Dean Martin:Change Name, Parents ,Last Words, Death ,Wife ,Children, History
Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917, was an American singer, actor, and comedian who became one of the most popular and enduring entertainers of the 20th century. Known for his smooth voice, charismatic personality, and seemingly effortless style, Martin left an indelible mark on the worlds of music, film, and television. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the life, career, and lasting legacy of Dean Martin.
Early Life of Dean Martin
Dean Martin was born in Steubenville, Ohio, to Italian immigrant parents. Growing up in a working-class family, young Dino spoke only Italian until he started school at the age of five. His early years were marked by a struggle to fit in and find his place in American society.
As a teenager, Martin dropped out of high school and took on various jobs, including working in a steel mill and as a bootlegger. He also began boxing under the name “Kid Crochet,” but his career in the ring was short-lived.
Dean Martin’s Career Beginnings
Martin’s entertainment career began in the early 1940s when he started singing in nightclubs. It was during this time that he changed his name to Dean Martin, feeling it would be more marketable than his birth name.
Key milestones in Dean Martin’s early career:
1. 1946: Martin meets comedian Jerry Lewis, forming a partnership that would catapult both to stardom
2. 1948: The Martin and Lewis duo make their television debut on “Toast of the Town” (later known as “The Ed Sullivan Show”)
3. 1949: Martin and Lewis sign with Paramount Pictures, launching their film career
Dean Martin’s Rise to Fame
The Martin and Lewis comedy team quickly became one of the hottest acts in show business. Their contrasting personalities – Martin as the suave straight man and Lewis as the manic comedian – created a dynamic that audiences loved.
Dean Martin’s Achievements in Music
While Martin was initially known as part of a comedy duo, his musical career would eventually define him as a solo artist. His smooth baritone voice and relaxed delivery made him one of the most popular singers of his era.
Notable achievements in Dean Martin’s music career:
1. Over 100 million records sold worldwide
2. 11 number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
3. Induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame for his signature song “That’s Amore”
4. Nicknamed “The King of Cool” for his effortless style and smooth delivery
Some of Dean Martin’s most iconic songs include:
1. “That’s Amore”
2. “Everybody Loves Somebody”
3. “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head”
4. “Memories Are Made of This”
5. “Volare”
Dean Martin’s Acting Career
After the breakup of Martin and Lewis in 1956, Dean Martin embarked on a successful solo career in both music and film. He proved himself to be a versatile actor, capable of handling both comedic and dramatic roles.
Notable films starring Dean Martin:
1. “Rio Bravo” (1959)
2. “Ocean’s 11” (1960)
3. “The Young Lions” (1958)
4. “Some Came Running” (1958)
5. “Kiss Me, Stupid” (1964)
Dean Martin’s Television Career
In addition to his success in music and film, Dean Martin became a television star in his own right. His variety show, “The Dean Martin Show,” ran from 1965 to 1974 and was known for its relaxed atmosphere and Martin’s apparent on-screen intoxication (which was largely an act).
Notable television achievements:
1. “The Dean Martin Show” – ran for 9 seasons and won a Golden Globe Award
2. “The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast” – a series of television specials that ran from 1974 to 1984
3. Numerous guest appearances on other popular shows of the era
Dean Martin and the Rat Pack
In the 1960s, Martin became associated with the “Rat Pack,” a group of entertainers that included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. The Rat Pack epitomized the cool, sophisticated lifestyle of Las Vegas in the 1960s.
Key Rat Pack collaborations:
1. Performances at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas
2. Films such as “Ocean’s 11” and “Sergeants 3”
3. Television specials and live performances
Dean Martin’s Personal Life
Martin was married three times and had eight children. His personal life was often at odds with his public persona of the carefree, heavy-drinking entertainer.
Marriages:
1. Elizabeth Anne McDonald (1941-1949)
2. Jeanne Biegger (1949-1973)
3. Catherine Hawn (1973-1976)
Despite his on-stage persona, Martin was known to be a private person who preferred quiet evenings at home to the party lifestyle he often portrayed.
Dean Martin’s Later Career
As the entertainment landscape changed in the 1970s and 1980s, Martin adapted his career. He continued to perform in Las Vegas and make television appearances, though less frequently than in his heyday.
Notable later career moments:
1. 1978: Martin’s final film role in “The Cannonball Run”
2. 1988: Embarked on a reunion tour with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., dubbed “Together Again”
3. 1990: His final Vegas performance at Bally’s Hotel
How Dean Martin Died
Dean Martin passed away on December 25, 1995, at the age of 78, at his home in Beverly Hills, California. The official cause of death was acute respiratory failure resulting from emphysema.
Martin had been diagnosed with lung cancer in September 1993 and had declined to undergo surgery to remove the tumor. He chose instead to retire from public life and spend his remaining time with his family.
His death on Christmas Day was mourned by fans and fellow entertainers worldwide. Martin’s funeral was held on December 28, 1995, and he was interred at the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Dean Martin’s Legacy
Dean Martin’s impact on popular culture is immeasurable. He helped define the image of the cool, sophisticated entertainer and left an indelible mark on music, film, and television.
Martin’s legacy lives on through:
1. His extensive catalog of music, which continues to be celebrated and reissued
2. His films and television shows, which are still enjoyed by new generations of fans
3. His influence on subsequent generations of entertainers who emulate his style and charisma
4. The enduring popularity of the Rat Pack and the Las Vegas entertainment scene they epitomized
Frequently Asked Questions about Dean Martin
1. What made Dean Martin’s singing style unique?
Dean Martin’s singing style was characterized by its smooth, relaxed delivery and warm tone. Unlike many of his contemporaries who favored a more dramatic approach, Martin’s style was effortless and conversational.
He was known for his ability to make difficult songs sound easy, often seeming as if he was casually speaking the lyrics rather than singing them. This laid-back approach, combined with his natural charm and charisma, made his performances feel intimate and personal, even in large venues.
2. How did Dean Martin’s partnership with Jerry Lewis impact his career?
The partnership between Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis was crucial in launching both of their careers. Their contrasting styles – Martin as the suave straight man and Lewis as the zany comedian – created a dynamic that was immensely popular with audiences in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The success of their nightclub act led to opportunities in radio, television, and film.
While the partnership ended in 1956, it provided Martin with the exposure and experience that allowed him to launch a successful solo career in music and acting.
3. What was Dean Martin’s relationship with the Rat Pack?
Dean Martin was a core member of the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that epitomized cool in the 1960s. The group, which included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop, was known for their Las Vegas performances and several films they made together.
While Frank Sinatra was often seen as the leader of the group, Martin’s easy-going charm and quick wit made him a fan favorite. The Rat Pack’s influence extended beyond entertainment, as they were also involved in politics and social causes, particularly through their friendship with John F. Kennedy.
4. How did Dean Martin balance his public persona with his private life?
Dean Martin’s public persona as a carefree, heavy-drinking entertainer was largely at odds with his private life. While he cultivated an image of being constantly tipsy on stage, in reality, Martin was often drinking apple juice rather than alcohol during performances.
Off-stage, he was known to be a private person who preferred quiet evenings at home to the party lifestyle he portrayed. This disconnect between his public image and private reality is a testament to Martin’s skill as a performer and his ability to create a character that resonated with audiences.
5. What is Dean Martin’s enduring influence on popular culture?
Dean Martin’s influence on popular culture remains significant decades after his death. His smooth singing style continues to influence contemporary artists, particularly in the realms of jazz and traditional pop. The image of the cool, sophisticated entertainer that Martin helped create still serves as a model for many performers today.
His films, particularly his collaborations with the Rat Pack, continue to be celebrated as capturing a particular moment in American cultural history. Moreover, Martin’s seemingly effortless charm and wit have become a template for what it means to be “cool” in American popular culture.