Posted on 03/08/2013 6:16:39 PM PST by nickcarraway
Las Vegas is home to some of the most exciting entertainment in the country; no other place in America rivals the rich history and variety of thrills located within the limits of Sin City. But just as much as people love to come and lose themselves in this modern adult wonderland, they owe the good time to a few key players in the entertainment industry who helped immortalize the city.
From singers, producers, club-owners and showgirls, talented people from all walks of life helped to establish Las Vegas as the party capital of America. While you could make a list all day long of those who contributed to the city we have today, we are going to feature one of the men who helped bring a little humility and even a little love to an industry known for being morally cut-throat!
That man's name was Dean Martin, and to this day his songs are still on the radio like his heart had never missed a beat. With so much adoration and an entire generation of fans who worshiped the wide eyed crooner, it's no wonder Dean Martin became the first triple threat in modern entertainment by becoming a hit on television, radio and even major motion pictures.
Dean's movie career was first centered on comedy, and that was all because of the man who helped Dean rise to fame and sat right alongside him enjoying the ride the entire time, Jerry Lewis! It was said the duo first began when they landed a gig together in Atlantic City, now it's said they got this job due to Jerry and Dean's expansive amateur careers: Dean had played a number of local dive bars and small clubs in Chicago due to his mafia connections, and Jerry was a comedian following suite except he happened to be in New York instead of Chicago.
One day they both would catch each other performing on the same night at a popular club in New York City, and from there it was history as the two immediately began talking about putting on a show featuring the both of them. It was only a matter of time until somebody noticed what these two had, so they were given a shot at a small casino showroom in Atlantic City.
Signed to perform every night, the two put together a routine they were sure was going to be a hit. Their very first performance they were nearly booed off the stage and the producer told them if they did not come up with another act by the end of the night they were fired and done in the world of Showbiz! In one of those historic moments of things just "working out," the two would together make a vow outside behind the casino to "Go for Broke!" They did just that, improvising a routine they had no forethought about. Dean simply started singing on stage while Jerry pretended to be a clumsy bus boy running around the showroom. The show ended with Dean pelting Jerry with dinner rolls whilst chasing him out of the showroom.
The audience couldn't get enough, and it was said no showroom had heard so much laughter until the fateful night those two "went for broke!" After that Dean and Jerry would manage to get signed into a contract doing two movies together while being in charge of all their touring.
The movies didn't pay too much yet, but their tours are where the two raked in their millions and became national sensations. In 1956 the two went their own separate ways after Dean told Jerry "All you are to me is a money sign!"
I thought it was the Bud Ice Penguin.
“Coolest human being who ever lived”
—
Nope,it was Old Blue Eyes.
.
The only time I ever saw Dean Martin in person was when he appeared at a birthday rally for Ronald Reagan at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles in 1980, at which he did his "drunk" routine. Frank Sinatra also made an appearance, and I got to hear him sing as he led the audience in "Happy Birthday."
in Lewis’ autobiography, “Dean and Me”, Jerry recalls the first time he met Dean. It was a bromance. “He smelled delicious!”.
Sadly, Jerry was driven by blind ambition and Dean just wanted to entertain.
Rodney Dangerfield’s movie ‘Back to School’ had a character name Dean Martin. As in Dean of the College. Rodney made sure to say ‘Dean Martin’ as many times as possible.
I was workng at chino airport the day Dino went missing,finding him a few days later.Very sad.
Dean died alone on Christmas day. So sad. Where was his family..friends?
Long live “Matt Helm!”
You’re right - I was just trying to be funny!
Actually, his ex-wife was there. Dean became a loner towards the end of his life.
Si, like a big pizza pie...he's amore.
Leni
With all due respect, I think you are wrong here, friend.
I remember when he died there were so many comments that came out about the sadness of such a beloved figure dying alone.
Can you give me a source re; his ex wife being with him?
Thanks
There are two conflicting reports about his death. One says that he spent his last evening alone, sipping red wine, and watching television until 2 AM. The “help” heard him hacking, and knew he was restless, and in the morning, they checked on him, and found him dead. The other report came from his ex-wife Jeanne, who was still close with Dean. She stated that she was with him when he died, and then she crawled into bed with him, and just hugged him. Whatever the truth, on Christmas Morning 1995, at 3:30 AM, Dino passed away. He was 78 years old. Merry friggin’ Christmas.
http://www.findadeath.com/Deceased/m/Dean%20Martin/dean_martin.htm
Thanks for the interesting site.
I tend to believe the first account; that he spent Christmas alone. (the ‘help’ might have been there, but for intents and purposes he was still alone on Christmas)
There were just too many comments out from people who knew him about the sadness of such a beloved figure dying alone on Christmas.
I didnt remember that.Thanks
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