Questions About Margaret Truman Daniel

Who was Margaret Truman Daniel?

Margaret Truman Daniel was the only child of U.S. President Harry S. Truman and First Lady Bess Truman. She forged a diverse career as a classical soprano, actress, journalist, radio and television personality, and a highly successful author of both non-fiction works and a popular series of Washington D.C.-based murder mysteries. She was also a prominent New York socialite.

What was Margaret Truman's role during her father's presidency?

During her father's presidency from 1945 to 1953, Margaret Truman was a highly visible public figure. She frequently accompanied President Harry S. Truman on key political engagements, including the famous 1948 "Whistle-stop" campaign, which was crucial to his re-election. Her presence often humanized the presidency and she was a favorite of the media.

What kind of books did Margaret Truman write?

Margaret Truman was a successful author of two main genres: a popular series of murder mysteries set in Washington D.C., known as the "Capital Crimes" series (e.g., Murder in the White House), and several well-regarded non-fiction works. Her non-fiction included biographies of U.S. First Ladies and First Families, notably critically acclaimed biographies of her own parents, Harry S. Truman and Bess Truman.

Did Margaret Truman have a singing career?

Yes, Margaret Truman had an initial career as a classical coloratura soprano. She made her debut in 1947 with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and performed in concerts and recitals across the United States through 1956. She also recorded for RCA Victor and appeared on television shows like What's My Line?, though critical reception was often mixed.

What was Margaret Truman's contribution to journalism?

After her singing career, Margaret Truman transitioned into journalism and broadcasting. She co-hosted the radio program Weekday with Mike Wallace starting in 1957 and also worked as an independent journalist, writing articles for various publications throughout the 1960s and 1970s.