Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti in 1917, built a career as a singer, actor and comedian. He teamed with Jerry Lewis from 1946 to 1956, then pursued a solo career in music, film and television. A regular in Las Vegas and part of the Rat Pack, Martin scored a major hit with "Everybody Loves Somebody" in 1964 and hosted "The Dean Martin Show" from 1965 to 1974. He reduced public appearances in the late 1980s and died on December 25, 1995.

Early life and stage name

Dean Martin was born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Italian immigrant parents. He began singing in local clubs as a teenager and adopted the stage name Dean Martin while touring with a band in 1940.

Radio, records and early career

Martin moved into radio and records in the 1940s. He recorded and broadcast regularly, building the relaxed, crooner style that later defined his solo career. Sources differ on the exact labels and broadcasts that launched him; some accounts cite a 1944 radio slot and early record contracts.1

The Martin and Lewis years (1946-1956)

In 1946 Martin teamed with comedian Jerry Lewis to form the nightclub and film act Martin and Lewis. They became one of the era's top comedy duos, appearing on stage, radio and in movies. Between 1949 and 1956 the pair made a string of feature films; Martin usually played the straight man to Lewis's clownish persona. The partnership ended in 1956 amid creative and personal differences.

Solo stardom, Las Vegas and the Rat Pack

After the split Martin concentrated on singing, recording, and motion pictures. He began performing regularly in Las Vegas in the 1950s and became associated with a group of entertainers that included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Peter Lawford - a social and professional circle popularly called the Rat Pack.

Film and television work

Martin maintained a film career alongside his music work and appeared opposite many top stars of the era. Over the decades he acted in dozens of feature films.2 His relaxed, comedic stage persona - often playing a slightly inebriated, easygoing man - became a recurring character on screen and in clubs.

In 1964 Martin recorded "Everybody Loves Somebody," which became a major hit and returned him to the top of the American charts, displacing a Beatles record. The song later became associated with his television variety show. "The Dean Martin Show" ran on network television from 1965 to 1974, featuring music, comedy sketches, and guest stars.

Later years and legacy

Martin was married three times and had children, including a son who died in a military aviation accident in 1987.3 He scaled back public appearances in the late 1980s as his health declined and largely retired from performing by the end of that decade.4

Dean Martin died on December 25, 1995, at age 78.5 He left a legacy as a singer, actor and comic who helped define mid-20th-century American entertainment and who remains closely associated with the Rat Pack era and the song "Everybody Loves Somebody."

  1. Confirm the band leader who hired Dean Martin in 1938 and the exact year he adopted the stage name (sources differ).
  2. Verify the 1944 record label and details of Martin's first radio broadcasts (length, city, and sponsor).
  3. Confirm the exact number of feature films Dean Martin appeared in during his career.
  4. Verify the precise circumstances, place and official cause of Dean Martin's death on December 25, 1995.
  5. Confirm details of Dean Martin's health decline and the timing/context of his retirement from public performances in the late 1980s, including whether he was touring with the Rat Pack at that time.
  6. Verify the identity and details of the son who died in the 1987 aviation accident (name, date, and circumstances).

FAQs about Dean Martin

When and where was Dean Martin born?
He was born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio.
What was the Martin and Lewis partnership?
Dean Martin teamed with Jerry Lewis in 1946 to form the comedy duo Martin and Lewis. They performed on stage, radio and in films until their split in 1956.
What is Dean Martin’s best-known song?
"Everybody Loves Somebody," recorded in 1964, became a major hit and is closely associated with Martin. It also served as the theme for his television show.
When did "The Dean Martin Show" air?
The Dean Martin Show ran on network television from 1965 to 1974.
Was Dean Martin part of the Rat Pack?
Yes. He was closely associated with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Peter Lawford, a group popularly known as the Rat Pack.

News about Dean Martin

Dean Martin's 8 Children: All About His Sons and Daughters - People.com [Visit Site | Read More]

How Dean Martin Once Destroyed An Expensive Vintage Car At A McDonald's Drive-Thru - The Takeout [Visit Site | Read More]

Dean Martin destroyed vintage car in McDonald’s drive-thru while getting burger for Bing Crosby’s grandson - Fox News [Visit Site | Read More]

Dean Martin’s ‘Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!’ Enters Spotify’s Billions Club - udiscovermusic.com [Visit Site | Read More]

How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Richard Marx - Los Angeles Times [Visit Site | Read More]

Lurgan: Man charged with sexual assault refused bail - BBC [Visit Site | Read More]