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December 2006 |
Hi Deana, No question. Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading “Memories Are Made Of This”. I’ve loved your dad since I was 11 years old and I’m now 51. My grandmother turned me onto him when his TV show first came on the air saying: "isn't he sweet? He's so handsome...” ect. Eventually I started watching and just fell in love with him. Read every movie magazine that had stories about him and his family etc., I kept his picture on the wall in my bedroom. When I turned 21, my mother and I went to Las Vegas for the first time. We planned the trip around when he'd be at MGM (the first one). When I saw him walk out onto that stage for the first time, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. I went to his show three times that week and sat ringside every time (my mother slipped a few $$ to the waiter!). In all, I saw him ~12 times between Las Vegas and Atlantic City. When my grandmother was 83, we took her to ac to see him. It was snowing that day and we had to drive about 2 hours to get there. I asked her if she still wanted to go and she said 'of course, we have to see Dean. Columbus took a chance, we should too'. I miss him very much. Thanks for a great book and great insight into his life and that of your family. Sincerely, Dear Deana, No question, just a few lines to express a few thoughts and feelings, wow! What a neat book, you've done well. Grew up in Steubenville, currently live in Cleveland. So much in your book is relevant to me, including your mother being from here, and your dad from there. Knew many people back home that knew your dad, several that knew him rather well. I got to see a performance at the old MGM grand, probably around 1974(?) I think. My Steubenville friends got his autograph for me, as well. Geez, I can remember buying 45's of your dad's in the 60's and 70's back home, just so many neat memories of the "King Of Cool". It's unbelievably true. No doubt about it. "The best ever" is from my hometown! Rocky Taylor Dear Deana, I have been a fan of Dean since I was 14 (in the 60's). My father, who passed away this year, 'til the end talked about the time Dean came and sat at his table at a club where Dean was performing in Ohio in the 40's. I just got the latest compilation of his works, "The Essential Dean Martin" which I am enjoying immensely. I would like to find a re-mastered album where the orchestra does not overshadow his voice. Do you have any recommendations of an album that really shows off your father talent? James Clark
Dear Deana, I read your book about your dad recently and loved it. I
have all the tapes, discs of his variety show plus all his roasts.
Your dad is one of the few 'real' entertainers I can actually relate
to. Most sincerely, Hi Deana, I love your dad!!!! From his number one fan from Las Cruces, New Mexico. When I’m feeling down he's always there to pick me up! Dave Coca Hi Deana, Have always admired your dad very much on screen and also with the beautiful songs he sang. There is one special song I love entitled, "I Will." Can you tell me what year that was made? Every time I hear his songs, I could just picture him with that big smile of his; he is still so admired by so many... A very talented, good-hearted human being. May God bless you and your sweet family. Take care,
Dear Deana, I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful book “Memories Are Made Of This” is. I borrowed it from my brother after completing Jerry Lewis's book "Dean & Me" and enjoyed reading about your dad "Dean" and your life with him. I appreciated your honesty and loving account of the life you shared with him. I was moved and touched to the point of tears many times. He was a big part of our life growing up listening to his albums played by my mom (a big fan). Mom had a stroke April of last year and we took his CD collection into her recovery room, which helped her through some difficult times. We all loved him and my mom, Alice, still loves watching his movies and listening to his wonderful music. My own son, Daniel, who is seven, loves "That's Amore", however my favorite will always be “Memories Are Made Of This”. All the best. Hi Deana, Actually this is more of a comment or two then a question. I read your book and it was wonderful. I was (and continue to be) a big fan of your father. He was a unique guy and a fabulous talent. I also read the Jerry Lewis book, which was a great description of his relationship with your dad. I listen to your father's CDs a lot and always enjoy them...his talent is timeless. He recorded a song called "Hey Brother Pour The Wine", which is a lesser-known tune that he did but it was always one of my favorites. All the best to you and your family. Hi Deana, I’ve read your book about three times and each time I learn something new about your family. I am 24 and attend Utah State University. I dare say I’m the biggest fan of your dad's out of everyone in the university, faculty included. People my age, who associate themselves with me, sure know who Dean Martin is, and possibly have a song or two of his memorized. I just wanted to thank you for doing so much to keep his memory alive. I guess you are probably done with book signings by now, and I kept checking to see if you were coming to Utah, but either I missed it or you didn't come. Maybe the next time you drop in to see Ricci you could do a little book signing. I would love a signed book. I would love Ricci's book signed too. So talk him into it. You are a wonderful person. Thanks Dear Deana, I just finished reading “Memories Are Made Of This”. What
a touching and well-done memoir. It seems I just started reading
it, and before I knew it, this wonderful experience was over. Sincerely,
Hi Deana, Just a note about my 20-month-old daughter. She was born two months pre-mature and the doctors here at home and Baptist said she would never live to be born. She is fine and nothing wrong with her at all. Anyway, I have a DVD of your dad, Frank and Sammy along with Johnny Carson from 1965. She loves to watch it. When your dad comes on to sing she dances like crazy and then kisses the screen when he is singing. Just thought you may like to know even the new kids coming along love you dad and his music. Have a good day. Randy Rayeburn P.s. Oh we gave her an Italian name because Dean was Italian. It's Giovanna. Dear Deana, I don't have a question so much as I’d like to tell you
how much my mom and dad loved your father. I grew up in Weirton,
West VA. In the late 1950's and 1960's and lived there until 1975.
My mother always thought of herself as part of the "Rat Pack" gang
even though her real life was raising three kids in a steel town.
Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra were always playing on the stereo
when I can home from school. My dad was born on June 28th, 1917
and he always joked that he would like to trade just one day in
the life of Dean Martin! We all enjoyed the Dean Martin TV Show,
and during even the hardest times for my family...that show always
made my dad laugh. My own parents are gone now and so is that special
time in my life. A time when my parents "had people over" and
the Martin/Sinatra music would play and the cigarette smoke filled
the house. I would lie in bed upstairs and hope to be a grown up
one-day. Sincerely, Dear Deeeeeeeena, I hope this e-mail finds you and your family well. I wanted to write to you and tell you how much I enjoyed your book. I’m sure you've heard this over and over again but I’m truly a big fan of your father. I have just about all his LP's and I wish I could get his recordings of the reprise on CD. I cannot begin to tell you the feeling and rush it was to meet your dad one time at the old MGM Grand in Vegas. It was in 1982, I was in my navy uniform on liberty and asked him during the show if I could meet him and get his autograph. He shook my hand with those big hands of his and handed the microphone to me as he signed my program. While he was signing, I did a quick impersonation of him. It was a dream of a lifetime for me and I’ll never forget what he said to me... "That’s pretty damn good kid." I was 22 years old and on top of the world. Your father has had a big impact on my life. He is one of the reasons I’m an actor/entertainer. I work at universal studios in Orlando, Florida. I’ve been a look a like out there for Bogart, Nutty Professor- (Jerry Lewis), Stan Laurel, Chaplin, Popeye and Doc Brown from Back To The Future. I’m not promoting myself I just wanted you to know what I do. If ever you make it down to Orlando I would like to meet you, John, Mickey, Jeanne (my mother's name too), and anyone else in your family and would I’m an impersonator of your Dad and your Uncle Frank as well. I don't think anyone could ever look like your dad, however, I get close with my impersonation. I’ve always wanted to attend the Dean Martin Festival in Steubenville in June, however, I’m the father of six-year-old triplet girls so time and money is difficult. I don't want to take too much of your time. Thank you for writing your book it was just wonderful, insightful, written with a daughter's love. By the way I’m planning on making grandma Angela's pasta fagioli soon. Sincerely, Hi Deana, I just wanted to say that I’ve enjoyed listening to your
show up here in Northern Washington. We catch you on either 880
or 1340 am (we have terrible static problems on am so we switch
back and forth). Love to hear your comments on performers you knew
through your dad. Speaking of your dad, I had the opportunity of
meeting him back in the mid-60's when I worked for the phone company.
I went to your home to meet with your brother Dino regarding a
mobile phone for his car. When I rang the front door bell your
dad answered wearing a purple robe and those big black frame glasses.
I, of course, was thrilled and will always carry that image in
my head. I so enjoyed all of his singing ("That's Amore" is
my favorite). Anyway, I met with Dino out back (all those cars)
and arranged for fitting the equipment in his sport car. We all
miss him. Sincerely, Hi Deana, With regard to someone's question about your dad ever performing with the Muppets, there is a picture on IMDB, and some other sites of your dad with what look like early Jim Henson puppets, and he has a huge smile on his face with the whole thing. I’m guessing it really did happen! Best wishes with everything! Ps: Your book was wonderful. I read it in record time, as did my girlfriend.
Dear Deana, Sorry my poor English. I’m from Brazil. I’m 35 years old, and I have fantastic and good memories about Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. When I was a child my dream was to know your father and Jerry Lewis, but I didn't get to accomplish this dream. I hope one day to visit the United States and to know everything about that glorious time. God bless Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis. Hi Deana, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your book about your father and also your family. I have always loved listening to your father sing, and I truly enjoyed his shows and movies. Thank you for writing this wonderful account of your life with your father. Judy Griffin Hi Deana, I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading your book as well as Jerry Lewis's book about your father. It is great that you are keeping your father’s legacy alive for the many of us who wish we could have shared moments with him. I actually was able to share an evening of black jack with your father my father and Steve and Eydie. It was over new years 1991 or 1992. He was a perfect gentleman I remember my mother couldn’t believe my father was playing at the same table. She tried to get him away from the table for an hour, but once she returned he got up to leave she told him your not going anywhere right now do you know who that is sitting at 3rd base. I remember he replied yes but I am getting my butt kicked, she replied that’s ok sit down for awhile longer its not every day you get to sit down with the greatest entertainer in the world. Anthony Perry Hi Deana, I am a huge fan of your fathers and being 25 I guess one of the younger fans of that great music. I was brought up on swing and can honestly say I thought Dean was my favorite singer. What was it like seeing George Clooney playing your dad? In Ocean's 11. I have seen both films the new one and the original. Thanks,
Dear Deana, I just finished reading your book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. What a tribute to your Dean. Your dad was the best...talented, handsome, cool and funny. I really enjoyed his roasts, which were a riot. As a youngster, I used to watch him with my grandmother "momadear" who loved him. What sweet memories for me. Thanks for sharing him with us. Please keep his memory with us...Dean will always be a part of mine. Sincerely, Hi Deana, I have great admiration for your father. I am 42, so I missed much of his career, but have many DVDs, CDs etc. I have seen your brothers show and truly enjoy the music. I have taken to calling my 8-year-old daughter "Pallie" after reading both yours and your brother’s books. My daughter has an autism spectrum disorder and my family will be walking in the 2007 walk for autism research in Pittsburgh on June 2. A small donation made to autism speaks would be appreciated if possible. Blessings and thanks, Hi Deana, Read the book and enjoyed it immensely!! How is your mother, I always thought she was the prettiest in Hollywood!! Your dad was the all time best!! Steve tucker Hi Deana, Will there be a Dean Martin Festival in Steubenville, Ohio in 2007? Norma Ruck
Dear Deana, I loved your dad. I named my daughter after him your name Deana.
I call her Dino. I have read your book and will bring it with me
this year June 14-17. Will you sign it for me please? Ken Button
Hi Deana, Just a couple of quick comments before I tell you a story. I’m reading your book for the second time and I’m so appreciative that you wrote it. May I suggest that every question asked of you that is not addressed in your book, be written down to write about in your next book. (Hopefully). I retired a month ago and in our new home will be a room to put all my 'memories', which includes about 70-75 of your dad's albums. The story that I want to tell you is about Sammy Davis Jr., (SDJ). You have probably witnessed what I am about to tell you by seeing SDJ in concert, many times but, I thought visitors to your web site may find it as hilarious as I did when I saw SDJ in concert at the paramount theatre in Seattle in the early '70's. The only person that could equal the outrageous humor of SDJ was your dad. One of those times is when your dad was doing his show and the segment was 'musical questions.' A gold digger flubbed her lines and your dad pointed out it was her, not him, which made the mistake. Then, he assured her it was ok and that they would do it over again. Your dad said, "don't worry about it; everybody makes mistakes... Remember Hitler?" holy moly… Talk about outrageous and funny... right off the top of his head. He was so sharp. Back to the SDJ concert. The theater dimmed and all of a sudden SDJ just walked out on stage. No introduction, no music, just boom and there he was. Then the music started and all the while the place is going nuts with applause, cheering and so many flashing bulbs that it looked like a disco. He sang his opening numbers and once again the place went crazy. When the applause died down he said, "thank you very much ladies and gentlemen but you may not know that many entertainers don't allow any pictures during their concerts because the 'flash' distracts them". There was deafening silence. SDJ didn't say anything for about 15 seconds. I thought, (oh boy Sammy; you blew it with that one...I thought if he received cursory applause the rest of the night, he'd be lucky.) Then he yelled, "but I love it… Snap away!!!" Again, the place just went crazy. After about 2 minutes he told this story: "but ladies and gentlemen, you probably have your brownie instamatics with you tonight." (Remember those?) He went on, "you will probably take half, maybe three-fourths of the film tonight and then when you get home, you'll throw the camera in that special drawer of yours and forget it." "Then, when you are looking for something in about 3-4 months, you will find this camera with most of the pictures taken." "You won't remember what pictures you took so, to use up the remaining photos, you will snap a shot of your cat, your dog, your wife doing dishes; anything just to use up the remaining pictures so you can have it developed to see what pictures you took before." "When you pick them up you'll see the photo's of your cat, your dog, (completely forgetting about tonight’s concert photo's) and then when you come to the concert photo's; you will ask yourself, why in the hell did I take all these pictures of a tootsie roll?" One of the funniest things I have ever heard. God bless you and your family. Hello Deana, My husband and I own a restaurant in Eatonville, Washington, a town at the base of Mt Rainier. We have a "Rat Pack" theme, and are having a great time. Our customers love the place, as we have a lot of memorabilia from that era. We went to Hollywood last summer to do the tourist thing, and we were saddened to see that Joey Bishop has no star on the Hollywood walk of fame. I have wrote to him, and he does want a star, but for some reason has not received one. We met with the major of Hollywood, Johnny Grant, and he says he will re-visit the subject. On March 6th I celebrated my big 40th birthday, and we went back to Hollywood to eat at a favorite spot, Musso and Franks. We have a wonderful time there. On my birthday we drove to Newport Beach to try to see Joey. I am thrilled to say I got the best birthday present ever, and met with Joey at his home for over an hour. He had been ill for about 8 weeks, and was thrilled to have company, and treated us so great. He even wanted us to see his "private room" upstairs which is full of pictures form celebrities he's worked with. He is a bit confused at times, and I was sad to go, as he wanted us to stay longer, but did not want to overstay our welcome. We asked him if he wanted a star, and he asked us if we thought he should have one, to which we all replied of course. He said, "ok then". My husband asked if he could kiss him on the cheek, and Joey jokingly said, "will I get pregnant", my husband, who entertains in our restaurant told him he would support the baby. It was a wonderful time that I will never forget, but I made a promise to him before I left that I would do everything within my power to get him a star. I’m not sure if you know Joey, respect him for his work, etc. But I sincerely want him to receive this honor before he is gone. His nurse has since called me to let me know how much Joey enjoyed our visit, he did not remember our names, but remembered we were there. His nurse and assistant said he had been in bed for 8 weeks, and they were thrilled that we came, as Joey showed improvement since. If you do know him and are ever in the LA area, he seems to love visitors, and although confused, remembers Frank, Sammy, and your father fondly. I want this to happen while he is still with us, and feel he deserves it. If you agree will you please send a letter to the Hollywood walk of fame committee. I can get the address for you. Johnny Grant is the head of the committee, he is 84 years old, nice man. I can get his address directly. I am now on a mission, my promise to Joey to do everything within my power, including contacting those with more powers than I. Thank you for your time. Tammi Bratholm Browse the archive of previous "Ask Deana" pages: |
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