Dean Martin at 100
At the centenary of his birth, it’s hard to believe that Dean Martin was ever anything but a born star. Yet he confessed to keeping quiet because of his English. using humor to hide his crippling shyness.
Dino Crocetti came into the world on June 7, 1917, the son of Abruzzese immigrants, but went on to become one of the world’s most popular entertainers, starring in a string of hit films, hosted his own TV variety show, and was a member of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack.
And who could forget the incredible comic duo of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis!
After working for various bands throughout the early 1940s, it was at the 500 Club in July 1946, that Martin and Lewis first debuted together as a music-comedy team.
It wasn't a particularly successful reception and they were told they'd be dropped if they didn't improve it immediately, but they worked hard, and formed an act that combined both of their talents. The second night was a huge hit and the dynamic duo was born.
The two continued performing in clubs before they made it onto the radio circuit, where they eventually got their own show called The Martin and Lewis Show which ran from 1949-1952 on NBC.
It was a comedy and variety show that featured the two performers along with several other big names, and they performed together until 1956 when they broke up their act.
It was during the 1950s that Dean Martin's career as a singer took off, with hits such as That’s Amore and Memories Are Made of This, and his polished image earned him the crown 'King of Cool' - although he was renowned for being a bit of a loveable drunk.
Drinking and smoking seemed to feature highly in his act, with him seldom being seen without a Scotch in his hand or a lit cigarette in hand, whether on stage or on the big screen - yet behind the supposed boozing and womanising, he would often drink apple juice instead of whiskey in cocktails.
His singing career declined in the 1970s, but he continued to enjoy success on the television, still attracting huge audiences. However, after his son, Dino was killed in an air crash, he suffered with severe depression, and abandoned a stadium tour with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr the following year.
There were few appearances after that, with his final Vegas shows at Bally's Hotel in 1990, where he had his final reunion with Jerry Lewis on his 72nd birthday. A few years later and he sadly became yet another star from the golden age of radio who died because they smoked, falling victim to lung cancer in 1993, and passing away two years later.
I wish he was still around to celebrate his 100th birthday this week.
Happy Birthday Dean!
