There are only a handful of long-running organizations like us left in the world, ones that look to honor, respect, perpetuate and promote the lives and legacies of certain entertainers and their eras. The International Al Jolson Society was formed in 1950, the Sinatra Music Society was created in 1955 and we began in 1960. There are of course a number of others around the globe, but the one that reaches furthest back is The International Club Crosby.
It was created in 1936, and is in effect is the world’s longest-running fan club – as recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records.
The ICC publishes a 56-page glossy magazine, Bing, three times a year. It’s a must for anyone interested in one of the most important and influential entertainers of the twentieth century. Dean himself acknowledged the effect Bing had on his own career.
For further details, please visit their website! When you do get in touch with them, let them know we sent you!
King of Cool: The Dean Martin Story is an hour-long retrospective on the life of Dean Martin from Newsmax. Including never-before-seen clips and interviews from celebrities, family, friends and co-stars, including DMA president Elliot Thorpe, and with lots of surprises about Dean’s life, the program chronicles his journey from hard-scrabble upbringing to superstardom, from Italy to Las Vegas to Hollywood.
One of Hollywood’s most beloved legends, Dean Martin was an undeniable singing, acting and stage sensation. Renowned for his captivating looks, velvety voice, and incomparable charm, few names shine as brightly as this legendary and enduring performer.
Whether teamed with comedic partner Jerry Lewis, or alongside Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., as a key member of ‘The Rat Pack,’ Martin was a dynamic figure in entertainment for nearly half a century.
The Dean Martin Show was immensely popular, running on NBC for nearly a decade. His charisma, humor, and easy-going style endeared him to TV viewers across the country. With a drink in one hand and a beautiful woman on each arm, Dean Martin delighted audiences with his impeccable singing talent, comedic timing and on-screen magnetism.
He was the man every man wanted to be, and every woman wanted to be with. Join us as we celebrate the man behind the martini glass, and the indelible mark he left on the illustrious world of entertainment.
KING OF COOL: THE DEAN MARTIN STORY aired exclusively on Newsmax, 16 June 2024, 9pm ET.
The Rat Pack was the sum of its parts. ELLIOT THORPE considers what the key members each brought to the table…
Frank Sinatra was called Chairman of the Board because of his status within Reprise Records. It had nothing to do with his position as self-appointed leader of the legendary Rat Pack.
Nevertheless, he called the shots in both cases. There’s a great response from Dean when he was talking about appearing on stage at one point: he was only there because Frank told him he had to be!
It’s this tongue-in-cheek retort that belied an element of control that Sinatra wanted to convey, was able to convey. As a result, he was the guy that got things done. He’d pull everyone together to make a movie, to play at the Sands, to stand up for Sammy’s rights, to work in the recording studio. After all, someone had to be in charge, and Sinatra wasn’t the kind of person who would be told what to do. If anyone was going to do the telling, it’d be him!
Dean on the other hand, was quite literally the opposite. This wasn’t to say he was ever Sinatra’s patsy, but he knew his mind and knew what he wanted to do. Simply, he was less inclined to be actively pursuing engagements or film roles: he’d be quite happy to be approached, and from there he’d say yes or no. He would very easily say no to Sinatra if it wasn’t something he was comfortable with or didn’t interest him. On stage he’d be the joker, but he wouldn’t be the fool. He’d usually be the only one who’d never finish a song, would parody the lyrics and even interrupt Frank or Sammy’s solo performances. He was there to have a good time – and he’d make sure everyone else did to.
Sammy was the showman, the all-rounder. He could dance, sing, do impressions, even crack jokes to equal Dean. On many occasions, he and Dean would pair off and ridicule Frank. In many ways, Sammy was the glue of the group, crossing styles and disciplines with veritable ease. It’s telling that he is considered one of the ‘big three’ in the Rat Pack, because, out of the five, he was the most versatile. His influence casts long over the others, and rightly so.
Three hugely talented men; three vastly different styles; three expert entertainers. Together they were something akin to lightning in a bottle. Their like had never been seen before and will never be seen again.
Taken from the latest edition of JUST DINO, our official – and free! – monthly magazine. To subscribe to receive your digital copy, simply join our mailing list today.
THE DEAN MARTIN ASSOCIATION 