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.
We will be celebrating Bing’s life and career in the next edition of Just Dino (11 October 2024), with guest contributors from the ICC to both our magazine and an upcoming episode of our online series Just Dino Shorts.
In the meantime… 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!
Hello to all of my fellow Dean Martin Association members and Dean Martin fans.
My name is Gerald Ravasio, I am the chairman of the Dean Martin Bronze Statue Committee of Steubenville, Ohio (as you no doubt know, Dino’s hometown).
I was home for the Dean Martin Festival in June 2024 and had the pleasure of meeting Cindy Williford, Vice President of the prestigious DMA. I introduced myself and explained to her that I chaired the committee that was fund raising for the Dean Martin statue project. I explained to her that I felt this honor was overdue and shared how passionate our group is about bringing this into fruition. She advised me to join the DMA. I eagerly accepted the invitation and I can’t tell you how honored I am to be a part of this organization.
I am reaching out to each and every one of you because the committee needs your help! We want to honor the memory of our Hometown Hero by erecting a life-size bronze statue of Dino. Our goal is to raise one hundred thousand dollars to pay for the cost of Dino’s statue. This cost includes the $80,000.00 that the sculptor has accessed to create the statue. Some of the money will be used to have a wrought iron fence and gate created around the park where the statue is to be displayed. This will allow the statue to be secured. The remaining monies will go to beautification of the area where the statue will be located.
Our association has an opportunity to accomplish something spectacular by raising the funds for the statue of our Dean Martin and preserving his memory for the next generations to enjoy. If you could find it in your hearts and pockets to donate to this worthy cause. Steubenville will be truly grateful for the impact you have on helping Dino’s hometown to be revitalized.
Cindy says: ‘One of the primary reasons for erecting statues of entertainers who have passed away is to preserve their legacy. Statues serve as physical manifestations of memory, ensuring that the contributions of these individuals are not forgotten with the passage of time. Entertainers, be they actors, musicians, dancers or other performers, often leave a profound impact on their audience. Their work transcends generations influencing social norms, artist trends and cultural narratives.
‘Statues of entertainers who have passed away can serve as sources of inspiration and aspiration. These individuals often embody the pinnacle of artist achievement and success, serving as role models for aspiring artists and performers. By commemorating their lives and careers through statues, society provides a tangible representation of what can be achieved through talent, dedication, and perseverance.’
Donations can be made by logging into the website: Community Foundation for The Ohio Valley, Review the donations list and select Dean Martin statue to make your donation; or sending a check or money order made out to: Community Foundation For the Ohio Valley 1226 Chapline Street Wheeling. WV 26003. In the memo write: Dean Martin Statue. You may also call: + 304-242-3144.
Thank you.
Please note The Dean Martin Association, or its staff, or Memory Hive Productions, or its staff, are not responsible or liable for any donations you give to the Community Foundation for The Ohio Valley..
Get ready to swing into the Golden Age of Hollywood and experience the timeless sounds of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr with The Rat Pack Live In Concert. Combining classic hits with incredible performances and captivating storytelling, a talented ensemble of vocalists and musicians will take you on a musical journey through the smooth vocals, infectious rhythms, and unforgettable melodies that made the Rat Pack a global sensation. With outstanding attention to detail, see the Rat Pack’s charisma and flair brought to life and be transported back to the glamorous days of Las Vegas and Hollywood. Featuring all of the Rat Pack’s timeless charm, this is an unforgettable night of entertainment that will have you reminiscing about this legendary legacy.
Based on the hit West End 1999 Flying Music production Frank, Sammy and Dean – The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas, assistant producer for Showplanr Oliver Slee recently met with the DMA: “The aim of this tour is to bring a fresh and younger Frank, Dean and Sammy to new audiences,” he told us. It will still focus on the trio at their peak but, with a younger cast, Showplanr want to bring the Rat Pack’s music to a brand-new audience while still appealing to the older set. They will be on the road covering the UK until their final date for this summer tour on 28 July at Beck Theatre, Hayes.
Joseph O’Brien, who plays Frank Sinatra, is an exciting and dynamic vocalist with many years of experience performing across the UK and beyond in a wide variety of roles. Career highlights include working on his own material with the London production company The Next Room, and performing at the world renowned Sundance Film Festival. Alongside creating his own work, Joseph has a background in musical theatre, as well as being an accomplished guitarist.
Joseph has a real love for Ol’ Blue Eyes, and having performed his own tribute show to the man for many years, he is thrilled to be joining the cast of The Rat Pack Live In Concert to bring his passionate portrayal of Frank to a brand new audience.
Job Pedro Angus, joining Joseph as Sammy Davis Jr., is an actor, musician and dancer based in Coventry. Job trained at Identity School of Acting and Kingdom School of Arts. Job began his professional career at a young age, playing Young Sunny in Daddy Cool (West End) before going on to play Young Simba in The Lion King (West End) and Lost Child in Into the Hoods (West End). Job is also an accomplished musician and creates his own material, specializing in hip hop and dance tracks. Job is thrilled to be playing the legendary Sammy Davis Jr,. and grateful to be given the opportunity to tell his story.
Finally, we have Chris Weeks as Dean Martin. Chris came to Big Band music at a young age, singing with the Bucks County and National Youth Jazz Orchestras in his teens, before joining the two-time BBC Big Band Award winning Oxford University Jazz Orchestra as their male vocalist. He recently played Buddy Holly in the 30th Anniversary production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and is currently the lead singer for The Bluejays, the UK’s finest rock and roll band. Chris also works extensively as a session singer specializing in Jazz, recently featuring on the soundtrack to the Academy Award-nominated film La Memoria Infinita and with guest vocal spots exceeding twenty million streams worldwide.
For more information and tour dates, please visit ShowPlanr.
The DMA’s Thomas Brady and Elliot Thorpe will both be at the 24 July show, and we’ll be bringing you their full reports, reviews and interviews with the cast and crew in Just Dino #426.
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 