I went meanderin’, oh meanderin’…
Here you’ll find our blog, updated from time to time with thoughts from us here at the DMA.
Everybody Loves Somebody
by Cindy Williford, 13 March 2023
“Everybody Loves Somebody” was written by Ken Lane and Irving Taylor. The first recording was by Peggy Lee in November of 1947 and released as a single in 1948. The song charted as the 26th most popular song of 1947. Dean performed the song on the October 26, 1948 episode of The Bob Hope Show.
Fast forward to 1964, as Dean, and his pianist Ken Lane, go through songs for the upcoming album “Dream With Dean”:
“…Ken came across one that he and Irving Taylor had written in the 40’s entitled ‘Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime’. Playing a few bars on the piano, Jeanne immediately remembered the tune as one of her favorites a few years back…Dean remarked that following Ken’s piano rendition, it was ‘quite nice’ and that if Jeanne liked it, it was good enough for him!” (Excerpt from “Dean Martin – Recollections” by Bernard Thorpe)
Dean recorded the version for the “Dream With Dean” album on March 13, 1964. It was released as a single on May 6, 1964 and the album was released in August of 1964. The album entered the charts August 29, 1964, peaking at No. 15 and remaining in the charts for 31 weeks.
Another bit of info on the song and Bob Hope, is very interesting. As I mentioned , Dean sang the song on Bob’s show in 1948. On September 25, 1964 Dean performed the song again on one of Bob’s specials. This time, Bob presented Dean with a Gold record.
Click on the link below to listen:
Happy New Year!
by Cindy Williford, 31 December 2022
Regardless of where you may live, I think it is safe to say that we have all faced some sort of a challenge during 2022. It may have been health, finances, anxiety, loss of a loved one or loss of a job. The list just goes on and on.
And while I don’t have the answers to why we have faced those situations, I would like to offer a song that just may bring at least a smile to your face.
“(Open Up The Door) Let The Good Times In” was written by Mitchell Torok and Ramona Redd. Dean recorded the song on 11 November 1966, and it entered the Billboard charts on 10 December 1966, peaking at no. 9. It remained in the charts for 7 weeks. It is included on the “Happiness is Dean Martin” album which itself was released in the spring of 1967, peaking at no. 46 on the Billboard 200 – joining two of his 1966 albums that were still on the charts.
So as we approach the New Year, let’s open up the door and let the good times in!
Memories Are Made of This…
by Cindy Williford, 20 December 2022
In the early hours of December 25, 1995, the world lost one the greatest entertainers of all time, Dean Martin.
While Christmas Day reminds us of his passing, I’d like to encourage us to remember all he left us. His music. His movies. His laughter. These moments in his career were the stepping stones of the memories we have of him. His presentation of a song was always over and above. The roles he played in his movies were as if he really lived that part. His ability to walk on stage and make us laugh or at times, make us think, are traits we will never forget. There were even moments he brought tears to our eyes. Whether it was a cue card or words rolling off his tongue. Or those flirty eyes. Or getting so tickled in the skit he laughed until he cried. Precious memories.
This clip is of a song that was written by Terry Gilkyson, Rich Dehr and Frank Miller. It entered the Billboard charts November 23, 1955, peaked at the No. 1 position staying there for 6 weeks, and remained in the charts for 24 weeks.
And it is none other than “Memories Are Made of This”.
Merry Christmas….
Cindy
Here’s To the Future – and 80 Years of Dino
by Elliot Thorpe, 24 December 2022
2022 has been something of a renaissance year for the DMA.
Our YouTube channel has been steadily growing with new subscribers every week and we’ve been busy reissuing our original newsletters. DMA Originals, first announced in 2021, is slowly taking shape, bringing in the production talents of Shaken Not Stirred and Memory Hive, to produce new and original content exclusive to the DMA. We’ve been interviewing a whole host of peers and entertainers for future productions – and the inimitable Golddiggers, for whom we will always hold a torch. Their input and generosity have been second to none and we look forward to continuing our working relationships as we start 2023. We’ve also found a new home for our official podcast on Spotify and we thank Anchor for their immensely user-friendly platform.
We also welcomed Cindy to the team, and you’ll be hearing more from her (and Ron!) in the weeks to come.
2023 will see Dino’s 80th anniversary in showbusiness and we hope you’ll celebrate this with us. The DMA Podcast will reflect this momentous landmark and your contributions (click here) will add to the year-long celebrations.
With the world in turmoil, war in Europe and a global cost of living crisis, we need to find moments of comfort now more than ever – and who better to turn to than dear Dino? It’s incredible to think that he passed away 28 years ago on December 25 but he is still very much in our hearts and minds. His music still draws us in and his TV and movie work finds new fans every day, bringing joy to so many people in these troubled times.
In Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s Duke Orsino begins the play by talking of music being the food of love.
Dino’s music? Well, it’s the antidote to sadness.
So with a farewell to 2022 and a hello to the start of a brand-new year, join me in raising a glass to the memory, life and career of one Dino Paul Crocetti.
Elliot
THE DEAN MARTIN ASSOCIATION 