Please feel free to ask questions, share your feelings, your personal stories and your comments. I am happy to answer your questions regarding my father, my life and my career. I read each and every email personally, so please be patient and I will answer them as soon as I can. |
Dear Deana, I just finished reading your book, Memories Are Made of This. What a wonderful tribute to your father and to your entire family. I have never written a "fan letter" before, but you wrote so openly, it was like sitting and talking to you. Thank you for giving the world a glimpse of what life was like, both for you and your dad. As most others, I've always been a fan of your dad's...now I'll be looking for more of Deana. Donna Talley Hi Deana! When will you be anywhere near Rochester, NY? I loved your Dad, and used to watch his show every Thursday at 10 PM. My parents used to get very upset with me cause it was a school night. I would sneak downstairs to watch it in secret in the kitchen, while they were watching it in the living room. Guess I was a bad girl!!! Love, Dear Deana! I recently screened the episode of the Monkees you appeared in. It had a real loose, fun feel to it. Is that how you remember it? By the way, I may be crazy, but I think that stuff holds up really well! Frank Cicha New York, NY Hi Deana, I have just read your book; once I started I didn’t want to put it down. I adore your father’s voice; I always think he is smiling when singing those songs, which in turn makes me smile. I have M.E. and cannot get out much, but I love music. Your dads CD's are always playing, thank God for your dad! And thank you for a wonderful insight into your life. My dad was a Gemini, need I say anymore! Hope we will see you in the UK some time. Regards, take care, Surrey, England Dear John & Deana, Thank you so much for the photo it means the world to Deb & me. I just want to tell you guys that Debbie read to me Deana's book at night cuddled up in bed for several days. One I don't read the best, two Debbie reads eloquently and third the book was such a good read that I couldn't wait for nighttime to be next to my true love and to hang on every word she read. We both cried at the end not just for the words that she read but that we both realized that we finished the book. Our sprits were lifted when Debbie turned to me and said, "Lets go to Steubenville to the Dean Martin Festival". (God I LOVE that women!) That’s how we got to meet such wonderful friends and see such a historical as well as beautiful part of our country we've never seen. Hope that 2009 is good for you and we see you both again in Steubenville. Love, Concord, CA Hi Deana, When will your new album be out so that I can buy it to go with "Memories Are Made Of This”? Ann Anger Manchester, NH Hi Deana and John, I truly love your show on KIXI radio here in Seattle. When are going to return to the show? Also I regret not being able to attend your show on News Years Eve as my wife and I had Granddaughter babysitting duties, maybe next year. I have read your book and truly enjoyed it. I grew up in Southern California and am the same age as you. I lived many of the same things you wrote about in your book. My last question is when will your new CD be released? I listen to your first CD and really love it too. I really love both you and John's show and look forward to its return. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks so much, Hi Deana, I had the pleasure of seeing you perform at the NIAF Gala in October 2008. It was especially a touching moment when you came into the audience to sing to Dr. Congioli. Your book has been recommended to me as a 'must-read' and I see that a movie is in the works. Have you considered Patrizio Buanne as someone to play the role of your father? I think he would be perfect for the part. I grew up listening to your father's music, as my parents were huge fans. I think we had every album produced and watched the TV show faithfully. I'm looking forward to seeing you perform again soon. Sincerely, Hi Deana, You are the Best! Russ Loniello Dear Deana, Just viewed the spot on the TV show and I have to say, I was also choked up with your generous gift to Bonnie. Donna DelVecchio Hi Deana, I know you are extremely busy and this is a selfish question. But any idea when you may return to the radio? We here in KIXI (Seattle) really miss you and John. Also, Deana I LOVED your book. I cried, laughed and if my husband was in the room I'd share a particular passage with him...many times. And your CD you sent to me is wonderful. I look forward to the new one. I so wanted to attend the New Year's Eve festivities, but just wasn't in the cards this year. Maybe your next visit to Seattle. And one last thing, my last email I was embarrassed when I spelled out how we pronounce our name...silly me. I'm Scot/Irish...what do I know about the Italian language hehe. I'd like to know how YOU would have pronounced it. I know it's been changed a few generations ago. Thank You Deana, and John too. Gads he's gorgeous. What a great couple!! A huge fan, Deana swings great! What a great bunch of charming ballads. Can't wait to hear more of you. Markus Buser Hi Deana and John, When are you returning to radio? We miss you on KIXI in Seattle. Tom Barte Hi Deana, I just finished reading your book and just LOVED it! I ran out & purchased your Father's CD and played it in my auto on my way to work and my co worker said why are you in such a good mood and I replied "That's Amore"! Will you ever be coming to New Orleans? Thanks for writing such wonderful words about a man who I grew up watching on TV with my Grandparents & Parents. His music was at every Christmas, New Year Eve, Birthday, and Christening Party & even at Funeral's. Keep Smiling and For Sure Keep Laughter Alive! With Much Respect! Hi Deana, You mentioned a long time ago any suggestions as to whom could play your Dad in the forthcoming movie! Assuming he would miming to 'Dino's' songs how about Pierce Brosnan who did quite well in Mamma Mia! Bill Bennett Hi Deana, Hope to see you again at Festa Italiana in Milwaukee this year. Gary Torchia Dear Deana: Hi Deana, I have listened to Music of You Life on 740 AM here in Charleston, SC and it is no longer on the air. I can't get it on the Internet any longer either. Can you help me? Is there a local station that I am not finding and what about the Internet? Lina Costanzo Hi Deana, I love your father’s music, especially his country songs. One of my favorites is a song called "Pride". Which of his CD's carries that song? Howard Simonson Hi Deana, Well, goodness, Ms. Deana, I just caught the news at the last minute from dinner guests that you would be accepting an award honoring your father during last night's Grammy awards. Certainly hated missing it. Is there any chance that you'll be able to add any taping of that moment to your website here? Brett C. Campbell Hi Brett, It will be posted on my web site shortly. Deana Hello Deana, Will Deana be bringing her tribute tour for her father to Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2009? Bob Antonakis Deana, You and John are such wonderful people. You took the time to not only talk with me, but sending me your autographed picture of you to my wife and me. Thank you again, Hi Deana, I purchased your book "Memories Are Made Of This" and read it over 2 evenings! Brilliant to give us the real insight into your Dad’s life! Thank you! Bill Bennett Hi Deana: Paul Hippensteel Hi Deana, You are a Gorgeous Woman, and a great singer! If you were single I'd marry you. Your husband is a very lucky guy. I love to sing to your father's songs, Sinatra, Tony Bennett. Earl Benedetto Hello Deana, What is the name of the song you sang with your father that I heard on your radio show and is it available??? Dorothy Ragonese North Syracuse, NY Hi Deana, Sorry, I think they could have done a much better job HONORING your father for lifetime award. I will always hold him high on the all time great singers list. Stay beautiful Lady!! Lance Mclntosh Hi Deana, I watched the Grammy awards and was very disappointed in the way they announced your Dad's Lifetime Achievement Award. It was so brief. I feel they should have done more. Mickey Kobani Hi Deana, Why can I no longer hear your radio station on Long Island? John Olsen Bayshore, NY Hi Deana, Congratulations on the award you will be receiving at the Grammy’s. I will be watching! A true Fan, P.S. Was in Branson over Christmas isn't it a beautiful place? Hi Deana, I see that your Dad will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement award. That's nice, but sad that he won't be here to see it. But then who knows 'maybe' he will. I lost both my parents so while I don't know how you personally feel I know how I feel when I lose someone I love. Anytime is hard but it seems the Holidays are a little harder. Take care, Hi Deana, When will you be performing in the Chicago area? George Hlava Hi Deana, Sister Leo, I've been listening to your music and your Dads' and its makes feel easy. I saw the video of Bonnie Hunts show. You looked great. What would it take for a fan of yours and your Dad's to get one of those red handkerchiefs? I would pay for it. I was up set they didn't put your Dad's Grammy on TV. I stayed up to see it and nothing happened. Well I guess it's time to go. God Bless you and your family. Jim Jarrett (Brother Leo) Lutherville, MD Dear Deana, Thank you so much for the Christmas music. We enjoy your singing. We miss hearing you and John on the radio in Iowa. Are you still doing it on other programs? Thank you, P.s. We met with you in Branson the Christmas of 07. Dear Deana, Wow, Thank you for the autographed photo that you sent me. I was stunned! How very kind of you. Thank you so much. Denise lynch Denise Lynch Dear Deana, Will there be a Dean Martin festival this year in Steubenville? James Harrison
Hi Deana, I would love a chance to meet you and see you in person. You're in Tampa in March? By the way I do a great impersonation of your father and look-a-like. Felix Deneau Hi Deana, I just LOVED your book! I have read it at least 5 or 6 times and it is such a great read that I can never put it down once I start, I cant stop! I wanted to ask, what is Jerry Lewis like and are you going to be performing in Vegas anytime soon? Again, I loved your book sooooooo much and I JUST LOVE your father and I watch his Variety Show on DVD all the time. I'm a huge fan, thanks for the wonderful book. Love, Hi Deana, I would like to see pictures of Dean Martin and his family. I know you’re successfully in show business but what did the others do? I know that they are all retired now. Did dad have any influence in their lives? Many thanks for your reply. James Bossino Gibraltar, England Hi Deana, I just wanted to say thank you for the really great autographed photo I received a couple of weeks ago. Wishing you peace, happiness, and all good wishes. Thank you so much!! Hi Deana, I just loved your book. I read it in 2 days. Thank you so much for sharing your life and your dad. I saw your dad in the 90's at Bally’s in Las Vegas and then he left us. Recently we saw a show in Las Vegas called the Rat Pack and I must say the impersonator did an exceptional job. I cried. I tried your Pasta Fagioli recipe and it came out thick more like a side dish of pasta. After checking on the Web about how it should look I determined it's a soup and not a thick sticky pasta ... Can you tell me how much more water should I add when I add the pasta at the end of the cooking? I would really appreciate it since I'll be making it again. Thanks again for honoring your father’s legacy. A Dean Martin fan forever. Ms. Jurate Denver, CO Well Pallie, There was a star shining ever so brightly in the heavens last night- and if we could have looked closer, I just bet we would have seen the brightest, proudest smile adorning us all-to see his Deana pick up an all to belated, lifetime achievement award- and his talent and virtues touched many lifetimes- and in all bringing smiles, tears, laughs, astonishments and all to many more emotions that would fill these lines if I would continue- the recognition is finally coming- and in our hearts, we just know he is beaming- don't we- give my best to John and family- God Bless- hope you had fun at the Grammies- Love, Hi Deana, First let me say how much I love your singing as much as I loved your father’s. I have a friend whose birthday is coming up and wanted to surprise her with an original ticket from your dad's variety show...I have been looking everywhere on-line but haven't seen anything yet. Would you happen to know if there are any still out there? Do you have any plans of doing a show in the Kansas City area or anywhere close to it? Thanks so much! Leawood, KS Hi Deana, Well! First I want sorry for my poor English, but I will try to communicate something to you. In Brazil we did not books about Dino. But I have try to learn something about him and their family, mainly, not his story of success, but who was he with his heart and soul. His wrongs in the life. I have reading that he loved Dean Paul, I Know, but I have 60 years old and I understand very well the life too. In Brazil people felling, we can it in energy (I don't know if you can understand me). He loved his son, at true, but he loves all of them too. A strong man often doesn’t learn and don’t know to love. It’s of beginning of the life. He was sick years before his son death, very sick but he did not talk about this or he did not know. He was a younger old man but is weak too much. And he was strong depression because he did not believes he was not very important in show business, so he did not learn to chance things in his life. But, what is more important, he loved all of you. Strange loved yes Deana, but an instance of it. I believe perhaps he not could to talk (I am the same) but I love my sons, so believe in your father, sorry his wrongs, because live is fast, and soon all of us can find a manner to correct our mistakes. Understand better you brothers. Jose Raul Faconti
Hi Deana, Congrats to you and your family on your Dad's Grammy honor! I was watching videos of your dad on the Internet today and saw a CD I did not know exists. It was titled The Nashville Sessions. It was unavailable at Amazon and EBay. Of course, if it had to do with your Dad, I must have it! Do you know if this collection will be re-released sometime soon? I appreciate your giving those of us who loved your Dad a connection to him. Thanks,
Hi Deana, I just wanted to thank you very much for the autographed photo I received from you. I'm not sure if it was from the story I shared with you on your website or from downloading your Christmas songs, but either way it was very much appreciated. It's already framed and hanging next to other pictures and memorabilia I have from your fathers earlier days. My wife was also very impressed by your kind and considerate gesture. So thanks again very much, it means an awful lot to me. Ciao, Bella!!! Mark Pinto Dear Deana & John, The beautiful Christmas card that you both sent to me will be treasured forever. Thank you for taking time out in your busy schedule. I will be watching the 51st Grammy Awards on Feb. 8th when the Academy presents your father a Lifetime Achievement Award. Will you be accepting the award for him and when is your new CD coming out as well as the movie about your father? Thank you for being so kind to acknowledge me in thought. It would be a great honor to meet you both one day. Happy New Year Deana and John and may it bring the very best of times for your family. Sincerely, Bill Mikuliewicz Hi Deana, Just read your book, actually for the second time. Enjoyed it probably in part cause I’ve always been a big fan of your dad. Anyway, I don’t have so much a question but rather a childhood friend who wanted to touch base with you her name is Katherine Carter, used to be called “Kakky”, and she lived in Beverly Hills up to age 13 or 14 and said she used to go over to your place on Mt. Drive to play with you and suspect your brothers and sisters. She’s become a good friend of mine, lives in Santa Fe New Mexico and speaks of good memories of her life out in California. Should you remember her and possibly would like to make contact let me know and ill let her know. Thanks, Hi Deana, This is really not a question but a thank you. I received an autographed picture of you and John in the mail and was very much surprised and thankful. It is really a nice shot of the both of you. I have your first CD and have read your book and as I am the same age as you and grew up in Southern California, I can relate to the many stories you recounted. I am waiting for your new release and your return to your radio program on station (KIXI) here in Seattle. Again, thanks so much for the photo. Your fan, Hi Deana, Great fan of your father. My question is do you recall a ring with an M on it that belonged to dean I bought it from a Robert Bosworth who said he was a publicist for your father years ago. I collect many things, also have a white Stetson cowboy hat made by Nudie that was Deans and bought a dress hat from Tommy Sands who said dean left it at his home years ago Just wondered if you recall these items thanks, Dale Reed Hi Deana Please, excuse me my poor English. I am old man, but I have a heart full of loving, pace and I like to understand world and people. I would like to know something about Dean as father, something about a simple man in their house and about their heart. In my country we have difficulties to read about articles, but you, as daughter, could me spook some words. As Italians he was strong with children, he could cry only in understand the life? Jose Raul Faconti Santos, Brazil Dear Deana and John, I was so happy to hear that your Dad, Dean Martin, was being given the Lifetime Achievement award at the Grammy's next month. It's about time! Will you be there? I miss you guys on the radio--since they stopped carrying your show here last year on WINR. Please let me know when you will be doing your radio show again, and if I can hear it online, please? Love to you, Hi Deana, It goes without saying that I miss you and John on the radio. I listen to your CD all the time and I have read your wonderful book, but I want more. I don't see any concerts or events for 2009 - what is happening in 2009? Any plans to come back to the on-air or TV plans? Miss you,
Dear Deana or Deeneeeee, I just finished reading your book and enjoyed very much, anyone a fan of your father or that time in 'showbiz' will throughly feel it is a great read...I know a lot of the book was about your family, but I would also like to know did your dad or Frank, Sammy Jr. or anyone from the "Rat Pack" write a book about their times together????...One of the funniest events ever was when your dad, Frank and the rest went on The Tonight Show and your dad was flicking his ashes in George Gobel’s drink...for me that was classic...I would like to read more about that time in their lives....thanks for writing the book. I am assuming this is what your dad didn't want published...there is nothing for him, or your family to be ashamed about....again thanks.... Tom Morris Deana, All I’d love to know is about the man; and not the star; could you share any of that with me? His stardom was beyond angelic; But the man: His thoughts; His ideas; his interior makeup, his personal views on everything from politics to his loving family; and Yes; That red boutanaire; I’d love one that he wore; I believe the Duke; John Wayne was the only star Dean allowed to wear a red boutanaire on his show back in the 60;s; I’m certain Dean and John had a wonderful relationship; More so than all the others he starred and worked with; including Sinatra; if you can find it in your heart; Please help this lost Dean fanatic. My Warmest Love and Regards to you, Hi Deana, I have been a fan and follower of your father for over half a century and my admiration for his singing has taken me to buy almost every tune he has ever sang (almost) there is a lot of things I would like to know about him an his family and you especially. For the time being can you tell me what has happened to his family, He had 7 children I understand (8 with the adopted child) I know a little about you and about Ricci although not much but nothing about the others. Please Deana try and help out, many thanks James Bossino Dear Deana, I was so happy and so proud when I heard the fantastic news your dad will be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Grammy’s :) This is so wonderful and no one deserves this award more than Dean. I know how proud you, John and Dean’s entire family is and I share that feeling of pride as a lifelong fan of Dean’s :) I hope the Grammy’s will be telecast here in Australia; there is no way I want to miss this wonderful moment. I’m sure Kimmy will record it for me if not. I want to congratulate you and Wow! This is just so exciting! Dean is the greatest, I won’t say was, because Dean lives on for all of us in his recordings, films and in our hearts. Great Big Hugs and Kisses, Hi Deana, I would love to get a copy of your father's Christmas special from 1967 I think with Frank Sinatra-I have a CD where they are singing “It's a Marshmallow World" and they are laughing and sounding like they are having so much fun. I would love to see it. I absolutely loved your father and thought he was so funny. I am 53 and I have even gotten my children and friends children appreciating him now. He truly was a fabulous entertainer! I can find his variety shows and roasts for purchase online but I cannot find this Christmas special. Thanks for your time and I wish you health, peace, and happiness in your life. Alyce Stagl Hi Deana, Just a note to tell you, the next time someone asks you for "All In A Night's Work", Tell them to log onto www.amazon.com. Thought I'd let you in on that, because truthfully that is one of Dean's movies I could watch over and over again. I was lucky to find it on oldies.com quite awhile ago. Just thought I'd pass this on to you, as I have noticed when I log on and read some of the mail that some still ask about it. Take care, and God bless. My love to you and John. Hi Deana, My dad grew up with your dad in Steubenville until my grandfather moved his family to Wisconsin. It's funny but I have a photo of my dad when he was a teenager and in your book there's a photo of your dad around the same age. The photos are tiny, the exact size and they look like twins. It's amazing. I loved your dad and my siblings and I felt like he was our uncle because my dad spoke of him so often. I would love to decorate my office much like Bonnie Hunt's set only with Dean Martin photos only. Do you know where I can purchase some? Thanks, Good morning Deana, Hate to disturb but I haven't found any video or pictures relating to your dad getting the Lifetime Achievement Award. I tried watching the Grammy’s last night, but as usual, it was too long, too stupidly done, and waaaay over the top with rap and people who cannot sing anywhere NEAR as good as your dad did. Would appreciate it if you could point me to a link or online video honoring an AMAZING singer who was way ahead of his time....and is still missed by this fan. All the best, Hi Deana, How did your father get the nickname The King of Cool? Was it from Elvis Presley? I heard it or read it somewhere but not sure. Also do you or is there any pictures of Elvis and your father. Sure would like to have one. See in my house, where I grew up. Being Italian, I was raised up on Dean Martin, Jerry Vale, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley my Idol. I'm 50 now and I really appreciate the music of your Father, Frank Sinatra. Thanks for your time, best wishes TLC, Rick Ardisano Hi Deana, All I can say is that was a joke last night on the Grammy’s. They should have taken 2 or 3 minutes to honor him. They missed the boat on your Dad and think about it, would your Dad have liked all of the political songs they played. It was just not for me, and I say if they hate America so much, leave. David Mazzio Ford Hi Deana, Thank you so much for the photo. I listen to Dean's music almost every day. They truly do not make music like that anymore. I also have your CD and love it. Thanks again! Deerfield, WI Hello Deana, I just recently finished reading "Memories Are Made of This". Wow, what a wonderful story - Obviously, I was a huge fan (still play his music daily) I wasn't sure I wanted to read your story since the excerpts mentioned the pain of your mother. Well I finally ordered it and loved it (very heartbroken about your mother, though). Your stories of growing up in Beverly Hills/Hollywood bring back many memories for me - I'm a few years older but went to many of the same places, first "white" leather jacket purchased at Wilson's House of Leather - if it had been the same time you and your dad were there picking out your jacket - I would have fainted. I hope you continue with your great music and are happy - you certainly deserve it. Fondly, Hi Deana, I’m not sure what to say really, but I always speak from the heart so here it is. My name is Eric Jackson. I live in Vancouver, WA. I love your radio show, it’s amazing. I’m only 25 but Dean is like an angel to me. No matter what is happening to me in life, his music reminds me of the greatness in people, and can make me peaceful. One of my biggest regrets in my life was not being old enough to know about dean and not being able to go to a concert. People I know tease me all the time because they say it’s old and foolish. But I love all classics. You have an amazing voice and beauty to match. It’s no surprise you're successful. I’ve never written to any celebrity before because I don’t think they ever read fan mail because there’s so much of it, but Dean is my idol and I had to try. I would love some kind of souvenir from dean but you must get asked that all time. :) It’s not a big deal though, I have everything he’s ever made and its gets me by. Keep being who you are Deana; I’m sure your father is proud. Sorry for the long email. I hope if you read it, it makes you smile. There will never be another like Dean, and that breaks my heart, but through you, he lives on, just like through your children you will too. Good luck in everything you do. Live happy and be well. Eric Jackson
Dear Deana, I finally have decent speakers on my PC and previously I had technical difficulties hearing the concert version on you web. No more!! Wow!! Fantastic- the next best thing to being there but not quite- your renditions of your dad’s classics as well as “Lady Is A Tramp”, etc- are as the kids say "the bomb" pally, I actually had to wipe a tear or two on the duet-on “Welcome To My World”. These jewels just make me all the more grateful to have you and John as Pallies-and also make me all the more determine to see you live and meet you- If I could at least be at the phone at the right time-lol – Love you- Happy New Year and God Bless- Hi Deana, I am one of Dean’s biggest fans I know a lot of people claim this so maybe I am his biggest fan in Ohio. Everyone who knows me knows of my love for Dean. I have been known to go into Italian restaurants and request them to play Dean, which embarrasses my grown children but they humor me. I also have told my grandchildren he was the greatest entertainer in the world. My grandchildren all have known his songs since they were babies and they love his music also. I have heard your songs and think you are very talented, and I loved your book. I wondered if you think they will ever bring out a CD with the songs your father sang on his show that he never recorded. There are some very great songs I would love to have. My children promise to take me to the festival of Deans in Steubenville one day I really hope when they do you will be there. I saw you on the Bonnie Hunt show and you were terrific. Well we have to go. Yours truly, Bay Village, OH My dearest Deana, First, let me apologize for not getting back to you when I got that great Christmas card from you and John, and your Christmas gift of 3 of your Christmas Carols. They are my 3 favorite carols. Thank you! God bless, love, Dear Deana, Just wanted you to know we got your message at the shop! We have such a terrible ice storms here; we had to actually close the shop for 2 days so we got the message on Sunday. We were on our way to take Julianna to see the New York Rockettes Show at the Cleveland Playhouse downtown. We played the message for Julianna and her eyes lit up, like light bulbs, when she heard you say Julianna.” Thank you so much for that card! You are so kind to make her day!! Patty Marciano Hi Deana, I got big surprises in the mail the other day. I opened my mailbox to get my mail and I found 4 parcels. I got three parcels from my good friend Kylie Hughes (who is a huge fan of Dean Martin) who lives in Mornington, Australia and I found a parcel from you. When I opened it up I found a great picture of you and John. Thank you so much for thinking of me and sending me your picture. I love the picture and appreciate you taking the time and effort to send it to me. I have a question for you. My friend Kylie is a huge fan of your father and she collects what she can of "Dean's" such as music, DVDs and posters. Kylie's birthday is at the end of March and I am trying to figure out what to get her. I don't have a lot of money but I would like to find something "Dean Martin" related to send Kylie. Do you have any ideas of what I can send Kylie for her birthday and where is a good place to find Dean Martin related things? I would appreciate any information you can give me on where the best places to find Dean Martin stuff are. I hope you and John are doing well and that the both of you have a great 2009. Take care! Hi Deana, First, I must tell you that I saw your performance last year at Festa Italiana in Milwaukee and it was wonderful! It was kind of a cool foggy night but your songs and memories shared of your father warmed the crowd. I have a special request; my little sister Dana is celebrating her 40th birthday this year on April 1st and she is a huge Rat Pack fanatic and has probably every album and movie that your dad has made. She was really upset when I told her I saw you in concert at Festal. (Dana was born on April Fools Day and she is the 1st girl born in 4 generations of my family which makes her extra special). She has taken over as kind of the Matriarch of my family keeping my dad 2 brothers and myself in line as we lost our mother 12 years ago to cancer. I must mention that my mother was probably the biggest Dean Martin fan seeing him appear at least 6 or 7 times in Las Vegas and had a crush on him since high school. I was a weekly family event to watch your father's weekly variety show and now we have the entire collection on DVD. Anyway, I would like to do something extra special for my sister's milestone birthday and was wondering if there is anyway I could get a autographed copy of book with a "Happy Birthday" message from you. She would be floored and I know she'd cherish it forever. I know April 1st is just around the corner but if there is anyway possible to make this happen I would be eternally grateful and so would she. Thank you, and the very best wishes to you and your family. Next time you come to Milwaukee both my sister and I will be there to see you. I promised her. Sincerely, Hi Deana & John, Thank you for the beautiful autographed picture that you sent to me. I keep that with the letter your mom sent to me. I love your CD. Your voice is heavenly. Tom O’connor Hi Deana, I’m doing a little fun quiz for the Dean Martin associations that’s for one of your dad’s friends Mr. Bernard Thorpe, who is the president. I have been a member for 30 years and saw your dad on two occasions in London and met him after the show. It was magic and I will never forget it. Many thanks and a happy New Year. Pat Murphy Hi Deana, I just found out that you sing, you're Fantastic, I'm glad that you're carrying on your father's Legacy, he was the "BEST" I can't wait to see your live Concert. The Best of Luck to you! Earl B. Benedetto Trumbull, CT Dear Deana, I just now finished watching your dad's biography on TV. First, I must say that I was a big fan of your dad when the Beatles burst onto the scene, and I chose to buy your dad's albums instead of theirs. I heard you speak about your relationship with your dad and understood immediately what you meant. You see, my dad (Thomas Marling 1919-1987) was born and raised just 20 miles south of Steubenville, Ohio in a little town called Martins Ferry, where I too was born (1946) and raised. The similarities between these two men to me were striking. My dad was also a crooner but was too afraid to use it, unless he had a few drinks in him as my mother told me. He sounded very much like Bing rather than Dean though. He dropped out of high school in the 10th grade and was a steel worker all his life. What struck me most was when you talked about the part of your dad that you could never touch. That longing to be closer to him. I felt these same things with my dad. He was a great provider and disciplinarian but we were never friends, something I think every young girl wants to be with their fathers. My mother-in-law once told me that she knew how much he loved me by the look in his eyes when he looked at me on my wedding day. I was so surprised to hear that. I actually thought at times that he didn't love me at all. He passed away in 1987. He was only 67years old. I've wished a million times since then that I could just tell him how much I loved and admired him and not worried so much about whether or not he loved me. Anyway, I understand very much how you described your relationship with your dad. I sometimes wonder if their aloofness was a consequence of where they grew up and the times they grew up in. Sincerely,
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