“I’m gonna knock your pallies off the charts" -Dean Martin

Hey pallies, likes today we follow up on Monday's  Dino-gram to youse and keeps the celebratin' goin' on the hugely historic Dino-event that happened on August 15 in the year of our Dino 1964....the date that the pallies at Billboard announced to the whole world that our one and only Dino had busted the Beatles off the musical charts with his numero uno croon of "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime."

Below once 'gain is a reprint of fantastically  fabulous Dino-prose that "actor, comedian, and voiceover artist" Mr. Eddie Deezen first scribed for his own website and that has been picked up by Miss Cellania at her pad "Neatorama."   Likes, we have shared Eddie's and Neatorama's version in the past, but today's reprint includes a number of glorious Dino-images not included in the original.

The only miscue in Eddie's sensational scribin's., and likes we have mentioned it here before, is, at least accordin' to famed Dino-biographer Mr. Nick Tosches, it was our Dino's boypallie namesake Dino Martin Jr. that our most beloved Dino spoke his most prophetic prose, "I'm gonna knock your pallies off the charts."  But, likes whether it was to Dino Jr. or Ricci, it none the less shows our Dino as the wisest of wise, bein' able to make his desires come true.

We sez our thoughtful thanks to Miss Cellania and all the pallies at Neatorama, as well, of course, to Mr. Eddie Deezen, for keepin' this historic moment in all of Dino-history front and center to the public eye, bringin' ever more pallies into deeper, truer, and purer devotion of our one and only Dino.
To checks this out in it's original source, simply clicks on the tag of this here Dino-report.

We remain,

Yours in Dino,

Dino Martin Peters

Dean Martin Knocks the Beatles out of the #1 Spot on the Charts

Miss Cellania • Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 5:00 AM

Neatorama presents a guest post from actor, comedian, and voiceover artist Eddie Deezen. Visit Eddie at his website or at Facebook.

“I’m gonna knock your pallies off the charts"  -Dean Martin

Ricci Martin, son of the world-famous singer Dean, was just like most any other teenager in the early months of 1964. Ricci was totally crazy about and obsessed with the Beatles.

Ever since the Beatles arrival in America a few months previously, they had captivated teenagers far and wide and taken the entire country by storm. They were making appearances on TV, their new film A Hard Day's Night was a smash hit, and their songs were blasting out of every radio on the continent. The records: “She Loves You,” “I Want to Hold your Hand,” “Please Please Me,” etc. were inevitably turning up on the record charts- in the number one spot.

And now it was August of 1964 and the theme song to their brilliant first film A Hard Day's Night was sitting brightly atop the charts. And so it was, a few months previous, that Ricci Martin was raving on and on about "the Beatles this" and "the Beatles that" and “Beatles Beatles Beatles.”

Dean Martin, star of stage, screen, television, Las Vegas, and the record world, got fed up one day and, with a bravado that would have put Muhammad Ali to shame, confidently took Ricci to the side and breezily told him, “I’m gonna knock your pallies off the charts.”

Ricci smirked and barely held back from rolling his eyes right to his father's face. Sure, his dad was the great Dean Martin, but Dino hadn't had a hit record in six years. And come on man, these guys were the Beatles!

In 1962, Dean Martin had signed a recording contract with Reprise records, a company owned by his close friend and comrade-in-arms Frank Sinatra. In 1963, Reprise signed a man named Jimmy Bowden to their A&R department. Jimmy Bowden very much wanted to record an album with Dean Martin.

Dean, always an easy-going guy, agreed to work with Bowden, but Dean, a man who did not like change, wanted to record an album of soft, moody, Las Vegas-type songs. It was to be a typical Dean Martin album- slow ballads and love songs sung by the droopy-eyed crooner. It was to an album called Dream with Dean.

Bowden wanted to record Dean and tried to set an atmosphere that was pleasing to his artist. The recording studio was set up in a moody light to create the proper atmosphere.

He got together a small band and Dino quickly and smoothly recorded the first 11 songs for the album. The 12th he just hated. It was an old song that had been around called “Everybody Loves Somebody.” Dean had to be coaxed into recording the number, but after some pushing, he finally agreed.

Interestingly, the tune had already been recorded by several other artists. i.e. Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and Dinah Washington. The song had never gone anywhere and seemed destined to be a small, trivial number in recording history.

“Everybody Loves Somebody" had been written around 15 years previously by Dean's close friend and piano player, Ken Lane. This factor, I’m sure, had a lot to do with Dean recording a song he couldn't stand. Dean was a very nice, easy-going guy and he probably just wanted to help a pal get some royalties.

When Dean's album came out, the song was given little notice and raised no stir. But then, early in 1964, Dean recorded the song again as a single. It was given a new arrangement, Dean sped up the tempo a bit, and added a more contemporary sound to it.

At first, the song went nowhere and Reprise decided to stop promoting it. But radio stations in New Orleans and Worchester, Massachusetts started playing it. It soon spread to other stations and gained popularity.

Lo and behold- on August 15, 1964, just as he had boasted to his skeptical son, “Everybody Loves Somebody" actually knocked the Beatles out of the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 record charts.

“See, I told you I was gonna knock your pallies off,” said Dean casually to his awestruck son.

Ricci Martin said he looked on at his father with pride, wonder and amazement. And thus, Dean Martin, in all probability, became the one and only person to correctly predict that he was going to knock the Beatles out of the number one spot on the charts and actually do it!

Billboard Top Five Songs August 15, 1964

1. “Everybody Loves Somebody" - Dean Martin

2. “Where Did Our Love Go?"- The Supremes

3. “A Hard Day's Night"- The Beatles

4. “Rag Doll"- The Four Seasons

5. “Under the Boardwalk"- The Drifters

On This Day In Dino-history: August 15, 1964

Hey pallies, likes time 'gain for ilovedinomartin to share one of the greatly greatest of the great days in all of recorded Dino-history. Likes from the pallies at the greatest of the great recorded music sites, "Billboard" comes the reminder that it was 52 years ago this very Dino-day that our most most beloved Dino boldly 'n beautifully busted the Beatles off of numero uno position on Billboard's Hot 100 Hit List with what became our main man's main croon..."Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime."

What a tremedous thrill it was then, and is still today to celebrate this hugest of hugest musical victory for our one and only Dino.  It took the magnificant 'n mighty, potently powerful power of our King of Cool to knock the Kingpins of Rock and Roll off of their throne.  Below is some powerful patter from the pallies at "Billboard" 'long with a great youtube vid of a live recordin' of our Dino croonin' his number uno hit.

We sez our thoughtful thanks to all the folks at "Billboard" who have honored our main man in this wondrous way...showin' that the transformin' power of our Dino simply grows greater and greater with each and every passin' year.  To checks this out in it's original format, simply, as usual, clicks on the tag of this here Dino-report.

We remain,

Yours in Dino,

Dino Martin Peters



Aug. 15, 1964
Iconic crooner Dean Martin notched his sole No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit with "Everybody Loves Somebody." The song proved that middle-of-the-road music could still reign after Beatlemania had begun changing the course of pop earlier that year. "Everybody," in fact, dethroned the Fab Four's fifth No. 1, "A Hard Day's Night."

Danny G's Sunday Serenade with Dino: "In A Little Spanish Town"

Welcome back, mi amici!

Man...Is it me...or is Summer  just FLYIN' by?! Coulda' sworn it was June just yesterday...now we is half way though August!

What gives?!

Well, pallies...guess we better make the most of these HOT & STEAMY heatwavin' days.

Let's REALLY soak in as MUCH sunny weather & as MUCH sunny Dino-jams as possible!

Let's turn the heat WAY up for today's Serenade, pals!

I have a HOT HOT tune that's SURE to keep thins' sizzlin'! Maybe even stretch Summer out a wee bit longer! Ha!

As a matter o fact, my friends...this ones goin' out to a VERY special lady, here at ilovedinomartin.com!

Our very own, Ms.AOW!

She's a GREAT GREAT friend to us here at our humble little blog & would probably dig a little walk down memory lane.

 Now, correct me if I'm mistakin', but...I believe it was Ms.AOW that shared how much she LOVED Dean's COOL COOL jam, "In A Little Spanish Town" off his TOTALLY SWINGIN' al b um, "Dino Latino"!

I seem to 'member her tellin' how she danced 'round her room...playin' this Dino-tune...ova' & ova'! Haha!!

Man o man, Ms. AOW...the power of our pallie, Dean,  can REALLY get thins' shakin'! Ha! 

Let's ALL get this one spinnin'...extra loud, pals...& see if Dino gets us groovin' 'round our rooms! Hahaha!!!

 Maybe,at least, cheer us up as sunny days grow shorter.

 I ALWAYS say...there's no better healin' than the power of Dino!

His music...his movies...his zest for livin' & even his ability to take thins' not too seriously.

Reminds me that no matter WHAT hand life deals us...we can only do our best...& eventually... we WILL overcome!

Summers will come & go & come again...but we ALWAYS have our number one pal to help us through!

This ones for you, Ms.AOW...enjoy!

In a little Spanish town it was on a night like this
Stars were peek-a-booing down
It was on a night like this
I whispered be true to me and she sighed si si si
Man the skies have turned to gray because we're far apart
Many moons have passed away and still she's in my heart
We made a promise and sealed it with a kiss
Ah, in a little Spanish town it was on a night like this

I whispered be true to me and she sighed oh si si
Man the skies have turned to gray because we're far apart
Many moons have passed away and still she's in my heart
We made a promise and sealed it with a kiss
In a little Spanish town it was on a night like this
In a little Spanish town it was on a night like this
In a little Spanish town it was on a night like this

PINTEREST: RICCI MARTIN VINTAGE MAGAZINE ARTICLES

Dear Friends, we have decided to close out our remembrances of our Dino's youngest son Ricci James upon his untimely death on a lighter note.  Below are 3 page images from  fan magazines
sharing information about Ricci's life and times that we discovered when we were looking through images of Ricci over at Pinterest (click on the title of this post to see where we were looking).

We were most pleased to discover these vintage magazine articles which offer incredible insights into
the growing up period in Ricci's life, and the pictures of Ricci add to the pleasure of the reads.   While Ricci's older brother Dino Martin Jr. received much more publicity because of being part of the rock and roll band Dino, Desi, and Billy, it is great to see that the fan magazines gave Ricci coverage as well.

So, for now, this post concludes our week long efforts of sharing a variety of reports on our Dino's Ricci James life and work.  As we have stated in a couple of the posts, to our way of thinking, Ricci was a Renaissance man in his own right, following in the steps of both his beloved brother Dino Martin Jr. and his beloved father Dino Martin.  Be assured that if more information of Ricci's death surfaces, and if we see information on his funeral or memorial service, we will be certain to bring it your way.

Dino Martin Peters

A Father And His Son: Our Dino And His Youngest Son, Ricci James

Dear Friends, as we begin to draw our remembrances of Ricci James Martin to a close, at least for the time being, we found a number of powerful pictures of Father and Son when we typed Ricci Martin into the Pinterest site (clicks on title of this post to go there).

Some of these pictures are more known then others, but we have tried to share a variety of poses of our Dino and Ricci during different stages of their relationship as Father and Son.   One thing that is crystal clear by viewing these images is the deep deep love and respect that our Dino and Ricci had for each other.

This quotation from Ricci speaking about his father that we first shared on Thursday of this week really, truly says volumes about Ricci deep love and deep respect for the man he called Father....
"I feel so fortunate being born to him and being his son."  While we may closeout our special tributes in response to Ricci's passing, we are sure that we will find more opportunities to respectfully remember his life and work in the future.

Dino Martin Peters

Dean Martin's youngest son Ricci is found dead at age 62

Dear Friends,   modern communication technology (i.e., the internet) has spread news of Ricci James Martin's untimely death all around the known world.  Today we share a wonderful tribute to Ricci's life, times, and work from the United Kingdom site "Daily Mail," where  Miss Clemence Michallon has crafted a post that contains pretty much the facts and figures found in many of the other posting on Ricci's passing found all over the world wide web.

The special thing about Miss Michallon's remembrances is that she has shared ten pictures of Ricci at various times in his life including a couple of Martin family poses that we don't remember viewing before.  And, we also very much appreciate the images of Ricci as a young adult that are included as well.

It's intriguing how the majority of posts on Ricci's passing share so many of the same details, but each and everyone also seems to have one or more unique features that add to our deeper appreciation for this youngest son of our Dino.  We thank the folks at the British site "Daily Mail" and in particular Miss Clemence Michallon for her efforts in honoring Ricci James on his passing from the life.  To checks this out in it's original source, simply clicks on the title of this particular post.

DMP

Dean Martin's youngest son Ricci is found dead at age 62

Ricci Martin, one of Dean Martin's eight children, died earlier this week

Was found dead at home in Utah on Wednesday, family members said

His cause of death had not been released as of Sunday morning

Ricci had been performing in a tribute show in his father's memory

By CLEMENCE MICHALLON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Ricci Martin, the youngest son of iconic crooner Dean Martin, has died aged 62.
He was found dead Wednesday at his home in Utah, Variety reported. His cause of death remained unknown as of Sunday morning.

Ricci, also a musician, had played in a tribute show dedicated to his father in recent years.



Ricci Martin (pictured in 1980), the youngest son of iconic crooner Dean Martin, has died aged 62. He was found dead Wednesday at his home in Utah



Ricci (pictured performing in Las Vegas in 2014), also a musician, had played in a tribute show dedicated to his father in recent years

Ricci was the sixth of his father's eighth children and was born out of the elder Martin's second marriage, with Jeanne Biegger.

 He had devoted the past 10 years of his career as a performer to his show, 'His Son Remembers: Dean Martin’s Music And More', in which he paid tribute to his father.

Ricci sang some of his father's songs, such as Memories Are Made Of This, Volare and That's Amore.



In a 2002 memoir, Ricci recounted growing up in Beverly Hills, California with the rest of the Martin family. He is pictured in 1966 (back row, right) with his sister Gina (front), mother Jeanne (center), brother Dean Paul (back row, left) and father (back row, second from left)



Ricci was the sixth of his father's eighth children and was born out of the elder Martin's second marriage, with Jeanne Biegger. He is pictured (far left) with, from left to right, his father, sisters Deana and Gina, mother Jeanne and brother Dean Paul



In 1977, Ricci released the album Beached with the Beach Boys' Carl Wilson. He is pictured playing the piano with his father, with (from left to right), his sister Gina, mother Jeanne, brother Dean Paul and sister Deana


His band, The Pack, brought to mind the Rat Pack - a group of 1950s and 1960s performers including the elder Martin, Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.
The show also included a Q&A part, during which the audience could ask questions about the Martin family.


He moved to Utah in 1990 and later joined the trio Dino. The act had previously included his brother Dean Paul Martin, who died in a plane crash in 1987 while flying for the Air National Guard above the San Bernardino Mountains.

A 2002 memoir, called 'That’s Amore: A Son Remembers', saw Ricci reflecting on his relationship with his father.

He told about growing up in Beverly Hills, California and recounted his 21st birthday party, with guests such as David Bowie, Elton John, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon and Ringo Starr.
Ricci is survived by his three daughters, his mother, four sisters and one older brother.



Ricci (pictured circa 1978) also toured in the United States and Canada as the Beach Boys' opening act. He moved to Utah in 1990



Later on, Ricci (pictured with a date attending a party for Andy Warhol in 1977) joined the trio Dino. The act had previously included his brother Dean Paul , who died in a plane crash in 1987



The last ten years of Ricci's career were devoted to a tribute show for his father (pictured right with his son in the 1990s), which included songs and a Q&A session



Ricci (pictured third from left in 2009 with, from left to right, his nephew Alexander and sisters Gail and Deana) wrote in his 2002 book about his star-studded 21st birthday party

Ricci James Martin: "I feel so fortunate being born to him and being his son."

Dear Friends, we continue to set a somber tone here at ilovedinomartin as we continue to remember the recent passing of Ricci James Martin, youngest son of our Dino.  It has been amazing to see the outpouring of internet sites sharing information on the life, times, and work of Ricci, often in unique ways.  Today we visit with the blog "MASS LIVE" where Mr. Ray Kelly where he has written a brief bio on Ricci.

What has drawn us to this particular post is that Mr. Kelly has shared some direct quotations from Ricci about his father, from  "a 2004 interview with The Republican" which are all very moving.....

"People had always asked me to perform dad's songs, but I stayed away from that because nobody can sound like Dean Martin for crying out loud," he said. "There was only one Dean  Martin."

"It's all about dad. And the enthusiasm and love his fans have for him is great," Martin said. "I feel so fortunate being born to him and being his son."

These are quotations that we don't remember reading before and how absolutely appropriate to have them remembered and shared in these sad and somber moments of remembering Ricci.  Also Kelly shares a  youtube video  in memoriam to Ricci James titled "R.I.P. Ricci Martin 1953-2016."  Lovingly created by a man, Thomas K.  The video has been around for a few years, but it has been updated since Ricci's passing.  We're certain you all will want to  view it in memory of our Dino's youngest son.

We share our appreciation with the folks at Mass Live, and in particular Mr. Ray Kelly for honoring the life of Ricci James Martin in this way.  To check this out in it's original source, once again, simply click on the title of this message.

Dino Martin Peters

Ricci Martin, son of Dean Martin, dead at 62

By Ray Kelly



Ricci Martin was the youngest son of Dean Martin.

Ricci Martin, youngest son of legendary entertainer Dean Martin, has died. He was 62.

Family members announced his passing on Saturday evening.

Variety reported he was found dead at his Utah home on Wednesday. The cause of death has not yet been revealed.

In recent years, Martin had been performing in a touring tribute show to his famous father.

In a 2004 interview with The Republican, Martin said he developed the tribute concert following the publication of his book "That's Amore: A Son Remembers Dean  Martin.

"People had always asked me to perform dad's songs, but I stayed away from that because nobody can sound like Dean Martin for crying out loud," he said. "There was only one Dean  Martin."

The show offered music and storytelling.

"It's all about dad. And the enthusiasm and love his fans have for him is great," Martin said. "I feel so fortunate being born to him and being his son."

He was the youngest son and one of one seven children fathered by the Steubenville, Ohio crooner.

Older brother Dean Paul Martin died in a California Air National Guard jet crash in 1987 at the age of 35.

So sad. Ricci Martin, the son of the late, great singer Dean Martin has passed away at the age of 62.....

Dear Friends, our hearts continue to be saddened by the untimely death of our Dino's youngest son Ricci James, but we are also hugely heartened by the outpouring of touching and tender tributes that continue to come in from all over the internet.  We know that we will never be able to share them all, but at least for a few more days we do want to share more of them with you here at ilovedinomartin.

Today we turn to the blog "Hollywood Life by Bonnie Fuller' where Mr. Jon Boon has created prose and pictures in remembrance of Ricci.  The prose contains pretty much the same details shared before, but mostly we are featuring this particular post because of the nine images of Ricci...some from his tribute show to our Dino or Ricci talking about the show, but two of the images are of Ricci with his famous father....one when Ricci was pretty young and one when we are guessing that Ricci was in his teen years or there abouts.

Both of the images of Ricci with our Dino are very touching...the early one of Ricci in his bedroom being visited by our Dino....very sweet, and the other of the pair with food and the family dog.  Both provide memories of the good times Ricci shared with our Dino.  We thank the folks at "Hollywood Life" and Mr. Jon Boon for their efforts in honoring Ricci and our Dino at this very tragic time for the Martin family.  To checks this out in it's original source, simply clicks on the title of this blog post.

Dino Martin Peters

Ricci Martin: Rat Pack Legend Dean Martin’s Son Dead At 62

Sun, August 7, 2016   by Jon Boon





















So sad. Ricci Martin, the son of the late, great singer Dean Martin has passed away at the age of 62, according to multiple reports. Ricci was said to have passed away on Aug. 3 in Utah. Read the crushing details here.

Ricci, who was also a singer and crooner himself, was found unresponsive at his home, with a cause for his death unknown at this current time. He became synonymous as an entertainer, touring the world with a tribute show that honored his father’s hits. Dean, obviously, famous died back in 1995 when he was 78.

Ricci did release his own music in 1977, when he worked with his future brother-in-law Carl Wilson on his debut album, Beached. After that, Carl married Ricci’s sister Gina in 1987, but they divorced after a year of marriage.

In the 1990s, Ricci was part of the rock band Dino, where he replaced late brother Dean Paul Martin in the lineup. Dean was tragically killed in a 1987 military jet crash. But Dino continued performing with Ricci on the Las Vegas strip, often at the MGM Grand with friends Desi Arnaz Jr. and Billy Hinsche.

Ricci’s colorful life was highlighted in his 2002 memoir, That’s Amore. The book was all about his large Italian-American family and their lives in Beverly Hills. One of the book’s most famous reveals was about Ricci’s 21st birthday, where David Bowie, John Lennon, Ringo Star, Elton John and Elizabeth Taylor were among the star-studded guests.

Ricci is survived by a huge family, three daughters called Pepper, Montana and Rio, his mother Jeanne Martin, his brother Craig and four sisters Gail, Deana, Gina and Sasha. Our condolences go to the family at this difficult time.

Ricci Martin, Dean Martin’s Youngest Son, Dead at 62

Dear Friends, we are deeply touched by the many and varied websites that are choosing to remember our Dino's youngest son, Ricci James, upon his passing last Wednesday.  While many of the details are the same or vary similiar in each of the various postings, it seems that many of them also include unique insights into Ricci's life and times and the many gifts he used to bring happiness to others.

Today we share with you the blog "Best Classic Bands" offering of reverent remembrances for our Dino's son Ricci.  One of the highlights of this particular post is the sharing of the album cover of the Beach Boys vinyl "Sunflower" that features Ricci's passion for photography as his talent is featured on the cover.  And, the folks at BCB have included to youtube vids, the first of Ricci singing his single "Stop Look Around," that also appeared on his solo album "Beached."  The second video includes moments of Ricci doing his tribute show to his father in 201l at the Greg Frewin Theatre.

Likes his father Dino Martin, and his brother Dino Martin Jr., Ricci was a man of many artistic talents that he used so well...as we said yesterday....a truly Renaissance man.  We applaud the folks at "Best Classic Bands for  classy commentary on the varied ways that Ricci used his varied gifts to bring pleasure to others.  To checks this out in it's original site, simply clicks on the title of this here post.

Dino Martin Peters

Ricci Martin, Dean Martin’s Youngest Son, Dead at 62
by Best Classic Bands Staff



Ricci Martin, the youngest son of the legendary singer and actor Dean Martin, has died at age 62. According to multiple news reports, Martin, who was a performer himself and had recently toured with a tribute act to his late father, was found dead Wednesday, August 3, at his Utah home. No cause of death was cited.

Ricci Martin was born September 20, 1953, the sixth of Martin’s eight children; his mother, Jeanne Biegger, was Dean Martin’s second wife. Ricci’s older brother, Dean “Dino” Martin Jr., who died in 1987, enjoyed brief attention in the rock world as a member of the trio Dino, Desi and Billy.

 

Ricci Martin first entered show business in the 1970s, working as a musician and singer. He recorded a single, “Stop, Look Around,” and then an album, Beached, in 1977, both produced by his brother-in-law, Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys—the husband of Martin’s younger sister Gina—and recorded at the group’s Brother Studios. The album included musical contributions from the group’s drummer Dennis Wilson, as well as Beach Boys associates Van Dyke Parks, Ricky Fataar and Billy Hinsche (who also served as the album’s co-producer), Chicago’s Peter Cetera, Jimmy McCullough of Wings and Gerry Beckley of America. An expanded version of Bleached was reissued in September 2015 by Real Gone Records. In another Beach Boys connection, one of Ricci’s photographs of the band was used on the cover of their album Sunflower.



Also in the ’70s, Martin tried to break into acting, appearing in the film Just Tell Me You Love Me and an ABC special Hot Stuff, neither of which gained any traction among viewers. In the ’80s, Martin and Fataar formed a band, Main Squeeze, which later became the Ricci Martin Band. He also worked as a VJ and produced music videos.

Martin moved to Utah in 1990, where he opened a recording studio and produced artists. During that decade he also appeared with Hinsche and Desi Arnaz Jr. in Las Vegas in a revived Dino, Desi and Billy, but in his later years, Martin took to performing more in the style of his father.




Ricci Martin was well known among Hollywood hoi-polloi. His 21st birthday party, according to reports, was attended by David Bowie, Elton John, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and Elizabeth Taylor. His 2002 autobiography, That’s Amore: A Son Remembers, described his life growing up in Beverly Hills as Dean Martin’s son amidst the Rat Pack and other celebrities.

Dean Martin's son Ricci dies at age 62

Friends, when we opened our email this morning after being off the internet since midday Saturday we found many many google alerts sharing the untimely death of our Dino's youngest son, Ricci James Martin on Wednesday August 3 and reported to the media by his family this past Saturday.
Needless to stay like everybody else we are deeply saddened by this news.

We will be sharing a number of the announcements of Ricci's passing with our readership, and we have chosen to begin with one written by Miss Michelle Lavallee for the internet site AXS.  This particular posting includes to youtube vids....one that we have here before of Ricci, in a live interview,  speaking lovingly about his father.  The second is our Dino's one and only music vid aired on MTV, "Since I Met You Baby," that was directed by Ricci in the early eighties.

This particular prose speaks about a couple of medical issues that Ricci had been dealing with that might have been a factor in his death.  These well written words also celebrate how the youngest son of our Dino was truly a Renaissance man in his own right....following in the footsteps of both his older brother Dino Martin Jr. and, of course, his father Dino Martin.

We thank Miss Michelle Lavallee and all those connected with AXS for this most honoring reflection on the life of our Dino's youngest son, Ricci James Martin.  To check this out in it's original source, simply click on the title of today's message.  Return tomorrow for more coverage of the death of Ricci Martin.

Dino Martin Peters

Dean Martin's son Ricci dies at age 62

By: Michelle Lavallee Aug 8, 2016



Singer, Author, Performer and son of the late Dean Martin, Ricci Martin has passed away at the age of 62 years old. The family released a statement noting that the singer had passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at his Utah home.  No information has been released regarding the cause of death.

Martin has had medical issues since earlier this year after a fall on some ice outside his home back in March. He cancelled several dates on tour due to the diagnosis of subdural hematoma after the fall. During that time he was also undergoing treatment for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but had to put that treatment on hold while the hematoma was being addressed. The treatment of DVT could result in a pulmonary embolus, a potentially fatal condition.

Martin was the youngest son of the legendary entertainer Dean Martin. Since 2003, he has toured and performed songs of his dad in concert in honor of the performer. The shows have captured Dean Martin the performer as well as the father. In the 1970s, Martin collaborated with Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys to produce his personal album Beached.  He took over his late brother's role in the 1990's with the rock band his brother had, now named Ricci, Desi and Billy. The band played from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and eventually disbanded in 2002.

He also had a flare for photography and cinematography, he would direct his father's video "Since I Met You Baby" in the 1980's. One of his photos was used as the cover on The Beach Boys first album on their own Brother Records label, Sunflower.



In 2002 he released a book, "That's Amore: A Son Remembers" with stories of his childhood and teen years growing up as the son of Dean Martin and the tragic death of his older brother Dean Paul. Dean Paul Martin was killed in a military jet crash in 1987.

Martin is survived by three daughters, Pepper, Montana and Rio (Pepper and Montana were also performing as back-up singers for their father); his mother, Jeanne Martin; his older brother, Craig; and four sisters, Gail, Deana, Gina and Sasha.

Danny G's Sunday Serenade with Dino: "Baby Won't You Please Come Home?"

Welcome home, pallies!
 Yes...I said Home. Haha!!
 After all, mi amici...where else would all the TRUE BLUE Dino-holics out there call home...but right here at ilovedinomartin.com?!
 So...once again, pallies...Welcome Home! Ha!
 And speakin' of home...man o man...did I find us a COOL COOL croon, 'bout comin' home!
Man...the stars are just simply linin' up this week! Ha!

 Now dig this, ol pals o mine...couple weeks back...I was jamin' on Dean's 1964 CLASSIC piece of musical magical vinyl that is just SO smoothly titled, "Dream with Dean".
Well, pallies...the dreamin' continues!!! Haha!!
 Today's Serenade, "Baby Won't You Please Come Home?", is sure to get youse in that lazy... Summertime kinda mood & DEF I NATE LY get youse DAYDREAMIN' 'bout that one that got away. Ha!
 It's true, pallies!
 Dino sings this one SO SO enchantingly... makes you wonder why ANYONE wouldn't want to be ANYWHERE he was! Man!
OK, friends...let's get this one spinnin'!
 Grab a COLD COLD drink...find some COOL COOL shade...& float away with Dean!
Enjoy!

Baby, won't you please come home
Cause your daddy's all alone
I have tried in vain
Never no more to call your name

When you left, you broke my heart
Because I never thought we'd part
Every hour in the day you'll hear me say
Oh, baby come home

Baby won't you please come home
Cause your daddy's all alone
I have tried in vain
Never no more to speak your name

When you left, you broke my heart
Because I never thought we'd part
Every hour in the day you'll hear me say
Oh baby, yeah baby, come on home

Danny G's Very Sad Breakin' news: Ricci Martin Dies at 62

Ricci Martin, the youngest son of musical legend Dean Martin and a musician & entertainer in his own right who most recently performed in a touring tribute to his father died Wednesday in his home in Utah. His family made the news public today; no cause of death has yet been determined.

Born Ricci James Martin on Sept. 20, 1953, Martin grew up in Beverly Hills surrounded by Dean Martin’s famous friends and associates, experiences he recounted in his 2002 autobiography “That’s Amore,” which among other things detailed his 21st birthday party attended by the likes of John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Elizabeth Taylor, David Bowie and Elton John.

As an adult, Martin followed his father into the music business, releasing one album, “Beached,” with Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys producing, and a single called “Stop, Look Around” in the 1970s. In the 1990s he performed in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand with Billy Hinsche and Desi Arnaz, Jr., replacing his late brother Dean Paul Martin who had formed pop band Dino, Desi and Billy with Arnaz and Hinsche in the 1960s and died in 1987.

Most recently, Martin toured in a tribute show to his late father, an example of which can be seen in the video below.

Rest In Peace, Pal. You were 'nother shinin' star that burned out way to soon. Elizabeth Taylor...at your 21st birthday!!! Wow, pallie! You had some good time, I'm sure! You will TRULY be missed!

A new draw this year is the Dean Martin Museum.....

Hey pallies, likes we don't often do Dino-double-headers 'specially on the weekend, but this Dino-news is gotta gets out asap.  Likes when we opened our email this Dino-day, our eyes caught a Dino-'lert from the pallies at google that directed us to today's on-line edition of "The Journal Inquirer - North-Central Connecticut's  Hometown's Newspaper" where reporter Mr. Joe Cooper has filed a report on "the 91st Annual Enfield Italian Festival held by the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society."

Likes the Dino-draw pallies is that Mr. James Monaco, the owner of "the largest collection of Dean Martin memorabilia in the world" has set up his Dino-abilia at the fest and it "still to be available for viewing on Saturday," which is today.  We don't have a clue if there are any readers of ilovedinomartin in that part of Connecticut, but we just had to pass the world 'long 'cause we wouldn't want any Dino-holics to miss this fab Dino-op if they can help it.

We've scribed 'bout Mr. Monaco's cooler then cool collection before, and you can find more info HERE includin' the youtube  vid of the Dino-treasures that we are 'gain sharin' below.  We have included a wee bit of Mr. Cooper's writin's below, but to read all 'bout the fest, simply clicks on the tag of this here Dino-gram.

ilovedinomartin salutes Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society for makin' awesome arrangements for Mr. James Monaco to exhibitin' his massive massive 'mounts of Dino-delight this very Dino-weekend.  Thanks also to Mr. Joe Cooper for sharin' this Dino-news with the public.  Oh, how we wishes that we were somewhere near this delightful Dino-action to drink in this hugest of huge homage to our most most beloved Dino!

We remain,

Yours In Dino,

Dino Martin Peters

Enfield’s 91st annual Italian festival dishes up faith, family, friendship, and lots of homemade food
By Joe Cooper
Journal Inquirer

ENFIELD — For Mary Lou Romano and Anne Marie Butler, the 91st Annual Enfield Italian Festival held by the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society is an opportunity to see old friends, celebrate traditional values, enjoy authentic Italian food, and have fun.

A new draw this year is the Dean Martin Museum, which has been set up in the Mount Carmel Society’s banquet hall. It was still to be available for viewing on Saturday. Owned by James Monaco of New Jersey, it’s the largest collection of Dean Martin memorabilia in the world. Monaco said he was showcasing his entire collection, which he estimated to be worth $350,000.

" This is Dean Martin at his zenith."

Hey pallies, likes we're back dudes with our fourth and final (for the time bein' at least) intriguin' installment of Dino-delight a la vintage vinyl from the blog "Vox Pop Music Album Guides - A blog to promote the definitive, most comprehensive, guide to popular music," where a Brit blogger who tags himself "Mr Right Wing" holds forth.  So far we are greatly groove on his reviews of our Dino's awesome al-b-ums "This Time I'm Swingin'," "Dino - Italian Love Songs," and "Dream with Dean."

Likes today Mr Right Wing shares a reflective report on the classic croons recorded on our Dino's Reprise collection tagged "EVERYBODY LOVES SOMEBODY," which, of course, includes the "hit ver-si-on that knocked the Beatles off the charts...which we will be celebratin' the 52 anniversary of in just a few days here at ilovedinomartin.

Once 'gain, his wise words begins with a listin' of the individual songs recorded for posterity by our one and only Dino. Followin' that are selected quotations reflectin' pallies perspectives on said disc.
And, as for the past three days, we have used our fantastic fav quotation to tag this post...." " This is Dean Martin at his zenith."  We couldn't 'gree more as indeed our one and only Dino gained ever more fame and fortune durin' this period of his cool career.

Thanks ever so much Mr Right Wing for all these energetic efforts on behalf of our great great man.   It has been pure pleasure to be able to share your quartet of posts with all the pallies gathered 'round the ilovedinomartin waterin' hole.  We likes hopes to see more of your Dino-honorin' efforts in print real soon.  To checks this out in it's original source, simply clicks on the tag of these here Dino-remarks.

We remain,

Yours in Dino,

Dino Martin Peters

FRIDAY, 29 JULY 2016

Everybody Loves Somebody – DEAN MARTIN***

Everybody Loves Somebody/Your Other Love/Shutters & Boards/Baby-O/A Little Voice/Things/My Heart Cries For You/Siesta Fiesta/From Lover To Loser/Just Close Your Eyes/Corrine Corrina/Face In A Crowd

Relaxed MOR vocalist Dean Martin achieved his highest US album chart placing with Everybody Loves Somebody. The title track topped the US singles chart and was a No. 11 hit in the UK. (US:2)

"Comprises a collection of B-sides and tracks from previous albums put together to exploit Martin's 1964 hit single Everybody Loves Somebody."

"This album is rather problematic and indicative of some of the problems inherent in Martin's career. It is kind of a slapdash affair with about half the stuff worth listening to and about half throw away garbage."

"The remade Everybody Loves Somebody is a marked improvement over Dean's previous recording by using the classic Martin formula updated with a rock like rhythm section."

"We all know the story behind Everybody Loves Somebody. It was recorded by Dean only as a passing suggestion by pianist Ken Lane (who also co-wrote the song) when sessions were short by one song. It had been recorded many times before, but only Dean would claim the best of it when he iced it in the studios of Reprise."

"Everybody Loves Somebody, which Dean had featured in his early career, and this new recording gave Dean's record producer, Jimmy Bowen, the idea that in a different musical setting, this song would find wider appeal. So with a soaring contemporary arrangement and chorus, the song was re-launched and became a massive hit single."

"I love this version of Everybody Loves Somebody. This song truly belongs to Dean Martin. I never heard it performed better by any other performer on the face of this earth. This is Dean Martin at his zenith."

"There is absolutely no reason to include the six songs that Dean had already recorded the year before on his country albums. It's clear that Reprise wanted to cash in on the Everybody Loves Somebody hit single."

Posted by Mr Right Wing at 09:10

"..... as Martin's truly beautiful voice is accentuated in all its subtle glory."

Hey pallies, likes welcome back for a third helpin' of deep Dino-delight from the blog "Vox Pop Music Album Guides" and revealin' reverent reflections by Brit  blogger "Mr Right Wing."  Today's devotion to our most beloved Dino centers on what many Dino-holics consider to be one of the best, if not THE BEST recordin' of our marvelous man's cool career....."Dream With Dean - DEAN MARTIN."

For starters, once 'gain Mr RW lists all the swank songs of this awesome al-b-um of Dino-glory.  And, once 'gain this is followed by the most marvelously magical missives of Dino-adulation with quotation 'pon quotation of incredibly intense insights that read likes the purest of pure poetry in the hugest of huge homage of our one and only Dino.  Likes, youse gots it pallies, we have yet once 'gain chosen the cool comment that we deeply deeply digs the most to tag today's Dino-thoughts..." "..... as Martin's truly beautiful voice is accentuated in all its subtle glory."  Ain't that simply filled to the brim with awesome adulation of our Dino?!?!?!?!

For a third time we share our thankful thanks with Mr Right Wing for 'nother outstandin' opportunity for liftin' up the glory of our Dino with his readership and certainly helpin' many many of 'em to fallin' deeper and deeper in love of our one, our only Dino!  To checks this out where we found it, just clicks on the tag of this Dino-gram.  And, yes, pallies, come on back tomorrow for our fourth and final intriguin' installment of cool celebration of remarkable recordin's by our King of Cool.

We remain,

Yours in Dino,

Dino Martin Peters

FRIDAY, 29 JULY 2016

Dream With Dean – DEAN MARTIN****

I’m Confessin'/Fools Rush In/I’ll Buy That Dream/If You Were The Only Girl In The World/Blue Moon/Everybody Loves Somebody/I Don’t Know Why/Gimme A Little Kiss/Hands Across The Table/Smile/My Melancholy Baby/ Baby Won’t You Please Come Home

Dream With Dean was released concurrently with Everybody Loves Somebody. Although it gained more critical plaudits, it was less successful commercially. Includes a different version of the hit single Everybody Loves Somebody. (US:15)

"An intimate, late-night affair recorded with a small combo and spare arrangements."

"Martin decided to cut a concept album of slow ballads, sung as slow as they could be sung, with an intimate backing of just four pieces. The resulting sound is, of course, sparse and mellow, but it actually works very well behind Martin's voice, which sounds deep and soothing, a little bit as though he were singing directly into the listener's ear, trying his best to contain the emotions expressed in the lyrics."

"Dream with Dean might be the crooner's best album. Backed by a small tasteful quartet this is the polar opposite of the music that is normally associated with Dino. The album is all the better for that difference as Martin's truly beautiful voice is accentuated in all its subtle glory. The result is a stunningly intimate recording."

"The arrangements though tasteful vary little from song to song and listeners are left begging for a little drama. Still hearing Martin in this context is well worth the effort and the album is in general a success. While Martin had a reputation for being indifferent to just about everything, this is a real serious attempt at some kind of art."

"Dream With Dean is what many consider a 'Dino unplugged' session, if you will, away from all the glitz and glamour and hype and swing, just Dino, the boys in the small group, and you. Clearly an after hours mood album that even Frank Sinatra must have been thrilled to hear."

"Dream With Dean is a quiet and very relaxed meander through a dozen standards, simply accompanied by four musicians. Dean is completely relaxed, and there is no doubt this minimal backing provides the perfect setting for his understated style which represents the ideal package for late night listening."

Posted by Mr Right Wing at 09:05

".....and Dino's voice creates an absolutely incredible experience for the listener."

Hey pallies, likes welcome back for day duo of our quartet of Dino-posts from the vintage vinyl blog "Vox Pop Music Album Guides - A blog to promote the definitive, most comprehensive, guide to popular music."  As shared yesterday our host tags himself "Mr Right Wing" and calls Surrey, UK his home turf.

Likes the swank subject of his second Dino-reflection is 'nother of our main man's Capitol Records, Dino - Italian Love Songs - DEAN MARTIN.  'gain this swank scriber lists each of the terrific tunes on this al-b-um with just a bit of wee commentary followed by quintessential quotations of deeper then deep Dino-delight by a variety of Dino-devotees.  As with yester-Dino-day's post, we have used our fav of favs to tag this reflection..." ".....and Dino's voice creates an absolutely incredible experience for the listener."  Likes ain't that the stunnin'ly simple and absolutely awesome Dino-truth pallies?!?!?!?!

We salute Mr. Right Wing for 'nother superbly scribed lovin' look at this awesome al-b-um of pure Dino-magic.  To checks this out in it's original source, simply clicks on the tag of this here Dino-report.  Pallies, likes stop back tomorrow for our 'nother return engagement with "Vox Pop Music Album Guides" and nother vibrant vinyl Dino-review.

We remain,

Yours in Dino,

Dino Martin Peters

THURSDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2015

Dino - Italian Love Songs – DEAN MARTIN*****

Just Say I Love Her/Arrivederci Roma/My Heart Reminds Me/You’re Breaking My Heart/Non Dimenticar/Return To Me/Vieni Su/On An Evening In Roma/Pardon/Take Me In Your Arms/I Have But One Heart/O Sole Mio

Dino - Italian Love Songs was an album of songs tailored made for Dean Martin’s smooth romantic voice. His coming move to Reprise would see his LPs enjoy much greater chart success. (US:73)

“I play this LP all the time and I can't get enough of Dino and his wonderful voice. Each song is done so beautifully and the arrangements are excellent. I would recommend this for anyone who likes Dean's slow smooth sounds and a Latin beat, which gives off a romantic aura for you to sit back and just listen.”

“Dean Martin is superb on this LP. His silky smooth voice sings all these beautiful melodies with such feeling. All these songs are so relaxing.” “What a gorgeous collection of songs. Being Italian myself, I grew up hearing a lot of these from other artists. Listening to Dean singing these songs is like hearing them for the first time. What a voice, what a legend.”

“This is not only the best Dean Martin LP, it is also one of the most romantic collections of songs for lovers. It sets a lovely romantic mood for the evening ahead.”

“The material has a spellbinding charm that captivates your ears and touches your heart and soul. These are superb, spotless and effortless renditions of Italian love songs full of the genuine emotion which each song evokes.”

“These are the very songs that made Dean Martin 'La Passione di Roma' who was adored by millions of music lovers throughout the world. The magical spell of these hauntingly beautiful Italian love songs is captured in this lovely album.”

“If you are a Dino fan like I am, then you have to place Italian Love Songs among his best. The mood of the album is exquisite and infectious. In this particular case, the right mix of instrumentation and Dino's voice creates an absolutely incredible experience for the listener.”

“This was one of the Capitol 'concept' albums. The lush music and Dean's voice were a perfect match for the Italian melodies.”

Posted by Mr Right Wing at 09:18

"Hearing Dean's voice is like listening to pure silk....."

Hey pallies, likes today we begin a four part series of posts from yet 'nother remarkable record al-b-um blog pad.  Seems likes every time we turn 'round we discover yet 'nother blogger sharin' the potent pleasure of long play recordin's, and likes, of course, no one's vinyl recordin's are more potently pleasant then our one and only Dino!

So, likes today we takes you to the 'net pad  "Vox Pop Music Album Guides - A blog to promote the definitive , most comprehensive, guide to popular music" where a unnamed blogger who tags himself "Mr Right Wing" powerfully pontificates on all thin's vinyl.  The only blogger detail we were able to discern is that the dude is a Brit that hails from Surrey, United Kingdom.

Likes we will be sharin' his quartet of Dino-devotion in the order in which they were posted, today beginnin' with a groovy gander at one of our most beloved Dino's Capitol al-b-ums, "This Time I'm Swingin'!   Mr. Right Wing begins by listenin' all the cool croons on this Dino-disc and then sharin' a few remarkable reflections from what we are guessin' are other devotee's touchin' 'n tender thoughts.
Our fav thought is the one that we coolly chose to tag this Dino-gram.... "Hearing Dean's voice is like listening to pure silk....."  Likes, we couldn't 'gree more pallies!

We sez our thanks you very much to Mr Right Wing for awesomely accentin' our most beloved Dino in this wonderous way, and we look forward to followin' up with a trio of more Dino-delight in the days ahead.  To checks this out in it's original source, simply clicks on the tag of this here Dino-report.

We remain,

Yours in Dino,

Dino Martin Peters

WEDNESDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 2015

This Time I’m Swingin’! – DEAN MARTIN*****

I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me/True Love/You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You/On The Street Where You Live/Imagination/Until The Real Thing Comes Along/Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone/I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face/Someday/Mean To Me/Heaven Can Wait/Just In Time

For This Time I’m Swingin’! founder member of the rat pack Dean Martin teams up with arranger and orchestra leader Nelson Riddle to produce of one of his strongest albums. (UK:18)

“This time Dean really is swingin'. This is one of his best albums. I often wish he had made more albums with Mr. Riddle. The arrangements are smart and classy, and Dean's vocals couldn't get smoother.”

“Dean Martin demonstrates his relaxed mastery of the romantic croon on this early 1960s release. Accompanied by an orchestra arranged by Nelson Riddle, he cruises effortlessly through a hand-picked selection of show tunes and standards.”

“This Time I'm Swingin'! is an outstanding album of great tunes and hits from the singularly talented Dean Martin. Hearing Dean's voice is like listening to pure silk; and he doesn't disappoint on this album.”

“Dean Martin was one of the greatest male vocalists who ever lived; and this album proves it very well. This is a must-have for Dino's fans; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will like it too.”

“It was only a matter of time before Dean Martin would collaborate with arranger Nelson Riddle. This Time I'm Swingin'! finds Dino in high spirits, backed by Riddle's solid orchestration and stronger than usual material. The result is one of Martin's all-time best albums.”

“This is one of the best Dean albums I have. Nelson Riddle helped on this one and it turned out great. None of those odd background vocals on here, just pure Dean and the music is superb. A must for anyone wanting a true Dino sound."

“This Time I'm Swingin'! is Dean Martin at his very absolute best. The songs fit the title with perfection, Dean is swingin', backed and masterfully orchestrated by the legendary Nelson Riddle. Dean sings every one confidently and naturally. An unforgettable recording from the all time great crooner.”

Posted by Mr Right Wing at 09:20

VKN Badass Guys: Dean Martin

Hey pallies, likes we just knows that there are tons and  tons of the deepest of deep devotion to our Dino just waitin' to be uncovered outs there in cyberspace and so we press on in our search for more and more touchin' 'n tender tributes to our most beloved Dino.  Likes today's Dino-gram is an example of the fantastic fruits of our Dino-searches.

Today we takes you to the self tagged blog, "VKNAGRANI BLOG -A WARDROBE DESIGNED FOR THE GENTLEMAN WHO CALLS THE WORLD HOME." This beau-ti-ful blog is sweetly scribed by none other then that hotter then hot designer of menswear, Mr. VK Nagrani.  In speakin' 'bout his life's work Mr. Nagrani sez, "My work is about far more than creating clothing and a responsibility to myself, the consumer and the human existence. I do not design clothing, I engineer a wardrobe that offers versatility, function and sophistication. I am more focused on raising the bar and creating a timeless aesthetic. Trends are futile. For those that seek the exquisite, you will truly enjoy my work. After all, it was created with you in mind.​​"

Well, likes it comes as no surprose that this terrifically talented designer deeply deeply digs are terrifically talented King of Cool!  Below is V. K.'s hugest of huge homage to our Dino tagged "VKN Badass Guys: Dean Martin."  Nagrani's powerfully potent prose on our Dino begins with an incredibly insightful introductory paragraph followed by six remarkable reasons while our most beloved Dino is a true "Badass Guy."  Likes we won't goes into details, so you can read V.K.'s wonderfully wise words for youself.  Suffice it to say that we awesomely agree with each and every terrific thought that Nagrani's has shared with his readership.

We solemnly salute Mr. VK Nagrani for his swank salute of awesome appreciato for our one and only Dino and for helpin' many many of his readers to grow deeper and deeper in their knowin', lovin', and honorin' of our one and only Dino.  Likes to checks this out in it's original source, simply clicks on the tag of this here Dino-gram.

We remain,

Yours in Dino,

Dino Martin Peters



VKN Badass Guys: Dean Martin

Throughout history there have been exceptional men who’ve inspired us by the way they lead their lives and accomplish success. This is VK Nagrani’s Badass Guys Series.

Dean Martin, or Dino Paul Crocetti depending on who you were, brought endless joy to audiences around the world with his singing, acting, comedy and film producing. In total, Martin amassed a body of over 50 films, 30 albums and the mega-hit Dean Martin Show that ran on television for nearly a decade. But aside from his stage talents, Martin won over audiences with his nonchalance, grace and charisma.

Here’s our VK Nagrani breakdown of why Dean Martin is badass:

1. He is the “King of Cool”

Playboy Magazine once called Martin the “coolest man who ever lived.” But Martin had been cool all his life, known by acquaintances, friends and family for his mysterious nature and lack of interest in attention or outside validation. Martin even dropped out of school in the tenth grade because he thought he was smarter than his teacher.

2. He Held Diverse Jobs

Martin’s road to success wasn’t paved in gold. Before hitting it big, he held jobs as a speakeasy croupier, a steel mill worker, blackjack dealer, booze bootlegger and even as a welterweight boxer. Martin was also drafted in the Army during World War II but was medically discharged after only serving for a year stateside.

3. He Was No Stranger to Failure

Before Martin became Martin, he worked in a variety of local bands, billing himself as Dino Martini. He eventually graduated to nightclubs where he emulated the style of Bing Crosby while getting by on his looks.

Martin flopped plenty of shows in the early and mid-‘40s, including his debut with Jerry Lee Lewis. Upon the threat of being fired if the second show didn’t improve, Martin and Lewis developed their signature Vaudeville, slapstick-drenched act that would garner them plenty of fame and future films. Martin’s first film, Ten Thousand Bedrooms also failed miserably at the box office.

4. He’s a Member of the Ratpack

A legend’s legend doesn’t get more cemented than being a member of the Rat Pack. Martin shared lead in the Rat Pack, along with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., with other members Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop. Today the Ratpack is immortalized in films like Pepe, Sergeants 3 and Ocean’s 11.

5. He Had a Croon from Heaven

It might sound weird to associate a “croon” with Heaven, but Martin did it. His captivating live performances and soothing voice captured audience’s hearts for decades. Today Martin is most known for his smash hits “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” “Everybody Loves Somebody,” “That’s Amore,” and “Sway.” All topped the charts in the ‘60s, with the exception of “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” of which has received more notice in recent years with its appearance in the remake of Ocean’s Eleven.

 6. He was a Family Man

Despite him being married three times and the Ratpack’s reputation for womanizing, Martin was actually quite the family man. His second wife Jeanne has been widely quoted as saying Martin was home every night for dinner. Not to mention how the tragic death of Martin’s son cemented Martin into a depression late in his life that he would never get out of.

.......... rubbing elbows with the likes of Dean Martin

Hey pallies, likes today through the efforts of google Dino-'lerts we shares with youse the story of 'nother pallie who spent time in the immediate presence of our most beloved Dino...somethin' that every Dino-holics woulda have loved to do.  From the annals of the L.A. Times comes the awesome article "Former wrestler Pepper Martin has endured the 'shrapnel' and is ready to share his story" scribed by Contact Reporter Miss Sara Cardine.

At age 79, Mr. Martin has scribed his autobiography  “Shrapnel of the Soul and Redemption,” with the help of his friend and publicist Miss Penny Lane.  Scriber Miss Cardine has crafted some potent prose from her interview of this "professional wrestler and, later, an actor working alongside Hollywood legends."

Likes, the point of interest for all us Dino-philes is the intriguin' intersection of Pepper's life with that of our Dino. The reference to Martin's Dino-connection is brief in words...simply what we have used as the tag of this post, "........rubbing elbows with the likes of Dean Martin," but we are totally totally thrilled that Pepper shared a swank snapshot of himself enjoyin' the powerful presence of our Dino 'long with Miss Sharon Tate.  We're guessin' that this cool candid was snapped while our Dino and Miss Sharon were makin' magic on the set of Helmer numero 4, "The Wrecking Crew."

How wonderful it musta have been for Mr. Pepper Martin to have spent time with THE MARTIN OF ALL TIMES....our one, our only Dino!!!!!  We're simply gonna have to checks out this new tome 'cause we bet between it's pages there will be some interestin' insights into the life, the times, and the teachin's of our main man.  We thanks Miss Sara Cardine and the folks at the L.A. Times for gettin' Mr. Pepper Martin's story into print, and of course we thanks Pepper for lettin' the world know of is Dino-connection.  Likes, to read the prose in total, simply clicks on the tag of this here Dino-gram.

We remain,

Yours in Dino,

Dino Martin Peters

 ..........rubbing elbows with the likes of Dean Martin



Glendale resident, former wrestler and actor Pepper Martin, right poses with celebrity friends Dean Martin and Sharon Tate in a photo dating from the late 1960s. (Courtesy of Pepper Martin)