Dean Martin Blog

They say opportunity Knocks Once? Not in my case it kept knocking. I was fortunate to get up close and personal to Dino, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Joey Bishop. One night, right before the KNBC News at 11 with Tom Brokaw, I was coming back from the graphics dept. Frank Sinatra walks through the back doors below the news department leading a large entourage on his way to a Mia Frarrow Special in Studio 4, Dean Martin's Studio. We're on a collision course. I pulled an old Ross Porter Sportscaster trick. Ross would walk through the newsroom hallway reading research for his sportcast. We would pass each other I 'd say say "Hi, Ross," He'd look at me, and "flutter" his eye brows twice. On night before the KNBC Local News w/Tom Brokaw and Porter, Frank Sinatra enters through the side parking lot. The doors open, he leads a large entourage down the hall to studio 4, Dean's studio. I'm alone, we're on a collision course, I looked at Frank, he looked at me, I gave him the old Ross Porter "flutters, he smiled and "fluttered" back. I laughed all the way to the newsroom. I later met Frank at a Budweiser Distributors Open house in L.A. No disputing, Frank was "The Man." Footnotes:

June 7, 1917 – December 25, 1995) was an American actor, singer and comedian. One of the most popular and enduring American entertainers of the mid-20th century, Martin was nicknamed "The King of Cool" for his seemingly effortless charisma and self-assurance.[2][3] Martin gained his career breakthrough together with fellow comedian Jerry Lewis, billed as Martin & Lewis, in 1946. They performed in nightclubs and later had numerous appearances on radio, television and in films. Following an acrimonious ending of the partnership in 1956, Martin pursued a solo career as a performer and actor. Martin established himself as a notable singer, recording numerous contemporary songs as well as standards from the Great American Songbook. He became one of the most popular acts in Las Vegas and was known for his friendship with fellow artists Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., who together formed the Rat Pack. Starting in 1964, Martin was the host of the television variety program The Dean Martin Show, which centred on Martin's singing talents and was characterized by his relaxed, easy-going demeanour. From 1974 to 1984 he was roastmaster on the popular Dean Martin Celebrity Roast, which drew notable celebrities, comedians and politicians. Throughout his career, Martin performed in concert stages, nightclubs, audio recordings and appeared in 85 film and television productions. His relaxed, warbling, crooning voice earned him dozens of hit singles, including his signature songs "Memories Are Made of This", "That's Amore", "Everybody Loves Somebody", "You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You", "Sway", "Ain't That a Kick in the Head?" and "Volare" The Rat Pack was an informal group of entertainers centered on the Las Vegas casino venue. They originated as a group of friends who met at the Los Angeles home of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.[1] In the 1960s, the group featured Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop among others. They appeared together on stage and in films in the early 1960s, including the movies Ocean's 11,[2] Sergeants 3, and Robin and the 7 Hoods (Bing Crosby replaced Lawford in the last movie). Sinatra, Martin, and Davis were regarded as the group's lead members after Bogart's death.[3][4] The 1960s version of the group included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. Marilyn Monroe, Angie Dickinson, Juliet Prowse, Buddy Greco, and Shirley MacLaine were often referred to as the "Rat Pack Mascots". Comedian Don Rickles wrote that "I never received an official membership card, but Frank made me feel part of the fun."[7] Peter Lawford was a brother-in-law of President John F. Kennedy (dubbed "Brother-in-Lawford" by Sinatra),[8] and Kennedy spent time with Sinatra and the others when he visited Las Vegas, during which members sometimes referred to the group as "the Jack Pack". Rat Pack members played a role in campaigning for Kennedy and the Democrats, appearing at the July 1960 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles.[9] Lawford asked Sinatra if he would have Kennedy as a guest at his Palm Springs house in March 1962, and Sinatra went to great lengths to accommodate the President, including the construction of a helipad.[10] Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy advised his brother to sever his ties to Sinatra because of his association with Mafia figures such as Sam Giancana, and he cancelled the visit.[11] Kennedy instead stayed at Bing Crosby's estate, which further infuriated Sinatra.[12] Lawford was blamed for this, and Sinatra "never again had a good word" for him.[13] Lawford's role was written out of the upcoming 4 for Texas, and his part in Robin and the 7 Hoods was given to Bing Crosby.[12] Charlie Barrett I was NBC News PR contact in Burbank for a few years (working with Alan Kaul, Art Lord, et al) before my days as NBC's PR Director for THE TONIGHT SHOW with Mr Carson. I agree completely with Mike Colonna to, as a former NBCer in PR George Lewis if you may recall me. I was NBC News PR contact in Burbank for a few years (working with Alan Kaul, Art Lord, et al) before my days as NBC's PR Director for THE TONIGHT SHOW with Mr Carson.Leno too. Always admired your pieces, George Lewis. But, the NBC we knew then has been transformed into something else...and in & out of 2 John's beds (GE; Comcast) since RCA times. " Venus meets Volare." Frankie Avalon guest on the Dean Martin Show. My dad always reminded me that Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Fabian Forte, Bobby Darin, Vic Damone, Johnny Desmond, Johnny Rivers all came from Italian roots that Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra planted. Frankie and Bobby's Darin and Rydell, were the second coming. Not sure if they knew it. Worth repeating this story, Decked out in our NBC Page Blazers, Bill Woodley and I, were on a lunch break at Bob's Big Boy on Riverside Drive, around the corner from the studio. The place was packed. In walks Frankie Avalon and his family. The restaurant was packed, I asked Frankie if he wanted to join us. "Sure." They seated us in the back. Next thing we're chatting, having burgers at Bob's Big Boy. Fate, 53 years later, Frankie's sitting at crowded Fortunes in Old Town Laquinta. I walked up to his table, introduced myself, reminded him about Bob's Big Boy, back in the day, plugged my NBC Palm Springs TV Show WiseGuysCooking.com, "undaunting" I asked him if he would do a cameo. Still waiting. Mr. "Hey Venus" shocked my wife when we left, "Goodbye Mike." Great Guy. I'm sure singing with Dino was a thrill, it was for us. Jim Mahoney. "Chasing The Fixer." "Smokin" a cigar and listening to Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra stories at LaQuinta CC w/Jim Mahoney. Jim Mahoney, sometimes called the "fixer" knew where all the bodies were buried. I didn't know him then but Jimmy was probably on Dean and Carson's set when I worked on those shows. You need a problem solved, Mahoney was your man. When Frank Jr. was abducted in Vegas, Jimmy engineered his release. Jim and I chat about the "Golden Age of Television" frequently. You'd love to be "a fly on the wall." He still keeps in touch with many Hollywood stars. He "talks the talk" and every day "walks the walk." Mahoney walks at least 2 miles each day, around LQCC. "That's what Bob Hope told me, if I wanted to live to be 100." Walking every day w/their dog, Jim's daughter Marrilee, a former NBC Page makes sure he keeps pace. Joe Scallisi The reason I drink is because when I'm sober I think I'm Eddie Fisher. Joe Scallisi The Best Dean Martin I've seen. It's been more than 5 decades since I had the honor of working on the Dean Martin Show. Dino lookalikes, performers, impersonators come and go. I follow them all. My favorite is Joe Scallisi. He's got the moves, the looks, Dino's style. You couldn't get closer to Dean if you tried. With Dean in mind, my Wise Guys Cooking.Show, on NBC Palm Springs, comes close. Frank DiSalvo from Frank's Place, Indian Wells and Dean lookalike Paul Elia together with Johnny Morris do a pretty good job, If you get a chance. Catch Joe Scallisi, you will not be disappointed. Dean's family loves him. Dean collapses piano. "Yikes" The Expected was unexpected! One Sunday afternoon on the Dean Martin Show producer Greg Garrison had something up his sleeve. This "sketch" wasn't part of rehearsal. During the lunch break, the stage crew covered up the library set where Dean and Kenny Lane did their thing. Garrison spent the break prepping Dean in his dressing room making sure it wouldn't become a disaster. It turned out perfect. Dean opens the library door, jumps on the piano, it crashes to the floor. We didn't see it coming. The rest is history. Turns out Greg and Dean were geniuses. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dean+martin+crashes+piano Sammy Davis Jr. "I gotta be me..." A reprise of an old story. It was a Thursday night. Sammy Davis Jr. walked through the "Artist Entrance" looking for Dean. The AE lot was private parking for NBC star's and guests. It was nestled between the exec office building's famous "Commissary" and Studio's 1 thru 4. All the big stars from the "Golden Age of Television," Dino, Hope, Benny, Berle passed through the AE's hallowed swinging doors on their way to their dressing rooms. I digress, It's early evening and Sammy walks in, top hat, tan suit, cane, dapper as ever. I'm standing behind the Artist Entrance desk. He checks out my name tag, "Hey Mike, how do I get to Dean's dressing room?" I figured we were on a first name basis, I said, 'Sammy, Dean tapes on Sunday's. His show's on national TV later tonight, he's not here. " He was embarrassed, "I knew that." He gave me a big smile, spun around, and walked out through the AE doors. I'll never forget, "The Candy Man." A gracious guy, Mr. "Venus" shocked my wife when we left, "Goodbye Mike." Great Guy. My addiction to Dean Martin started in High School, I bought his album "Pretty Baby," I tried to get Dean down to a science. The voice, the look, the demeanor. My frosh year Father Hanson recruited me for the 40 strong SA Glee club. I could sing Italian songs. "Hey Compare," Dark Town Strutters. Ball," lots of others. Our concerts were sellouts. My dad was a singer in the old radio days on "The Italian Hour" in Chicago, I wanted to follow in his footsteps. . After college, an old SAE frat bro started working at NBC. I begged him for an interview. Got it! From News messenger to NBC Page. My first week on the job, working the "The Dean Martin Show" Bingo! It was Christmas and Dean gave our whole production staff a signed album, my two prize possessions. "Trini Lopez Trini Lopez appeared on the Dean Martin Show in 1967. I remember my best friend and I drove to a "hot" popular Hollywood night club PJ's. where Eddie Cano and Frankie Randall played in the bar lounge. and Trini Lopez was in the main room. We were High School seniors, with "phony ID's. The "Bouncer" glanced at our " We walked in, walked past Cano on our way to the back bar to see Trini Lopez. The place was packed, we found two spots below Trini's stage and tried to act like we belonged. He was great. In the mid 60's Trini appeared on the Dean Martin Show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPnyOOzqShg Pat Boone Dean Martin joked, "I once shook hands with Pat Boone and my whole right side sobered up." Dean wasn't kidding. I was the lead Page on the Pat Boone show. I remember regularly escorting his family into Studio 3, they were there to cheer him on. Dean's studio was next door. Debbie Boone, who later became a big teenage star, was just 9 years old. Great family. There was a segment where Pat headed into the audience w/questions, you could win a new refrigerator, washer or dryer. I got my friends strategic aisle seats, Pat would ask them a question, "Bingo!" they won an expensive appliance. The Holiday's were a "big deal" for Pages. Andy Willams, Laugh In's Geroge Schlatter, others from Hollywood Squares would gift us cufflinks, booze, shirts, ties, you name it. Dean and Greg's present was a signed "ALBIUM" and a bottle of "Jack." Getting back to Pat, his Christmas present was a can of caramel popcorn his wife made. I was good with that. Pat's Agent Mr. Spina, saw the expression on my face, he asked me to come out of Pat's dressing room, he walked me down the hallway, and "whipped out" a $100 dollar bill and stuck it in my pocket. We Italians stick together. I was very lucky that season, I met Elvis, Pat Boone, and future heart throb Debbie Boone. Perry Como Another one of Dean Martin's close friends was Perry Como. He and Dean were close. One afternoon while Perry was working on his annual Christmas Show in Studio 4, he took a break and was headed to the famous NBC commissary with his director. I was never one to be shy, I grew up watching Perry Como. I caught up, squeezed next to him, trying to look important, "Mr. Como," I gave him my name, "you're one of my favorite Italians." Perry Como put his arm around my shoulder and laughed and thanked me, what a guy! " It was history. I'll never forget that moment. Somewhere at Universal is my Page Blazer with Perry Como's DNA on the right shoulder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSsC-jNfgag Sinatra and Dean Dean and Frank. Frank Sinatra was the man! When they performed together they fought for laughs. Their appeal was different,. They both adored each other. They were undisputedly cool. Charisma exuded from the veins. Frank was the King, and Dean was the "Court Jester." The audience never knew where Dean was going with his "slapstick," neither did Frank. They were best friends but something happened between them later in life, a close friend that knew Frank, Dean wasn't crazy about doing concerts on the road. Rehearsing was not his forte. Sinatra was a "workaholic." Dean was laid back. When I met Frank I was in Awe, "hanging" on The Dean Martin Show was "Awe-some." Loved them both, have a great Sinatra story, will save it for later. https://www.facebook.com/michael.v.snowden.3/videos/10158783406137625/ " You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You.."An NBC Page in the 60's, made about $65 dollars a week. Most of us were college grads chasing different dreams. Johnny Carson was a Page so we had something to hang our hat on. We all looked for the day when we would become future Directors, Producers, maybe entertainers. We learned fast, the only people that made money in TV starred before camera's or worked in sales. Another became an NBC Foreign News Correspondent. Deans Producer Greg Garrison learned Page Bob Chic was a scratch golfer, next thing Chic's playing with Dino at Riviera. We were all very jealous. Chic moved quickly, managing big shows like the Dean Martin Roasts. The moral of the story, palling w/ "The Movers and Shakers" is how you got ahead. The Dean Martin TV Show is a 1966 studio album by Dean Martin accompanied by the Les Brown orchestra, with arrangements by Ernie Freeman.[2][3] This was the last of five albums Martin released in 1966, it was named to capitalise on the immense success of his television show, The Dean Martin Show.[2] The Dean Martin TV Show peaked at 34 on the Billboard 200, and was still on the charts in Spring 1967.[4] Les Brown's Band conducted The Dean Martin Show. They were strategically stationed behind two large partitions. The production staff knew we were in the presence of greatness. Legends like Playboy All -Stars Ray Brown, the Candoli brothers, drummer Ed Shaughensey, to name a few. Brown's studio band was in demand doing "gigs" for the Andy Williams Show, Jack Benny, Bob Hope Specials, and The Tonight Show. Les Brown was an easy going guy, easy to talk to, grand in stature, a giant in the music industry. We were honored week after week listening to the magic of Les Brown and His Band of Renown. "The Summer Wind?" One Sunday, during taping of the Dean Martin Show, as usual, I was planted next to the stage, we went to a commercial break. Dean was sitting on his bar stool, "kibitizing" with the audience, he paused for a second, quickly lifted up his right side, and low and behold Dino "makes a scorreggino." Since I was the closest, I heard it, he knew I heard it, and he winked. My claim to fame. I heard Dean "break wind." Was that too much information? Doug Mauldin "A picture is worth a thousand words." Doug Maulden, was a KNBC news writer. He was "a mover and shaker," he got bored with news writing and transferred to NBC Media Department. Doug was one of my favorite guys. Those were the days of Anchors Tom Brokaw, Jess Marlow, Bob Abernethy, Peter Burns, Dean Brelis, Piers Anderton, Ross Porter. One afternoon Doug paid me a visit up in the second floor newsroom. "I thought you might like this picture." Wow, got caught in my favorite spot, standing next to Dino with my hand on my face. I stashed it away, could not find it for 40 years until my "sis" Carol handed me an envelope with old photo's. Thought I lost it. Dean and Me, lot's of memories! "God helps those who help themselves." My first week as an NBC Page was a challenge. Yea, right! Deciding which shows to work on, The Dean Martin Show, Andy Williams, Laugh-In, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Johnny Carson. Lucky me, my first assignment, "Colonna you're audience control on the Martin Show." Working the audience outside lasted 10 minutes. I "snuk" away, told my pal Jim Overman I needed a break, I strolled down dressing room "alley, " between studios 3 & 4, opened Studio's 4's double doors, acted like I owned the place. I walked up to Dean's set, I created my new job. Supervising talent that stood off stage. Hey, that's where the action was! Next to Dean Martin. The library door opens...Dean enters, he jumps on Kenny Lane's piano, he croons, "Baby won't you please come home, my wife left me all alone," He flicks his cigarette ashes on Kenny's left shoulder, "Now you're a General. I'm gonna go over to the "Gouch." Needless to say, every Page would repeat that famous line during the week as we passed each other on our way to different studios. "I'm going over to the Gouch!" Some were good and others not so good. Dean affected us all. My favorite "Gouch" song was, "Welcome to my World." "I didn't know what time it was, I drank my watch!" Kenny Lane was perfect for the Piano segment. He was always dressed to the "nines." He played Dean's straight man, "oldtimers" he knew every move Dino would make. We always looked forward to that part of the show, anything could happen. Dean knew who would be walking through his library door. Except once, The unpredictable Greg Garrison created a "Soupy Sales" moment. Dean opens the door, "Holy Mackerel Andy" a "naked gal." Another one of our famous NBC Page moments on the Dean Martin Show. "Super Page Bob Chic." Golf, who had time for Golf back in the day? I didn't think much of golf at "old St. Anthony Hi" in Long Beach. One of my NBC Page pals, Bob Chic was a low handicap golfer. We worked together on Dean's Show. Greg Garrison heard about Bob and he immediately became one of Garrison's favorites. Next thing we know, he's playing golf at Riviera with Dean. You bet we were jealous! Then Bob catapulted to bigger and better shows. Stage Manager on the Dean Martin Roasts, and tons of other shows. Golf paid off for Bobby Chic. What's the old adage, "it's who you know." Dean loved Dom DeLuise and the feeling was mutual. Dom was like a little kid in a candy store when he was around Dean. DeLuise bounced around the rehearsal halls during the week, joking with everyone. Then Sunday, the "big day," Dean and Don rehearsed, lot's of ad libs, they laughed their "culo's" off. It was fun to watch. Dean and Orson Wells were good friends. I didn't see the connection but Wells loved the comedy side of Dino. He appeared on the Dean Martin Show many times. Sketches were designed to give Orson a side that most did not know. Here's one of their sketches.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dxA2EEM6ms Sid Ceasar and the Dean Martin Show. Sid's "Show of Shows" was a must when we were kids. Ceasar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, were hilarious together. Imagine friendships and working with writers like Mel Brooks, Neil Simon, and Woody Allen. Millions of fans loved their comedy. Greg Garrison worked with Sid in NY and never forgot his New York TV roots working greats like Milton Berle and Sid Ceaser. Even though Sid was on the back end of his fabulous career, Garrison booked him on the most popular TV Show and here I was mingling with three legends, Sid Ceasar, Dean Martin and Greg Garrison. You could feel the aura of professionalism and mutual respect. Another perk in my life as an NBC Page. Jerry valle Jerry Vale (born Genaro Louis Vitaliano; July 8, 1930 – May 18, 2014) was an American singer and actor. During the 1950s and 1960s, he reached the top of the pop charts with his interpretations of romantic ballads, including a cover of Eddy Arnold hit "You Don't Know Me" (1956) and "Have You Looked into Your Heart" (1964). Vale, who was of Italian descent, sang numerous songs in Italian, many of which were used in soundtracks by films of Martin Scorsese[1] Vale showed his love of Italian music with his albums, I Have But One Heart (1962) and Arrivederci, Roma (1963), full of Italian standards such as "Amore, Scusami", "Ciao, Ciao, Bambina", "Arrivederci, Roma", and "O Sole Mio".[2] His renditions of "Volare", "Innamorata (Sweetheart)", and "Al di là" became classic Roger Miller Roger Dean Miller (January 2, 1936 – October 25, 1992) was an American singer-songwriter, musician, and actor, widely known for his honky-tonk-influenced novelty songs and his chart-topping country and pop hits "King of the Road", "Dang Me", and "England Swings", all from the mid-1960s Nashville sound era. After growing up in Oklahoma and serving in the United States Army, Miller began his musical career as a songwriter in the late 1950s, writing such hits as "Billy Bayou" and "Home" for Jim Reeves and "Invitation to the Blues" for Ray Price. He later began a recording career and reached the peak of his fame in the mid-1960s, continuing to record and tour into the 1990s, charting his final top 20 country hit "Old Friends" with Willie Nelson in 1982. He also wrote and performed several of the songs for the 1973 Disney animated film Robin Hood. Later in his life, he wrote the music and lyrics for the 1985 Tony Award−winning Broadway musical Big River, in which he acted. Miller died from lung cancer in 1992 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame three years later. His songs continued to be recorded by other singers, with covers of " ... 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