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December 2005 |
Dear Deana, Enjoyed your book tremendously. It was nostalgic all the way. My parents always played your Dad's (and Frank's) albums. We knew all the words by heart. My dad was handsome and had that same look, so we used to call him Dino! We would also always look forward to Thursday evenings to watch you Dad's show. What talent! They just don't make talent like that anyone. He was one of a kind. I listen to your Dad's CD's in my car and it takes me back in time! Thank YOU for the wonderful memories! Your Dad was a wonderful person and will live on forever! Thanks again! Sincerely, Hi Deana, I want to say that I love your book and get sentimental when I read it. Thank you, Hi Deana, I don’t have a question I just had to commend
you on an amazing read. I’m 37 years old and have been
a huge fan of your Father since I was 7 once I finished your
book I missed reading it and had to start reading it again. It
is that wonderful. I also wanted to let you know that my wife
and I recently had our first baby after years of trying and we
named him Dean. We hope he grows up to be as special as your
Dad. P.S. Will you be coming to New York? I would love
to introduce you to My Dean.
First of all just read your book -got thru it in record time- I can only repeat what others have said, sad and funny, but most of all such a personal touch that at times I felt like I was re-living your close personal memories with the incomparable Dino. You have to be taken aback at times at just how much your dad was loved by his fans and friends- a quick question, my son Danny, insists years ago he saw your dad on an advertisement that said he was going to be on the "Muppets show” I was not aware of him ever doing that show- please verify if he did and if so - is his appearance available on DVD. Thanks again for the wonderful warm feelings that filled my heart and even the tear or two that fluffed my eye reading about my favorite entertainer of all time- your beloved dad. Chris
Hi Deana, Mine is not a question. I just feel the need to tell you that I have never been a fan of your fathers, unlike my husband, who has been a fan as long as he can remember, he is 58 years. After I read your wonderful account of your life as Dean Martin's daughter, I am hooked. I ran out the very morning after I finished the book and bought my very first Dean Martin cd. I know you get thousands of emails but I just had the need to let you know how moving your words were to me. Thank you! Sincerely, Dear Deana, I am 45 years old and ever since I was a teenager
(12) I loved your father. His singing, his acting and his great
looks. That love never died and I still play his music in the
car, at home and at the radio station I work at as a hobby. At
the station I always get lots of response to his music from my
older listeners. I would love to have the book you wrote about
your father. Do you know if it is for sale in Holland? Love,
I really don't have a question, just want to say (like so many millions of others have probably said to you through the years) that I absolutely loved your dad. I am in my 40's, grew up in Weirton and now live about 4 hours away in Ohio. Every time we travel down we take a cd of your dad, and when we get to the sign for Dean Martin Boulevard, we put in "That's Amore" and sing in honor of "Dino." (My family would probably not admit to this, but they love it just as much as me). I know you had some very sad events in your life, but it certainly seems that your dad would have been a wonderful man to have for a father, and I'm glad to see you're keeping his memory alive with the festivals (one day I'm going to get down there!) God Bless you and your family,
I would like to thank you for writing such an excellent book on your father. It is very well written and I enjoyed it very much. I am sixteen and I live in the Southwest. I have been a fan of your fathers for about a year and a half. I enjoy his music, movies, and everything else he did so much. Every time I hear him sing, it just makes me smile. I am so sorry to hear about Dean-Paul's passing. However, from the various books I have read on your father, very little information is shared about Dean-Paul. Can you share some information about him? Thank You very much, Deana.
Deana, It is an honor to have this opportunity to communicate with you. I thank you for that. I have always been a fan of Dean Martin but it was recently with the infomercials on your Dad's TV shows. I would like to get many of his CD's but it's boggling my mind as I search the sites for a complete listing of Dean's albums and the songs contained on each. Can you help me by steering me in the "definitive" site where I view all the CDs? I would really appreciate it Deana. Again, thank you for this opportunity and hopefully someday you'll come to Buffalo NY! Peace,
Did your Dad ever realize how much he was loved by his fans? Our family, "The Petrillis, gather every New Years' Eve and blast Dean Martin. 3 generations of us are still singing his songs. God Bless, Dear Deana, I have always been a huge fan of your father. I'm from Steubenville and my uncles grew up with your father. He is sadly missed. What a singer and actor. God Bless,
I wanted you to know that my 10-month-old niece Gracie loves your father's music. Whenever she starts to cry in the car my sister puts in one of his CD's and she quiets right down. My mother has a Dean doll that sings. Gracie just loves it! She will be our families fourth generation Dean Martin fan. Thanks!
I live in Canton Ohio and I was so looking forward
to your father's festival in Steubenville this year and attend
to your book signing but I have to work this year during the
festival weekend. Perhaps next year I will make the festival. Thanks for keeping your father's legends and music in the public eye! I truly enjoy his many talents from his Martin & Lewis days to the present collection of his songs on CD!!! I hope to make next years festival and if you are there next year, could I bring my book and could you possibly sign it for me please? Thanks so much Deana!
My best friend Al and I (two Al's with Deana in the middle!) had some pictures taken with you at the Waterfront (Homestead, PA) book signing this winter. Since I am the guy who lost ALL of the pictures from my new (confusing) digital camera at last year's festival, I plan to come down from Pittsburgh to see if I can purchase another (autographed) book for one of my sons and also respectfully ask if you will autograph the picture for me. I plan to frame and hang it beside your Dad's autographed picture. Hope to see you on the 17th. Very sincerely,
Dear Deana, I really loved your fathers singing and his shows. I am only sorry that when they were first aired on TV I was only 10. I am purchasing his shows and roasts now but would like to know why don't they offer his complete shows by seasons. I am sure people would love to purchase them. I know I would. The way they sell them now cuts alot of things out and I would love to see it all. He was so handsome and now that I am older I really appreciate him for his music and his looks. I read your book also and think it was wonderful. I am also going on June 30th to the Hearthstone Manor to see your brother Rickie I can't wait. Thanks,
I don't have a question, just want you to know how much my son who is Down syndrome, loves your dad so much. He is 38yrs. old and he grew up listening to Dean all the time. Sunday dinner background music was always Dean & Frank. Of course being Italian helps, Ha! Read your book and loved it. See you at the Festival,
I have no question, just a comment. I was hired by you and your husband to videotape your husband's dad's funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, back in the mid 1990's. I gave you a ride, in my big yellow Cadillac, back to your hotel and then to your husband's family's home in Arlington, VA. I just wanted to say that I have been to Las Vegas twice and have researched more about your late father. He really had a good soul and a good attitude. He may have been the best "diplomat" for the Rat Pack. My late father loved his show and would shush us kids up so as not to interrupt his attentive viewing of it. I continue to videotape funerals at Arlington Cemetery and am glad to have served you and your husband. Take care. God be with you folks,
I just wanted to let you know my name was chosen because of my mother's love for your father. She had heard that Dean had a daughter and she fell in love with the name. When I was born, my mother said I was definitely a Deana!! I'm 33 years old. Love,
I am a "Dean" and "Elvis" fan and was just wondering if they ever met...How great it was to just click and see the photo of you and your sibling with Elvis! Do you have a photo you could post with Dean and Elvis? Thanks so much! I will be at the Festival June 18th and hope to meet you! Carol
I hope all goes well for the festival! I made Rose some stickers for it with you on them!:) I was wondering - Regis said he'd done another Variety Show ad on Dean's actual set (wow - imagine having a piece of the actual furniture! Though I guess you MIGHT ...:) Anyway, we're all HOPING the DVD club will keep putting out more new videos. We were all so sad to hear Mr. Garrison died. He could make me cry, the way he talked about your dad. He did such great intros to some of the pieces and especially the 'That's Amore' one - I loved that!! Anyway, a lot of people on my Dinopallies list keep asking if there will be more. I hope he had some stuff in the can or that someone can take over it. We'd love to have all the episodes, complete, of course. But we'll settle for ANYTHING!! Well, I hope the festival is GREAT! Kimmy PS did you see Empire Falls - which Dennis Farina was just in? It was great, he was great (though he was a jerk in the story!). I really like him.
I am a member of Kim Fuller's 'Dinopallies' Yahoo Group and have been a HUGE fan of your Dad's since I was 10 years old :) He was and still is my first HUGE crush. I just ADORED him :) Your Dad sent me an inscribed photo after I had written to him when I was 10-years old. It was the mushiest letter I had ever written and he must have been laughing hysterically after reading it......... I cannot tell you what receiving that photo meant to me. I cherished it and still have it displayed in my home to this day :) It was the absolute highlight of my life and is my most cherished piece of memorabilia. I was so sorry to hear of Greg Garrison's recent passing. He so loved your Dad and he expressed the kinds of feelings that we all shared for your father. I was so grateful that he was instrumental in the release of your Dad's "Best Of The Variety Shows". I LOVE them!!! I have them ALL on DVD and some on VHS when DVD's were not yet available. I would have so loved to have the complete shows, but am just so grateful to have the complete set of 25 volumes. I am hoping that Mr. Garrison's passing will not put a halt to any future DVD releases. Having complete shows would have been a dream come true. Also, any LIVE Concert releases would be WONDERFUL to own as well. I especially LOVED when your Dad sang his couch song each week. He just put this 10-year old girl in a trance... One song that will ALWAYS be one of my FAV couch songs he ever sang is "My Woman, My Woman, My Wife". He sang that song with such emotion and it was so poignant and ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. With each new volume of his "Best Of The Dean Martin Variety Show" DVD's, I was so hoping that song would have been included, but it wasn't. It is rare treasures like this that I would, and I know many fans would, LOVE to see released. There is just so much still in the vaults, I am sure. I know that speaking not only for myself, but for my other Pallies as well, we would be the first in line to purchase any additional DVD's so I am hoping that there will be future material released. Your Dad's "That's Amore" DVD is one of my FAV DVD's. I must have watched that DVD about 200 times. I have to tell you....my home is a dedication to your Dad....very much like a shrine....filled with a multitude of photographs....some signed and others unsigned. He was just such a WONDERFUL man as well as the GREATEST entertainer and singer who ever lived...bar none. He helped to shape my life in a very positive way. I just want to say "thank you" for sharing your father with us. Your book, by the way, was GREAT. I enjoyed your brother Ricci's book too, but I felt that your book gave us a better insight as to what your Dad was really like.... the good and the not so complimentary. Thank you for letting us share in that part of your life and for sharing your Dad with us. I hope that things with the Steubenville Festival are going well. One day I plan on making a trip to attend the festivities. Thanks again Deana! Respectfully,
I live in New Zealand while my father (a keen and long standing supporter of your father's work!) resides in England. While he likes to claim he has all of Dean's work on record (which is pretty difficult to achieve, specifically the old 78's), I still surprise him with some rare 45 finds that were released in Australia over the years. My family (we) is meeting up with my parents in LA at the beginning of July 05, to do the Disney etc. BUT also, to give him a tour of Hollywood Boulevard etc. Dad has many contacts and friends in England for which he has exhausted the Dean Martin channels of "easy listening" but has never managed to get to grips with the U.S. record industry for the Rat Pack era. Can you give some pointers to help with this? Specifically, contacts, places to go or people to see (in and around LA and Las Vegas) - this is his first and most likely last trip to LA and would be nice to make it special Kind Regards and much appreciation in advance for your efforts or any insights Hope the festival goes well over the next few days Regards,
I enjoyed reading your book very much. I even tried to make the Pasta Fagioli. Any chance you can sneak me the secret ingredient? I'm just turning 40 and have been a fan of your dad's since I was a kid. My father introduced me to the old Martin and Lewis movies. I lost my dad at a young age and the old black and white photos of him with his curly slicked back hair always reminded me of Dean. Perhaps that's why I'm such a huge fan still today. This past weekend I made my first trip to Beverly Hills/Hollywood and the surrounding area to see some of Dean's old stomping grounds. I visited Palace Theatre across from Capitol Records, Grumman’s Chinese Theater (to put my hand in Dean's handprint), drove by his 2002 Loma Vista Drive (former residence), and visited his grave at Westwood Memorial Park. The red roses placed there were fresh and beautiful and it appeared someone had recently put a few drops of red wine on the ground below his grave. It was a meaningful experience and a pilgrimage for me. I know much has changed in this area of Los Angeles, but are there any restaurants there still in existence that your dad frequented? Tom
How many years are you going to continue the festival? Thank you,
Hi Deana, I love your book and get sentimental when I read it. I think of the times I watched the Dean Martin variety show as well as many of his movies, and remember how much he made me smile. I was in my early teens and always thought he had such genuineness about him. He was not phony and he had such a boyish smile. I felt so relaxed watching him. I'm glad that I got to see his last two shows. I gave him a lap quilt that I made for him and he sent me an autographed picture which I cherish. I want to tell you that back in 1990 I bought some photographs in LA and one particular one is an unretouched photo of your Dad with Shirley MacLain. I have also over 70 albums one of which is an extra long play 45 called sunny Italy. If your serious about one day opening a Dean martin museum, I would love to donate what I have. I want to say that you and Ricci are doing your Dad proud. You look great and are blessed to have such a nice and good-looking husband. Does your son Mickey sing? What does he do? Please say hello to your mom Jeanne for me. I would like to write to her if that’s possible. Thanks,
My father sang your father's songs when I was a little girl. His favorite was "Everybody Love Somebody Sometime". Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 1997 at the young age of 67. My sister bought a Dean Martin singing figurine to serve as a focal point for Dad when he was first admitted to the hospital in March '03. Dad is now in a nursing home. He would point to the "singing Dean" and ask us to "play him". Hearing "Dean sing" was one of the few things that would make Dad laugh or smile. Dad would ask us to play it so often that he had worn out two sets of batteries. Well, someone stole the figurine out of my Dad's room and it’s never to be found. Dad still points to the windowsill where the singing Dean once stood and says, "He's gone". We tried the internet and could not locate another "singing figurine" and were wondering if you might know where we could purchase one. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Respectfully,
Hi Deana, No question, necessarily, I just always loved your Dad - when I got my first stereo in 1965 - his album ‘Everybody Loves Somebody’ was my first album. I have almost all of his albums. I want to try to come to the Festival this weekend, just learned about it. Your Dad may be dead, but definitely not forgotten. I know today is his birthday and my Aunt's b-day was June 17 also. Norma
Thank you,
Actually it is not a question, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the Dean Martin Festival in Steubenville this past weekend. It was my first, and it will not be last, you did a great job. Please keep up the good work. I bought your book, and am anxious to read it. Norma Dear Ms. Martin, My name is Frank Pelli, I am 14 years old and ever
since I could remember I always had a fondness for your father's
music and comedic genius. I recently read your book, and I thought
it gave the world another view of your father. You have done
great things for your father and his vast legacy, and I hope
you continue your great work for him. Frank
Hi Deana, Great book!! I read it in one sitting. I am a caricaturist
and I did a caricature of Martin and Lewis a couple of years
ago. I sent it to Jerry Lewis who was kind enough to sign it
and send it back to me. I would enclose the picture with this
email but I can’t send any attachments. If I were to send
you the original would you sign it? Yours Truly,
Hi Deana! I loved your book! Sincerely,
We met at the book signing on June 17th at the festival. My wife Susan and I told you that I grew up in Atlantic City Near where the 500 Club used to be. We suggested that maybe some type of Dear Martin festival could be held in Atlantic City. I'm good friends with a couple of casino executives at the Borgota and Trump as well as the president of the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. If you would ever want to do something in Atlantic City I would be honored to help. It was great meeting you and John and I wish both of you the best. Charles Dear Deana, I am an Italian/American gal from the Midwest who was raised with the music and movies of your dad. He was my mom's favorite and now he is mine also. I think your book is great! You have wonderful way of writing, I felt as though I was part of your family! I will be in CA in August, are you still doing any book signings? Is his favorite restaurant still open? Thanks for sharing your memories,
Dear Deana, Not a question, but a note of thanks. When I was being treated for cancer some 20 years ago, Dean Martin's songs were the ones I used to listen during my hard days of chemo for keeping my spirits up high. Now I have just finished Deana's book, "Memories Are Made Of This". I just want to thank Dean Martin for the sun he's brought to my life and to Deana for that wonderful book. Ahmet Erozenci M.D
Dear Deana and John, Thanks for coming to Steubenville, Ohio and thank you so much for giving a signed book to my daughter. This meant a great deal to her and to me. It also demonstrated your compassion and humility. I look forward to seeing the two of you next year. Now for my question. How can I purchase one more signed book by you to my daughter Kayla? Thank you. You two make a great looking couple. Take care,
Hi, how are you? I love Deana! Thanks,
Dear Deana, We now have access to your morning radio program in Memphis, TN (121.0 AM) and am so thankful for the wonderful music (classic Pop). You and Les Brown are doing a wonderful job. Keep up the good work!!! Just curious, what city and state are you broadcasting from? Thanks,
Dear Deana, From 1972-1975 I spent about 6 hours a day with
your dad, 5-6 days a week. You guessed it...golf at Riviera CC. Fondly, Dear Deana, Hi just writing to thank you and John for making our visit to Steubenville best vacation ever. You and John are a lovely couple and it was a thrill and pleasure to meet you. I will treasure the book you signed and thank you for the cards you signed with Mario to give me. It was also great to be able to sing a couple of you're dads song at the 909. I hope you come to a town near us later this year on you're book signing tour it would be great to see you both, failing that we hope to return for next years festival. God bless you both,
Hello Deana, How are you doing? By the way, Regis said - ON JUNE 17th - That is was Dean's birthday! You MUST get him back for this!! Be unmerciful!! Hope things are going well and you had a great time in Steubenville. Friends say you were great and they had a wonderful time there!! best, Hi Deana, I'm still mesmerized by the absolute smoothness that was Dean. I don't need to tell you that he was the consummate performer. I still can't get enough of him on CD's, movies, or T.V. He pretty much gave us (anybody who thinks they can sing) all a template on how to conduct ourselves no matter the situation and I honestly feel like I knew him. That's the genius I'm guessing...Either way, so glad that you're keeping the flame alive. My question to you is this: I know that Dean's entombed in a mausoleum nearby Marilyn Monroe's crypt. But I was wondering, did he ever think he would be placed there and what do you think of Hugh Hefner's recent bid to be memorialized there as well? Was this something that he ever talked about, (I'm sure it would've been in jest either way, so I feel somewhat comfortable in talking about it to you...) or was this just something that occurred without much consideration? I did however think that the inscription "You're nobody till somebody loves you" was somewhat apropos. Was that his wish as well, or did he want to do something along those lines because it was such a big seller? I still say that there is a dearth of talent since your father left us and am more than thankful that we still have so many things to remind us of his myriad talents. I will always treasure his contributions and still miss his every note, line, quip and humorous aside. You know, his was a smile that was so genuine it should be listed as "sincere" in the dictionary. Although I know it was and remains somewhat of an emotional burden to you in some way, I just wanted you to know that I can honestly say that all of Dean's fans, to a person I'm sure, would probably say: "Thanks again for sharing your father with us, then and now, both you and he will always be appreciated for not only his time spent with us, but for your sacrifice as well." "How I love to hear the choir..." Thanks for your time,
Deana/Dina/Deeeana, All the best,
Deana, I do not really have a question. I just wanted to say how thrilled I am that you wrote a book. I ordered it through Amazon. I can't wait to read it. Growing up I got every magazine that featured your family. I also purchased Riccis' book. Janine Dear Deana, This is not really a question but I just wanted you to know that I had a very BAD childhood and I really got into Frank and your father when I was about 8yrs old. I am 27 now and my kids really enjoy your father. I have a 4yrs old who since he was 1 and a half he had thought he is "Dean Martin" because he knows EVERY Frank, Dean, Rat Pack song there is. He watches all the movies he can. On your dad's birthday he didn't do Anything until all of your dad's movies where off of the TV. Well I hope you have a Great Day. Thank you for your time. Hi Deana, I hope if you were going to come to Illinois, I'm not too late in writing. I live in the Chicagoland area. Bloomingdale to be exact. Will you be touring in or around Chicagoland? Thank you so much for taking the time to write me back, I know you must be very busy. Sincerely,
Hello Deana, I had the pleasure of meeting you in Steubenville at Naples Restaurant. Thank you for signing the menu! My question is what was the name of the club in Steubenville your grandfather Guy was a member of? My great uncle was also a member and I can't remember the name. Thanks,
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