Mike Colonna Blogcast "Dean and Frank"

Frank Sinatra and the Dean Martin Show. Anytime  Frank showed up, studio 4 was a closed set. Only a select few of us would be allowed to stand on the side lines and watch these two great talents. One night when I worked late, I was picking up materials from the  Theater Arts Department, I was on my way back to the studio, when I noticed Frank entering  from the back parking lot with his entourage. Frank was in the lead, Now I'm moving toward Sinatra and his crew. He's moving toward me....as I passed Frank, rather than "Hi Frank" I lifted my eyebrows to acknowledge him.  I'll never forget, as Frank's eyes met mine with my eyebrows half way up my forehead, Frank returned the hello, our eyes and eyebrows met, did I know Frank Sinatra?..... Yes, I traded eyebrows with Frank Sinatra. 

Mike Colonna Blogcast "Dean at the Piano"

The Dean Martin Show. Everyone on the Show loved the Piano sketch with Kenny Lane. Dean would flick his cigarette ashes on Kenny's shoulder. "I'm gonna make you a General!" The rehearsal shots were blocked in the morning but Garrison had "stunts" up his sleeve. Most of the time Dean had no idea who was behind the door. Neither did we. During the Sunday Morning Rehearsals, and Afternoon shooting, I don't ever recall taking a break. Learning and watching Dean, the producers, writers, even Les Brown's Band of Renown making adjustments, I didn't want to miss a minute of this legendary event. Lot's of these moments are stored in my brain's memory bank. So pinch me, I got to work up close and personal with the "King of Cool," on the Dean Martin Show!

Mike Colonna Dean Martin Blog Guy Marks

The Dean Martin Show, Greg Garrison took a liking to one of our NBC Pages who was a high school and college golfer, Bob Chic. Chic was a great guy, and his golfing prowess gave him special privileges. Bob Chic got to play golf with Dino and friends at Riviera. None of our platoon of NBC Pages were anywhere close to being good golfers, kudo's for Chic to get a chance to spend time on the golf course with Dean. Next thing, Bob becomes one of the two or three stage managers on the Dean Martin Show. We were all envious. Should have taken advantage of our Golf Club at St. Anthony High and learned the basics at Long Beach State. I didn't.  Chic went from the Dean Martin Show to full time stage managing on the Dean Martin Roasts. Getting credits for his work was a great accomplishment. Bob is out there somewhere, would love to chat about our old days at NBC. Posting one of the funniest sketches during the Dean Martin Roasts! loved to watch Dean laugh and Rickles egging him on.

Dean Martin & Tommy Sands - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine

Dean and Charities

 

Nick Santa Maria

  · 

According to my late friend, Miriam Nelson, who used to stage the shows for the charity, S.H.A.R.E....of all the big stars she'd ask to donate their time Dean Martin was the most gracious and easiest to work with . On top of that I find myself watching Dean more than almost anyone else on YouTube (maybe tied with Don Rickles). Dean had a warmth and an unpolished sense of fun that is intoxicating (so to speak).

When I was a kid watching Martin and Lewis movies on TV I usually got bored during Dean's stuff...now it's the complete opposite. Happy Birthday to Dino, a terrific singer and a very funny man.

Jim Mahoney author/publicist.

 Jim Mahoney and Dino getting ready to tee off!

Mike Colonna Blogcast "GetMahoney"

Get Mahoney Dean's Publicist

 My long time friend and personal publicist for Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Johnny Carson and other TV, Singers, and Movie stars Jim Mahoney has written an exciting book about his day's with Hollywood's rich and famous, A great read!

It's not easy being in the public eye. There's always someone watching, waiting for you to mess up. That's where Jim Mahoney comes in. For over 40 years, he's been the go-to guy for Hollywood's elite when they need to clean up a scandal or avoid one altogether. He knows all the tricks of the trade and he's finally spilling the beans in his new book, Get Mahoney!

Buddy Greco Dean Martin Show

 

Courtney Newman

  · 

Go to https://gofund.me/fc9242fa We Found It !!!!! Our Buddy Greco documentary “ white whale “ … “ Holy Grail !!!” It’s video of Buddy and Dean Martin performing together!! We have searched and searched and finally found it on a very rare obsolete video format which we just got converted to digital thru a lot of expense and trial and error!!! Now you can see it … but I’m not going to show it yet !!!

Then we will be able to use it in the Buddy Greco A Swingin' World Documentary and it’s fantastic !!!!! So please contribute, no amount is too small or too big !!! Go here https://gofund.me/fc9242fa

Studio 4 The Dean Martin Show

 

Mike Clark

  · 

Dean Martin had as much fun as the audience during his show. That's because most of what happened was new to him!

Running 9 seasons, The Dean Martin Show's success was due to the genius execution by Producer/Director Greg Garrison, who promised Martin he would only have to work on Sundays. Martin would get some show notes prior to tape day and approve the guests and songs for that week. Pre-records were rare with most of the musical numbers performed live. Deano would appear Sunday morning in the makeup chair at NBC, Burbank, and watch a monitor as his stand-in rehearsed with that week's guests. Garrison's 'live to tape' method meant almost no flubs were corrected, and that gave the show a spontaneous feel with the light-footed and witty Martin contributing a ton of charm and some pretty wonderful singing. The show was popular and even hit #1.

By the early 70's the format changed into celebrity roasts and for many that's how the show is remembered. I prefer the laughs courtesy Mr. Martin and guests like Bob Newhart or Dom DeLuise. I'm sure he made the most of this blue-screen magic carpet setup.

The show started off with TK-41s and in 1969 switched to TK-44s. Karl Messerschmidt was the T.D. and the deep talent on the stage and camera crew made it all look like a fun romp.

Addendum: Martin's former partner Jerry Lewis recorded his show at NBC from 67-68. No doubt Dean and Jerry were on different tape schedules and they never bumped into one another in the hall

Dean's Girls!

 "Watching all the girls go by." Lucky me! One Sunday afternoon during the taping of the Dean Martin Show, I was clearing a path next to Dean's set, I noticed out of the corner of my eye, a stunning blonde beauty. It didn't register right away, but within 10 seconds I recognized Angie Dickinson. Oceans 11 she was in our midst. Joey Heatherton, Lanie Kazan, and the parade of other lovelies would "hang out" watching Dean from the sidelines. Face it, Dean was a "Chick Magnet!" When the Sunday taping was over, reality set in. Within an hour, I hung up my NBC Page blazer, got in my VW Beetle, and drove back to my Belmont Shore digs. Just another day at the office. Two different worlds. Couldn't wait till Monday to get back to the "old grind!" What working conditions. Loved it! Let's have a Vino for Dino!

Venus Meets Volare

 " Venus meets Volare." Remembering Frankie Avalon on the Dean Martin Show. My dad said Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Fabian Forte, Bobby Darin, Vic Damone, Johnny Desmond, Johnny Rivers all came from the same Italian roots as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Avalon, Darin and Rydell, were the second coming. Not sure if they knew it. Back in the late 60's, decked out in our NBC Page Blazers, Bill Woodley and I, were on a lunch break at Bob's Big Boy on Riverside Drive, near NBC. The place was packed.

In walks Frankie Avalon and his family. I asked Frankie if he wanted to join us. "Sure." Next thing we're chatting, about his songs and pictures, eating Big Boy's. Brief encounters can leave a lasting impression. Fast forward, a few years ago, Frankie was sitting at Fortunes Restaurant, 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. 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, working with Dean was for us.

Could have been A Contender!

 "I coulda been a contender!

" Greg Garrison Producer/Director of the Dean Martin Show stood out as an intimidating figure. Never get in his way!  One Sunday rehearsal Dean was in his dressing room taking care of business. Les Brown needed a sound check for "Welcome to My World," Garrison needed someone to block the shot and sing a few bars,  I knew I could do Dino's voice and sing the lyrics, Greg Garrison paused five seconds looked around the room, I caught his eye, almost raised my hand, thinking I could do this! Not so fast Mike, remember you're a Page, you're at the bottom of the food chain, and just for a "second,"  I pictured myself in Dean's chair singing his big hit. Just then producer/writer Lee Hale took the stage, my "second" came and went!!! My big chance for "stardom?" was history. 

Working on the "Dean Martin Show"  for two seasons could be summed up in five words, "YOU HAD TO BE THERE !" From my bedroom trying to "croon" like Dino back in my high school days (I wore my "Pretty Baby" album out!)  then standing next to Dean 10 years later, a dream came true for this kid from Chicago.   I know my mom  was listening with a smile on her face. Fast forward a decade later. I got her and my dad front row seats to "The Dean Martin Show."  Dean "winked" at them,  I'll never forget the look on their faces that Sunday afternoon. They were two proud Italians!

Mike Colonna Dean Martin Blog "DinoBeatles"

Mike Colonna Dean Martin Blog Carson on Dean "Drinking"

The Dean Martin Show. As Dean would say "I don't drink any more and I don't drink any less." During a Sunday taping Dean was sitting on stage holding a clear plastic cup. The cover story was the plastic cup was filled with apple juice. Right. Well, during a commercial break, Deans makeup guy, who usually held his drink, was not around. Before Stage Manager Bob Grenier showed Dean where his next mark was, I was close, so he hands me Deans drink. I've gotten lots of 'blowback" from folks over the years, "Dean only drank Apple Juice!" Well folks, I was afraid of getting caught sipping out of Deans cup, so I held it up to my nose, just to get a an idea of what this drinking mystery was all about. I took a "wiff, " Yikes! I could have swore it smelled like Jack Daniels and water. "I kid you not!" Dean returns to the stage, sits on his bar stool, I hand him back his drink. He smiles, winks while taking a sip. That was a memorable day. "Let's have a Vino for Dino!"

The Dean Martin Show and George Burns

George Burns guests on The Dean Martin Show. From the hallway, alongside Studio 4, you could smell a cigar odor. Next thing you know George Burns was entering the Studio's double doors, walking arm and arm with two of Dino's beautiful chorus girls.

You thought you were at a coronation. We all stepped back. George immediately brought back memories of the old "Burns and Allen Show." He had a big smile while puffing his cigar and holding onto his beautiful escorts, You couldn't help but smile. A short guy but he stood out like a giant! He was an icon. George Burns, the consummate comedian was ready for his rehearsal sketch. He was everyone's favorite uncle. I don't remember Dean's late morning rehearsal with George, but when they taped the show, and mangled lines on the cue cards we knew you were in the presence of greatness! DeanMartinBlog.com (No Ads)

Colgate Comedy Hour (Feb 1955)

John Roland and the Dean Martin Show

John Roland and the Dean Martin Show. Is it wrong for one man to love another man? I'm not gay but I loved John (Ginger) Roland. John Ginger was an SAE from Long Beach State I was a Sigma Chi we were good friends. After graduating John told me he landed a job at KNBC Los Angeles, I pestered him for months. "John, please set me up with an interview at NBC."

After months of hounding I got a call, "Mike I've set up an interview with Stan Zieve who handles the film crews for KNBC. Do you know how to ride a motorcycle?" I lied, and said yes! The next day I drove to NBC Burbank, interviewed for a messenger job, which entailed driving the freeways to LAX, picking up Viet Nam footage from a stewardess off a United 747 that just arrived from Hong Kong, back on the freeway, cycle it back to Burbank where it was edited and packaged to air on the 6pm News. That never happened. My first test ride on a Harley in the back lot with the "King of Messengers," Duffy, turned out to be a disaster. I'm in my coat and tie, riding a motorbike for the first time, ever, and crashing it in the back lot, hitting parked cars that belonged to KNBC reporters and anchormen. Stan Zieve gave me a reprieve, and set me up with an interview in Guest Relations, I was anointed with an NBC Page Blazer, and my first assignment was working on the Dean Martin Show. John Roland passed away last weekend in Florida. John RIP, you'll always be in my memories. I love you Bro!

The Dean Martin Show. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Eddie Fisher." I always thought Eddie Fisher was Italian. My mom bought Eddie's Album with his hit record "Oh My Papa."

Was it any wonder, he looked Italian, sounded Italian, and that was a good thing, when I was about 10 years old back in Chicago. Fast forward, to Dino's first show I worked on. Standing next to me ready to make a guest appearance was none-other than Eddie Fisher. We were in a commercial break, Dean looked over at us alongside the partition that hid his guests, Dino saw Eddie looked at me and said, (NO OFFENCE,) "What's that little Jew doing here?" Kidding of course!!!! Eddie nudges me and cracks up! Greg Garrison's voice bellows from the control room. "Ready Dean? and action!"

Dean Martin and Buddy Ebsen

Like Dean Martin, Buddy Ebsen was a song and dance man. Ever since Davy Crokett's sidekick days, he's been a hero to my generation. Buddy did a guest appearance on the Dean Martin Show, and both he and Dino "wowed" the audience with their singing and dancing. A few years later, after NBC, I attended a business meeting in Long Beach, and Buddy was the guest speaker. We sat at the same table and we

talked about his old day's working for Disney, then the Beverly Hillbillies. and his appearance on Dino's Show. He laughed when I told him he and Fess Parker had to be the inspiration for Don "Sonny" Crockett and Michael "Rico" Tubbs, the detectives on Miami Vice. "Beautiful Downtown Burbank," and NBC were very good to me.

Gaetano Crochetti-Dino's Dad NBC Tour

It was the spring of 1967 and we had just finished the Sunday mid morning rehearsal for the Dean Martin Show. Greg Garrison asked me if I could walk Dino's dad, Gaetano, around the building and show him the different studio's. 

I introduced myself to Guy, he was decked out in a black tux, butterfly black bow tie, Dean's double but about 30 years older. I learned some Italian from my folks when I was younger, made him laugh when I told him I sounded like a "Gidrul." We spent an hour peeking in and out of rehearsal halls and studio's. We walked back to Dean's dressing room, two proud Italians, one from the old country and the other on top of the world. Gaetano Crochetti passed away later that year.

Mike Colonna Blogspot Open Intro

Dean Martin commercial for phones at the Airport: "Have You Ever Flown o...

Don Cherry talks about Dino

Mike Colonna Blogcast Greg Garrison Talks Dino!

Mike Colonna Blogcast "Dino Loves Palm Springs."

Mike Colonna Blogcast Dino Impersonators

Mike Colonna Blogcast Dean's Girls

Dino Imperonators

Dino's Girls

Dean Martin's favorite gals!

"The Boss Speaks!"

We hear Greg Garrison's voice from the control booth, after a commercial break, stage manager Bob Graner takes his cue, "action." Dean's standing at the library door, Ken Lane's sitting behind the piano, "the grand entrance,"

Dean hops on the piano, Les Brown's music fades, Kenny begins to play, Dino sings, "I didn't know what time it was, I drank my watch!" Lot's of fun back in the mid 60's working as an NBC Page in "beautiful downtown Burbank!"

The "Crooner"

Working on the "Dean Martin Show" for two seasons could be summed up in five words, "YOU HAD TO BE THERE !"

From my bedroom trying to "croon" like Dino back in my high school days (I wore my "Pretty Baby" album out!) then standing next to Dean 10 years later, a dream came true for this kid from Chicago. I know my mom was listening with a smile on her face. Fast forward a decade later. I got her and my dad front row seats to "The Dean Martin Show." Dean "winked" at them, I'll never forget the proud look on their faces that Sunday afternoon. They were two proud Italians!

"Contender"

"I coulda been a contender!" Greg Garrison Producer/Director of the Dean Martin Show stood out as an intimidating figure. Never get in his way!

One Sunday rehearsal Dean was in his dressing room taking care of business. Les Brown needed a sound check for "Welcome to My World," Garrison needed someone to block the shot and sing a few bars, I knew I could do Dino's voice and sing the lyrics, Greg Garrison paused five seconds looked around the room, I caught his eye, almost raised my hand, thinking I could do this! Not so fast Mike, remember you're a Page, you're at the bottom of the food chain, and just for a "second," I pictured myself in Dean's chair singing his big hit. Just then producer/writer Lee Hale took the stage, my "second" came and went!!! My big chance for "stardom?" was history. DeanMartinBlog.com (No Ads)

Mike Colonna Blogcast "Dean and Goldie"

Mike Colonna Blogcast Chuck Norris Ep 11

Mike Clolonna Blogcast Greg Garrison Ep 9

Mike Colonna Blogcast John Morris Ep 6

Mike Colonna Blogcast Chuck Gabrielle Ep 4

Mike Colonna Blogcast Dino Lived Here Ep 3

Mike Colonna Blogcast "Dino Impersonators" Ep 2

Mike Colonna Blog "Dino Tribute" Ep 1

The Control Room on the Dean Martin Show

We hear Greg Garrison's voice from the control booth, after a commercial break, stage manager Bob Graner takes his cue, "action." Dean's standing at the library door, Ken Lane's sitting behind the piano, "the grand entrance," Dean hops on the piano, Les Brown's music fades, Kenny begins to play, Dino sings, "I didn't know what time it was, I drank my watch!" Lot's of fun back in the mid 60's working as an NBC Page in "beautiful downtown Burbank!"

Everything Dean Martin

Working on the "Dean Martin Show"  for two seasons could be summed up in five words, "YOU HAD TO BE THERE !" From my bedroom trying to "croon" like Dino back in my high school days (I wore my "Pretty Baby" album out!)  then standing next to Dean 10 years later, a dream came true for this kid from Chicago.   I know my mom  was listening with a smile on her face. Fast forward a decade later. I got her and my dad front row seats to "The Dean Martin Show."  Dean "winked" at them,  I'll never forget the look on their faces that Sunday afternoon. They were two proud Italians!

Mike Colonna Blog "Dino Tribute"

Mike Colonna Blogcast "Dino Impersonators" A

Mike Colonna Blogcast Dino Lived Here

Mike Colonna Blogcast Chuck Gabrielle

Mike Colonna Blogcast Frank Montiforte

Mike Colonna Blogcast John Morris

Mike Colonna Blogcast

To All My "Golf Pallies!"

Mike Colonna Blogcast Greg Garrison

Greg Garrison interview.... Dean Martin

Lee Hale Interview Dean Martin Music Director 2011

Dean Martin Blogcast

Dean Martin Lived Here.

I want one of these!!!!!

Dino's Lodge

Vintage Los Angeles: What Ever Happened to Dino’s Lounge? In the summer of 1958, Dean Martin and his business partner, Maury Samuels, opened a restaurant on Sunset Boulevard. Here’s what happened after that By Alison Martino -November 15, 2013 

Patrons at Dino’s Lodge Back in High School my pal Johnny Gillette ventured up to Hollwyood to visit "hot spots" we had heard and read about, Dino's Lodge was at the top of our list! Take a look at the prices on this original Dino’s Lodge Menu. The quote at the bottom sums it all up. I’ve have been lucky enough to track down these very rare collectibles through the years. Now all I have to do is dump some Dino’s Lodge soil into one of those ashtrays…

The razed site of Dino’s Lodge Remember the L.A.-based private eye series 77 Sunset Strip? The 1950s show was filmed entirely on the Warner Brothers lot, but the opening 30-second sequence was filmed in front of Dino’s Lodge, located at 8524 Sunset Boulevard. In the summer of 1958, Dean Martin and his business partner, Maury Samuels, bought a former restaurant called The Alpine Lodge. They hired Dean’s brother, Bill, to manage the place, and immediately renamed it Dino’s Lodge. Out front they placed an enormous neon sign featuring Dean Martin’s handsome face and it became one of Hollywood’s campiest novelties. The “suit and tie” jazz joint was instantly hip, serving home-style Italian cuisine, steaks, and breakfast until 4 a.m. 

The interior included dark wood paneling and comfortable leather booths meant to replicate Martin’s personal den. Continuous entertainment was provided in a separate cocktail lounge that promoted female singers—perhaps ole Dino didn’t want any male competition—but by 1960, he had flown the coop for the Sands in Las Vegas and sold the restaurant to new owners who kept the name and neon sign for 27 additional years. Visitors flocked to the restaurant in hopes of getting a glimpse of Dino, but his neon face is as close as they got. By the early ’70s, the swanky restaurant that had once hosted parties for Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor descended into a tourist trap and was abandoned by its celebrity clientele. During the Miami Vice era, the block on which the restaurant sat suffered a devastating makeover. 

What was left of Dino’s Lodge, the Tiffany Theatre, North Beach Leather, and the 1960s dance club the Sea Witch were all stuccoed over, leaving them unrecognizable, then replaced with bland looking offices. A 77 SUNSET STRIP dedication was later engraved on the sidewalk in front of the original entrance to Dino’s. This September, the entire block was demolished to make way for a massive development. I’m not sure if the plaque will survive, but the new parking attendants should carry a comb in their back pocket in honor of Ed “Kookie” Byrnes. All photographs courtesy Alison Martino Collection

Dino Show Credits

Joey Heatherton 101 Dean Martin and Joey Heatherton Medley

Dino Knocks off The Beatles!

Dean Martin- "I'm gonna knock your pallies off the charts!" Ricci Martin, Dean's son, back in 1964 was a Beatles freak. As were we all. As a Long Beach State Sigma Chi, Beatles records kept us dancing at every Sig Party. That August, Dino, who hadn't had a hit record in years, "kicked" the Beatles out of Billboards #1 spot with "Everybody Loves Somebody." Fast forward, in 1980 my "pallies" and I traveled to the Monaco Grand Prix. The late Whitey Littlefield, (Sinatra's Budweiser go to guy), Johnny 'Smooth" Morris, (owner of Legends and now The Boathouse Restaurant in Long Beach) Bruce Hershey and I were invited to spend the afternoon with George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Dean's name never came up, but there we were, with two of the Beatles "that played second fiddle" to "The King of Cool!" We BS'd all afternoon. You would have loved being a fly on the wall. Ringo did not want pictures taken but Hershey snuck out and took one anyway. You can see his image on the yacht door. Guess you can say "Memories Were Made Of This!"

The Dean Martin Show - First episode

Dean Martin Show Intro (1)

A Short Tour of NBC Burbank "This Could Be the Start of Something Big"

The Golddiggers.

It was 1968, Greg Garrison, Producer/Director of the Dean Martin Show, came up with a "wild idea." "Let's get a small chorus line of singers and dancers to showcase all of Dean's talents." A small ad in Daily Variety that read, along the lines, "Looking for talented female singers and dancers to audition for the "The Dean Martin Show." Not exactly word for word, the tryout day was posted. On my drive to the studio from Belmont Shore, Long Beach, my usual 35 minute drive on three different freeways doing 80 in my VW Bug, I arrive at NBC. Low and behold, wrapped around the entire block were females of all ages. Dancers, Singers, you name it. Ready for their "Auditions" with the producers of  The Dean Martin Show. Months later, viewers were treated to the birth of the "Golddiggers!" DeanMartinBlog.comMike Colonna

Stan Zieve

Stan Zieve, what can I say, he hired me as an NBC Messenger, back in the day. I smashed up one of his prize motorbikes, the first day, in the back lot after I "fibbed" telling him I knew how to ride a motorcycle. He kept me on got me a job as an NBC Page. I spent 7 great years in Guest Relations and NBC News. Prayers are in order. RIP

The "Schnoz"

Afternoon's were crazy around NBC Studio's in Burbank during the late 60's. One day Perry Como's strolling down the hall. James Garner walks through the Artist Entrace looking for his dressing room on the Carson Show, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Roger Miller and all of the "Zany" Laugh In stars politely wave as they search for their dressing rooms. Never a dull moment. One afternoon I was leading a tour past the Carson and Let's Make a Deal studios, we stopped midway and opened up one of the rehearsal halls on our left, sitting alone behind a piano in the back of the room, was the one and only Jimmy Dirante. He waved to the group, they were thrilled. Legendary moments as an NBC Page in Burbank. "S

chnoz"

Swingin Country

Thinking about my old NBC Burbank Page days. One of the first shows we worked on..."Swingin Country." Molly Bee, Rusty Draper, Roy Clark. Late 60's!

Raquel

She was beautiful. Before the Carson Show, standing next to her when I was an NBC Page, I knew she was someone special. Original Airdate: 06/19/1968 Johnny Carson

"You Don't Say

Back in late 60's my NBC Page pal Bob Gould, Jim Overman and I worked on this "fab show!" We loved being a part of it.

Elke Sommer

First day on the job as an NBC Page in "Beautiful Downtown Burbank" behind the Artist Entrance Counter, this beautiful actress with no make up, a scarf wrapped around her head, asked me where her dressing room was for the Carson Show. Elke Sommer

I Gotta Be Me....Sammy

"I gotta be me..."  It was a Thursday night. Sammy Davis Jr. walked through the "Artist Entrance" looking for Dean.   The Artist Entry  lot was private parking for NBC star's and guests..  All the big stars from the "Golden Age of Television," Dino, Hope, Benny, Berle  passed through the AE's hallowed doors on their way to their dressing rooms.  It's early evening and Sammy walks in, top hat, tan suit, cane, dapper as ever.  I'm  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."

NBC Page Stuff

Standing next to Dino was quite a feat. My dad always said, "act like you own the place." That I did. Instead of ushering audiences outside of NBC I tried my best to get "close and personal" w/as many "big stars" as possible during my days as an NBC Page. Sneaky, you bet! BS'ing with the 2000 year old man Mel Brooks, and Carl Reiner during a break in rehearsal for the Colgate Comedy Hour, but my biggest claim to fame was working my way next to my childhood idol, the "King of Cool," for two seasons. Lot's of stories to tell. DeanMartinBlog.com