New York City - Once upon a time, there was a popular ad campaign that asked the question, "What Becomes A Legend Most." The answer: a series of glamorous, black and white photographs of Hollywood Movie Stars. That was good then. But, now? Years later. In a world so focused on youth, the surprise answer is Brooklyn born Joseph Yule, Jr. Better known as Mickey Rooney.

Jan and Mickey Rooney.

The man is a marvel. He just turned 90. He is touring the country with his wife of 30 years Jan Chamberlain Rooney in a musical review called "Let's Put on a Show." "Our marriage has lasted longer than all the other seven put together, "Rooney quipped than added with great warmth, "She is my soul mate."

In the little more than an hour entertainment, Mickey was singing, well speak-singing a la Rex Harrison; dancing, a bit of a shuffle really, reminiscing about his movie star pals, all no longer with us, to a nostalgia-prone audience. Along the way, he referenced his struggle to care for his family while celebrating his well-earned popularity as the number one star in the world to an over-packed Feinstein's.

As he took us on a roller coaster ride of his life, he talked about the old movie studio heads, namely Louis B. Mayer. He talked about "Mr. Mayer" and how he loved his stars like family. And in an aside, he mentioned that today's executives don't have the same passion for making movies.

As the evening progressed, we learned about his 22 months of military service during WWII. His four stars on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame," one he shares with his wife Jan. He also emphasized how important education is and that he is a college graduate.

Jan and Mickey Rooney with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.

He is the only surviving screen actor to appear in silent films and still continue to act in movies into the 21st century. His film debut was in the movie "Not to Be Trust" in 1926 at the age of four.

The man is like a perpetual clock and never stops moving except when his wife Jan joined him on stage. Then he sat, beaming like a proud partner, as his wife proved she could sing from the American Song Book to the top of the Country catalog with equal success.

To honor the man, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz named September 23 Mickey Rooney Day. New York's Mayor Bloomberg added his good wishes, as did President Obama.

Watching the festivities were Melania and Donald Trump, Joy and Regis Philbin, Nathan Lane, Michael Feinstein, Richard LaGravenese, Tony Bennett, Rita Moreno, Matthew Broderick, Elaine Stritch, Victor Garber, Arlene Dahl, Jake LaMotta, Dan Luria, Ian Kelly, Jim Brochu, Jackie Mason, Joe Franklin, Fran Capo, Stone Brothers, Judith Regan, Robin Skye, Ervin Drake, Irving Fields, Maggie Norris and producers Terry Allen Kramer, "Sugar Babies," Randall Wreghitt, "Tally's Folly," Pat Addiss, "Promises, Promises" and Kevin Spirtas of the forthcoming "Pricilla, Queen of the Desert."

There is no doubt that Rooney has become a legend. There is no doubt he has entertained millions with his movies and theatrical performances. There is no question that Jan Rooney is a marvelous singer.

Shortly before the entertainment's close, before all the Proclamations, Mickey sat down to play one of his own compositions on the piano. When he played, he was no longer 90. He was a composer and pianist at the height of his game. And that's what becomes a legend most. No matter what comes, staying power.