It was the early 1970s and my family was driving somewhere, my dad was driving, my brothers were in the back seat, my Mom in the front, and I was standing up between my Mom and Dad (I did say it was the early 70s).   A song comes on the Radio and my father asks, “Who is singing this song?” (A game I still play with my children) and one of us yells out

DEAN MARTIN!!!

Dean Martin has been a part of my life so long I truly don’t ever remember a time when I didn’t know who he was.   He was my Dad’s favorite. We listened to his music all the time; we watch his variety show and the famous Dean Martin Roast. To this day I go on You Tube and watch old clips of these shows.

So why am I talking a Dean Martin today, because on June 7, 1917 in Steubenville Oh The King of Cool was born.

Born Dino Paul Crocetti son of an Italian Barber grew up to become one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. I call him an Entertainer, because he did it all. He is the only Entertainer that had successful careers in (1) Music, (2) Motion Pictures, (3) Television, (4) Radio, and (5) Night Club Circuit. Nobody did it all like Dean. Not Elvis, not Michael Jackson, not The Beatles, not Beyoncé’, and yes Not even Frank Sinatra. Dean was the only one.

Let’s face it when was the last time you went to a wedding, a block party, a sweet sixteen or just an backyard BBQ and didn’t hear That Amore’? When that song comes on everyone sings everyone gets happy and everyone says, “Man Dean Martin was the Man!”

It is hard for me to believe it been almost 20 years since Dino has been gone. He passed away in his bed on Christmas day 1995. Tony Bennett once said about Frank Sinatra passing: That only Franks Friends are going to miss him, those that never met him will still have his music and movies. I feel the same way about Dino. At least 5 or 6 times a week I listen to at least 1 Dean Martin song. Like Frank, Dean holds a very special place in my heart. When I listen to his music or watch movies and TV Shows, I remember my childhood and my Father and yes a simpler time for me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAN AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

AND AS YOU HAVE SAID – MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS