Dean Martin (1917–1995) Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti in Steubenville, Ohio, was an American singer, actor, and comedian nicknamed “The King of Cool” for his effortless charm and smooth baritone. Starting as a nightclub crooner, he teamed with comedian Jerry Lewis in 1946 for a hugely successful duo act until their 1956 split. Solo, Martin scored pop hits like “Memories Are Made of This” (No. 1, 1956), “That’s Amore,” “Volare,” and “Everybody Loves Somebody” (No. 1, 1964, knocking The Beatles from the top). He starred in films (Ocean’s 11, Matt Helm series), hosted The Dean Martin Show (1965–1974), and was a Rat Pack member with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. His laid-back style mixed standards, Italian songs, and Vegas glamour. Health declined from heavy smoking and drinking; he retired in the 1980s. Martin died of acute respiratory failure from emphysema on December 25, 1995, at age 78 in Beverly Hills. Inducted into halls of fame, his legacy spans music, comedy, and Hollywood’s golden era of cool sophistication.
