Dean Martin
Pop Singer
Dean Martin was an American singer, actor and comedian. One of the most popular and enduring American entertainers of the mid-20th century, Martin was nicknamed "The King of Cool." Martin gained his career breakthrough together with comedian Jerry Lewis, billed as Martin and Lewis, in 1946.
About
Dean Martin (born Dino Paul Crocetti) was born on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio. He grew up in a working-class Italian-American family, and he was the son of Gaetano Alfonso Crocetti and Angela Crocetti. His parents were both immigrants from Italy.
Martin attended Grant Elementary School and Wells High School in Steubenville, then later transferred to Jefferson High School in nearby Mingo Junction. In 1933, at age 16, Martin dropped out of high school to become an entertainer. He worked as a blackjack dealer, croupier and roulette wheel operator for local gambling clubs before joining the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
After returning from service in 1945, Martin began singing in nightclubs around his hometown of Steubenville with local band leader Sammy Watkins. Soon after, he moved to Cleveland where he began performing with another local band leader, Ted Weems. In 1947, Martin moved to New York City where he joined the popular vocal trio The Three Kings of Swing and recorded two songs with them for Columbia Records – “When You’re Smiling” and “Oh Marie” – which became hits on the radio.
Martin soon branched out into acting, appearing in small parts in several films including “My Friend Irma” (1949); starred alongside Jerry Lewis in his own comedy vehicle “At War With The Army” (1950); appeared opposite Doris Day in “The Glass Bottom Boat” (1966); and had a supporting role as Frank Sinatra's sidekick 'Nacho' Rodriguez in the original “Ocean's 11” (1960).
In addition to his film career, Martin enjoyed success as a singer with hits like "That's Amore," "Volare," "Memories Are Made Of This," "Everybody Loves Somebody" and many more. He also found success on television as part of the Rat Pack and hosting his own variety show The Dean Martin Show (1965–1973). His popularity continued throughout his life until his death on December 25th 1995 aged 78 years old
Life Timeline
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1917</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Dean Martin is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On June 7, 1917, Dean Martin was born in Steubenville, Ohio.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1933</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Joins a Band</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">At the age of 16, Martin joins a band called The Serenaders and begins playing nightclubs and lounges around Ohio.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1940</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Records First Solo Single</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Martin records his first solo single "That Certain Party" and it becomes a hit.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1945</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Signs with Capitol Records</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Martin signs a long-term contract with Capitol Records and his career takes off from there.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1951</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Releases 1st Album</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Releases his first album "Dean Martin Sings" which becomes a success.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1960</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Joins Rat Pack</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Martin joins Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. to form the legendary Rat Pack.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1972</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Retires from Music</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Martin retires from music after releasing his last album "My Kind of Music".</p></div>
Why We Love Them
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He was an Iconic Entertainer</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Dean Martin was an iconic entertainer, and a huge part of the Rat Pack. His style, charisma, and unique voice made him a staple in American pop culture, even decades after his death. </p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He was an Amazing Singer</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Dean Martin was an amazing singer whose songs are as memorable today as they were when he first performed them. His smooth baritone voice and easy going style made him a favorite of both young and old alike. </p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He had Great Style</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Dean Martin had great style that transcended generations. He had a timeless style and grace that was a refreshing change from the more flamboyant members of the Rat Pack. </p></div>
Interesting Facts
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Was a WWII Veteran</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Dean Martin served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for his service.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Started His Career as a Stand Up Comic</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Before becoming a famous singer and actor, Dean Martin started out his career as a stand up comic on the East Coast.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Had a Signature Drink</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Dean Martin was known for his signature drink - the "Dino" - made of equal parts vodka, lime juice and orange juice. He even wrote a song about it!</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Hosted His Own TV Show</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Dean Martin hosted his own variety show in 1965, which ran for 9 seasons and featured some of the biggest names in entertainment at the time.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Influenced Elvis Presley's Style</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Dean Martin was an influence on Elvis Presley's style and look. Elvis often wore dark suits, slicked back hair and sunglasses, similar to what Dean Martin had been wearing for years.</p></div>
FAQs
