Something Interesting About the King Of Cool Dean Martin

1. He spoke only Italian when a child.
Born Dino Paul Crocetti, Dean Martin grew up in an Italian-speaking Steubenville, Ohio home. His early education was challenging since he didn’t pick up English until he started school.


Martin had a brief career as a professional boxer under the moniker “Kid Crochet before his ascent to popularity. He battled in small-time contests but stopped boxing after repeatedly injuring his nose.

3. He Was a Bootlegger and Card Shark
Martin worked as a blackjack dealer, roulette stickman, and bootlegger during Prohibition as a young man. His contacts in gaming circles enabled him to network with powerful figures in show business.

4. He Learned Intensely About Elevators
Dean Martin struggled with claustrophobia and was afraid of elevators despite his calm and confident image. Even in high-rise hotels and events, he would often use the steps.

5. James Bond Almost Played
Martin was asked to star as James Bond in an Americanized rendition of the series in the 1960s. Rather, he starred in a number of spy parodies as secret agent Matt Helm.

6. He Could Not Read Music
Though Martin is a world-class crooner, he never picked up sheet music reading. Often learning songs by hearing rather than reading, he relied totally on his ear and innate ability.

7. He Was Once Thought of for “The Godfather
Martin apparently wanted to be Johnny Fontane, a character thought to be modeled on Frank Sinatra, in The Godfather (1972). Still, Al Martino took center stage at last.

8. He Did Not Drink Much
Though Martin’s image as a Rat Pack hard drinker was strong, his on-stage “drunken act” was essentially for show. Although his “cocktail” was generally apple juice or a watered-down drink, he was far more disciplined than his public persona would have indicated.

9. He Stayed Away from Hollywood Without Regret
Martin was bored with the show industry by the late 1980s. He chose to live a quiet life away from the spotlight, playing golf and spending time with family instead of accepting several offers to go back to television or movies.

10. Elvis Presley Thought Him to be a Major Influence
Often acknowledged as one of his main inspirations, Elvis Presley loved the singing technique of Dean Martin. Many of Elvis’s ballads have echoes of Martin’s flawless, easy phrasing.

Would you like me to discuss any of them specifically? 😃🎙️