He attended Grant Elementary School in Steubenville, where he was bullied for his broken English. His first language was Italian and he did not speak English until he started school at the age of five. Martin had an older brother named Guglielmo "William" Antonio Crocetti (1916–1968). Angela's father, Domenico Barra, immigrated from Monasteloro del Castello, Bergamo. His father, who was a barber, was originally from Montesilvano, Pescara, and his mother was born December 18, 1897, in Fernwood, Jefferson County, Ohio. Martin was born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Italian father Gaetano Alfonso Crocetti (1894–1967) and Italian-American mother Angela Crocetti ( née Barra 1899–1966). Mural of Dean Martin in Steubenville, Ohio His best known songs include " Ain't That a Kick in the Head?", " Memories Are Made of This", " That's Amore", " Everybody Loves Somebody", " You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You", " Sway", and " Volare".
Throughout his career, Martin performed in concert stages, nightclubs, audio recordings and appeared in 85 film and television productions.
From 1974 to 1984, he was roastmaster on the popular Dean Martin Celebrity Roast, which drew celebrities, comedians and politicians. Starting in 1965, Martin was the host of the television variety program The Dean Martin Show, which centered on Martin's singing and comedic talents and was characterized by his relaxed, easy-going demeanor. He became one of the most popular acts in Las Vegas and was known for his friendship with fellow artists Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., who together with several others formed the Rat Pack. Martin established himself as a singer, recording numerous contemporary songs as well as standards from the Great American Songbook. They performed in nightclubs and later had numerous appearances on radio, television and in films.įollowing an acrimonious ending of the partnership in 1956, Martin pursued a solo career as a performer and actor. Martin gained his career breakthrough together with comedian Jerry Lewis, billed as Martin and Lewis, in 1946. One of the most popular and enduring American entertainers of the mid-20th century, Martin was nicknamed "The King of Cool".
Dean Martin (born Dino Paul Crocetti J– December 25, 1995) was an American singer, actor and comedian of Italian descent.