Dean Martin

Biography

Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio, was the son of Italian immigrants and grew up speaking only Italian until age five. Dropping out of high school in the tenth grade, Martin worked a series of odd jobs—including as a steel mill worker, gas station attendant, and casino croupier—before pursuing a singing career in local nightclubs. His early musical influences included crooners like Harry Mills and Perry Como, and he began performing under the name 'Dino Martini' before Cleveland bandleader Sammy Watkins suggested the stage name Dean Martin.

Martin's career took off after he teamed up with comedian Jerry Lewis in 1946, forming one of the most successful comedy duos of the era. Together, they starred in 16 films and numerous television specials before splitting in 1956. Martin then established himself as a solo star, joining Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and others in the legendary Rat Pack, performing in Las Vegas and starring in films such as 'Rio Bravo' and 'Ocean's 11.' As a singer, Martin became known for his smooth baritone voice and relaxed, charismatic style, recording hits like 'That's Amore,' 'Volare,' and the perennial holiday favorite 'Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!'

Nicknamed the 'King of Cool,' Martin's legacy endures through his contributions to music, film, and television. He hosted 'The Dean Martin Show' on NBC from 1965 to 1974, further cementing his image as a laid-back entertainer with effortless charm. His influence continues to be felt in the genres of swing, big band, and adult standards, and his recordings remain popular decades after his death on December 25, 1995.

Fun Facts

• Dean Martin spoke only Italian until he was five years old.
• Before his entertainment career, Martin fought as an amateur boxer under the name 'Kid Crochet' and claimed to have won all but 11 of his 12 fights.
• He was a member of the legendary Rat Pack, alongside Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., and was known for his effortless charm and laid-back persona.
• Martin hosted his own popular TV variety show, 'The Dean Martin Show', from 1965 to 1974, which became famous for its relaxed atmosphere and celebrity roasts.

Associated Acts

• Martin and Lewis - eponymous, original (1946–1956)
• The Rat Pack

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Sammy Watkins - Watkins was a Cleveland bandleader who hired Martin as a featured vocalist and advised him to change his name to Dean Martin. (Live performances with the Sammy Watkins Orchestra) [1938–1943]
• Harry Mills - Martin cited Mills, of The Mills Brothers, as a stylistic influence on his crooning vocal style. (General vocal style influence) [1930s–1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Jerry Lewis - Comedy partner in films, radio, and stage; together they formed one of Hollywood's most successful duos. (16 films including 'At War with the Army', 'The Caddy', 'Artists and Models') [1946–1956]
• Frank Sinatra - Fellow member of the Rat Pack; performed together in Las Vegas and in films. ('Ocean's 11', Rat Pack stage shows) [1958–1970s]
• Sammy Davis Jr. - Rat Pack member; performed together in stage shows and films. ('Ocean's 11', Rat Pack performances) [1958–1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Michael Bublé - Cites Martin as a major influence on his vocal style and repertoire in traditional pop and swing. (Albums such as 'It's Time', 'Call Me Irresponsible') [2000s–present]
• Robbie Williams - Inspired by Martin's swing and big band recordings, leading to his own swing albums. ('Swing When You're Winning') [2001]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Everybody Loves Somebody (Everybody Loves Somebody)
2. Volare (Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu) - Remastered 1998 (This Is Dean Martin)
3. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (A Winter Romance)
4. You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You - Remastered/1997 (This Time I'm Swingin')
5. That's Amore (Dean Martin: The Capitol Recordings, Vol. 4 (1952-1954))
6. Ain't That A Kick In The Head (Dean Martin: The Capitol Recordings, Vol. 11 (1960-1961))
7. Sway (Quien Sera) (Hey, Brother Pour The Wine)
8. That's Amore (Dean Martin Sings)
9. Sway (Quien Sera) (Dean Martin: The Capitol Recordings, Vol. 5 (1954))
10. On The Street Where You Live - Remastered 1998 (This Time I'm Swingin')

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #big-band, #christmas-music, #country-pop