Dean Martin

An Italian barber's son Dino Paul Crocetti was born on June 7, 1917 in Steubenville, Ohio. Unable to speak English when he started school, he never really settled down, he quit when he was sixteen to work in a factory. A few bouts as an amateur boxer were followed by jobs involving illegal liquor and gambling.

Inspired by his idol, the great Bing Crosby, Dino decided to get himself a nose job, change his name to Dean Martini and become a singer. When he was picked up by band-leader Sammy Watkins he was persuaded to drop the I of the end of his name and become Dean Martin. The young singer made a comfortable living in the clubs of New York and released his first moderately successful record.

In 1946 he met Jerry Lewis and the pair began performing comedy routines in Atlantic City, they were an instant hit. They worked together for ten years, appearing in 13 movies for Paramount. Throughout this time Martin had maintained his recording career but the consensus was that he would fade into obscurity when the partnership with Lewis broke up.

The critics were proven wrong Martin went on to make a name for himself as a dramatic actor in "The Young Lions" and "Rio Bravo" before teaming up with Sinatra and the rest of the "Rat Pack". While many singers fell by the wayside with the advent of rock and roll Martin continued to prosper, even knocking the Beatles from the No.1 spot on the charts in 1964. In 1965 he made his first television show which ran for nine seasons, and he then continued into the 70's with specials and his celebrity roasts.

Married three times in all Martin had four children with his first wife, three with his second wife and one adopted daughter with his third wife. Tragedy touched the family in 1987 when his son Dino Jr was killed in a plane crash during a Military training flight. Two years later Martin retired from show business, he passed away on December 25th 1995.