Articles, activities for boomers & seniors
One of the most popular and enduring American entertainers of the mid-20th century, Martin was nicknamed “The King of Cool” for his seemingly effortless charisma and self-assurance. Martin was born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio. Dean started his singing career with local bands eventually changing his name to Dean Martin.
He met comic Jerry Lewis at the Glass Hat Club in New York, where both were performing. Martin and Lewis formed a fast friendship which led to their participation in each other’s acts and the formation of a music-comedy team. The act consisted of Lewis interrupting and heckling Martin while he was trying to sing, with the two ultimately chasing each other around the stage. The secret, both said, is that they ignored the audience and played to each other. Harsh comments from critics, as well as frustration with the similarity of Martin and Lewis movies led to Martin’s dissatisfaction. The act broke up in 1956, ten years to the day from the first teaming.
As Martin’s solo career grew, he and Frank Sinatra became friends. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Martin and Sinatra, along with friends Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, and Sammy Davis, Jr. formed the Rat Pack. Together the “Pack” made a couple of movies including the classic Ocean’s 11.
Dean Martin’s Songlist
“That’s Amore”
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
“Volare”
“Everybody Loves Somebody”
“Ain’t that a Kick in the Head”
“Let it Snow, Let it Snow”
“You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You”
“Houston”
“Mambo Italiano”
Dean Martin’s Films
The Young Lions (1958)
Some Came Running (1958)
Rio Bravo (1959)
The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)
Who Was That Lady? (1960)
Ocean’s 11 (1960)
Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964)