Return Home
Tours & Events
Concert
Ask Deana
Biography
Radio Show
Stage & Screen
Dean Martin Festival
Online Store
 
Memories Are Made of This - The Album
 
Memories Are Made of This - The Book

February 2006

Dear Deana,

I saw your show in Chicago and loved it. I am so glad you are continuing you great fathers work and would love to see your show again. Where will you be appearing?

Thanks,
Paul Petrucci

Hi Paul,

I will be back in Chicago the Fall ’06. I will post all concert dates on deanamartin.com, under ‘Tours & Events.’ Thank you for asking and I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the concert.

Deana


Hello Deana,

I have just read your book titled “Through My Fathers Eyes” which I thought was brilliant. In it you mentioned that you also sing. Could you please let me know any song or album listing I would love to hear them.

Thanks,
Bev

Hi Bev,

My new CD “Memories Are Made Of This” will be out August 15.

Deana


Hi Deana,

We can’t wait for your new CD to be released. You have the same beautiful voice as your dad. You know he must be so proud. When will it be available in stores?

George and Judy Frezanno
Brooklyn, NY

Hi George and Judy,

My new CD “Memories Are Made Of This’ will be released August 15. Thank you for your kind words and enjoy the music.

Deana


Hello Deana,

We just love listening to you on Music Of Your Life, here in Portland, Oregon. Especially when you play your father’s songs. You brighten our day.

Thank you,
Doris Jean and Frank Donaman

Hi Doris Jean and Frank,

Thank you for your kind words. It’s a pleasure to play such beautiful music.

Deana


Hi Deana,

I am writing as we love your website and have been absorbed in anything Dean Martin for some time.  My husband & I are huge fans of his and we are having his 40th birthday celebration here at our home.  We are basing the night on "Dino's Lodge", we will have the entire night based around your wonderful Dad, complete with music, Dino's Lodge pictures and Dean Martin memorabilia.  I was curious if there is any way I can buy anything from the Dino's Lodge range.  I have seen many pictures on the website but unable to locate some of the old pieces.  Even a matchbox cover would be fabulous as my husband would be thrilled.  I hope you could direct me as to where to go and I thank you for your time.  All the best with your book, we love the way in which you have and continue to honor a great man.  We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.  The party is soon so I hope this reaches you in the near future. Thank you.

Kind regards,
Lara & Jeffrey Brotto
Australia

Hi Laura & Jeffrey,

I am sending you a happy 40th birthday greeting Jeffrey. I wish I knew where you could find Dino’s Lodge memorabilia. If anyone knows where to find it, please let me know and I will pass it on.

Deana


Hello Deana,

I received the book you wrote about your father as a gift because my friends know I am an unbelievable Dean Martin fan. I recently purchased 3 albums and a Riviera Hotel wine list menu autographed by your father. I enjoyed your book immensely and was fascinated by the fact your father always wore Woodhue cologne. Knowing this I had to have some and found out it was discontinued by Faberge. I wound up purchasing a small amount on E Bay and it is a wonderful fragrance. My question is---- Would it be possible to talk Faberge into re-releasing the cologne under the name Dean Martin's Woodhue...It would put the great smelling cologne back on the market and also help keep your dad's memory alive. Thank you for your time.

Your dad's #1 fan
Joe Lapchak

Hi Joe,

It’s a great idea and I couldn’t agree more.

Deana


Hello Deana,

I have a question about a movie Dean was in with Jerry Lewis called at war with the army I would like to know if you knew the song Dean sang in the first rehearsal and then later sang in the seen where Jerry Lewis dresses up like a woman?

Thank you,
Beverly

Hi Beverly,

I believe the song you are looking for is “Tonda Wanda Hoy” by Mack David and Jerry Livingston. They also wrote two other songs for the “At War With The Army,” titled “Beans” and “You And Your Beautiful Eyes.”

Deana


Hi Deana, 

What was your father’s favorite car?  Me and the boys at the office would like to know.

Thanks, and great book!
-Blair

Hi Blair,

Dad loved his Aston Martin, his Dual Ghia and his Rolls Royce. Who wouldn’t?

Deana


Dear Deana & John

Thank you both for taking the time to autograph your book for me, but also allowing not only myself, but my family to take so many pictures of you both, I also want to thank you for coming to Hoboken. John wants me, and my wife to come to Ohio next year, but I can't promise but I hope to.
Again thank you so very much for taking the time to talk with us, and autographing your book for me.
               
All the best,
Tom O'Connor


Hi Deana,

I must start with I fell in love with Dean when I was very young, I watched him every time he came on TV, I love to watch him and to hear him sing is heaven. Now at the age of 57 I have fell in love all over again. I have his dolls, pictures, movies, anything I can get my hands on. I sit now in what we call mawmaws office, I do foster care, I have a grandson Ethan he is 15 and has dI george synd. Dr. S tell me he may live to be 40 or so if that long, Ethan’s mother my daughter has the same thing, she is 39 and her heart is failing her so time will tell. I adopted a boy Bobby he is 13. At my age I need to slow down. But I have to tell you how much I think of your dad, he is a great man, he gave us his fans his all in all he did, I am playing his CD’s as I try to type tears fall for I miss him so much my room has pictures all over the wall of your dad. I cannot really say all I feel for him and his family, I just love all of you. I would love to visit his home and everything the public may see, but o do not have the funds to travel my time and money goes to my family. I’m on disability and limited to what I can do. My prayers are for you and all of your family. We all watch Deans movies, I have the roasts and his TV show along with all the movies I can buy. I feel your loss, we lost a loving, kind man. And I know one day I will see Dean Martin in heaven singing for god. I look much toward that day. My mom is there also. Give my love to all of Deans family and friends I feel as if I know them all. God be with you as you keep Dean’s spirit alive in all you do.

Love in Christ,
June Phifer


Hello Deana,

Did you get to sing on your dad's CD's!!!"

Wil Degooyer

Hi Wil,

Not yet, but we’re working on it. I did have the pleasure of performing with my father, Uncle Frank and many others on the Dean Martin show, and it was fabulous.

Deana


Hi Deana,

After reading so many of the questions on this site, I find most people want to connect with you in some way. As a child of Dean’s I don't think you can truly understand the love the people have for your father. We are not related; we all just love him for what we saw of him! He really really was a very unique and special person. There was such a calmness and peacefulness about him. It seemed as if he always knew the all the answers to life. Other then my own father, the one other man in life I wish I could have had dinner with was your father. I could not even imagine what that could have been like!

Thank you for helping us keep him alive.

Dwayne Riccio


Dear Deana,

It is amazing that your first attempt at being an author was absolutely excellent. You were able to relate your story with such respect and honesty.  I'm a 56-year-old guy and I teared up many times.  I hope to retire this year and a trip to your Dad's hometown is definitely in our plans.  Do you plan to come to Washington State?  I'd love to see you and maybe relate several stories about your father to you.

I'll end this soon; I could rattle on forever.  I have well over 60 of your father's singles/albums.  I read where your favorite is 'I Will'.  It's a tough call.  If a person who has never listened to your father would listen to 3 songs to hear his absolutely amazing style and how he used his voice, I'd suggest listening to the song he sang in the movie with John Wayne & Ricky Nelson, (I think), 'My Saddle, My Pony & Me'.  (I think I messed up the title)...an absolutely perfect, soothing voice.  2nd, just to hear his incredible range, is 'I'm Headin For the Last Round-up'.  Finally my favorite, 'Ain't Gunna Try Anymore.'

Deana, would you send me an address of your publisher, agent or trusted friend?  I'd like to send you some money to offset my request of a signed photo of you, your husband and son.  With all the requests you get, I insist paying you, to offset the postage expense.

God Bless and Thank You for reading this.

Lyle


Dear Deana,

I don't know if you will get this or even have time to answer by next weekend. I was in our Italian supermarket today and I saw a poster for the Italian Festival in Addison, IL. I saw on that poster that you were going to be appearing there on Saturday September 17th. It says that you are doing a tribute to your dad. Living only about 10 min away, I am definitely coming to see the performance. Being the big Dean Martin fan that I am, it is going to be an amazing experience that I cannot pass up. I was also wondering if you will be available before or after for autographs? I am the one that wrote you before about your book that I was wondering if you could sign for myself and my friend.

Sincerely,
Brenda


Dear Deana & John,

Thank you both for taking the time to autograph your book for me, but also allowing not only myself, but my family to take so many pictures of you both, I also want to thank you for coming to Hoboken. John wants me, and my wife to come to Ohio next year, but I can't promise but I hope to.
Again thank you so very much for taking the time to talk with us, and autographing your book for me.
               
Tom O'Connor


Hi Deana,

  I just wanted to tell you that it was such a great honor meeting you at the Hoboken Feast at Sinatra Park. You are truly a great performer. I hope to meet you again maybe in Steubenville or here in Hoboken next year.

I love ya!!!!!
Dominick


Hi Deana,

I grew up with Dean Martin music filling our house. My mother had just come out of an abusive relationship with my biological dad. She met a terrific, wonderful guy who filled our home with love and laughter and Dean Martin...music and Specials!! He is no longer with us but just hearing Dean Martin's music brings peace and joy to my life...especially during the holidays!!
Thank YOU so much for continuing his legacy!!

Michele


Dear Deana,

I just finished your book and I have to tell you that I could not put it down. For me, I enjoy books about personal life stories. Yours truly is a personal one and I enjoyed reading about your life growing up. You certainly have had some fantastic life growing up with so many famous families. I was very young when your father was on TV, but I do remember the Dean Martin Show and also going with my parents to see some of your father’s movies. What a shame that your real mom had such a difficult time after your father left. I was especially sad when I read about her life as you portrayed it in your book. Reading your book I found many similarities with having an Italian father. Mine not so famous and not such a good father/husband left my mother when I was 13, he was very distance and hard to communicate with. My mother had a hard time too. She developed OCD and hording things. Like alcoholism Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a disease. Now at 77 years old she is still hording and too old to change. So you do the best you can do under the circumstances. I grew up in Chicago where there is a very large Italian community. Now at 47 I live in Lake Worth, Florida about 20 miles from West Palm Beach. I often wonder what it would be like to have a famous friend. Of course folks that grow up around such notoriety think nothing of it. One of my favorite composers lives here; Yanni and I read that Tommy Lee Jones lives in the next town over during Polo season and I am sure many more. Well I wish you good luck, good health and many more interesting stories. Maybe if you are able to do so send me an autographed picture or drop me a line, I would love to hear from you.

God Bless,

Valerie


HI Deana,

I just wanted to say that I thought your dad was a great singer, especially when he sang in Italian. I was just wondering if he ever made up with Jerry before he passed away?

Angie

Hi Angie,

Yes they did make up.

Deana


HI Deana,

I just wanted to say "hello" and to welcome you to the "MUSIC OF YOUR LIFE" family. I am the daughter of MUSIC OF YOUR LIFE founder, Al Ham. I just read that you will be appearing in Branson this fall with Les Brown's Band of Renown. I was the featured vocalist with the band in 2004.

Blessings,
LorrI Ham Hafer


Hello Deana,

My husband and I have always been big fans of your dad.  We attended the Hoboken Italian Festival in September to see you.  Unfortunately, we went on Saturday, you were there on Sunday.  Would it be possible to send my husband an autographed picture of you?  It would make his day! His name is Jay.  Thanks a lot, hope to see you in Hoboken next year.  We'll make sure it's the right day!

Michele


Deana & John,

We met at EAA Oshkosh, and you were both kind enough to chat with us. Thank you for the good advice you gave re our road trip to the west coast. It was great fun, and we followed your recommendations in Colorado, Silverton is a delight. Death Valley was all that Zane Grey wrote of, and Utah, so beautiful and so much that we ran out of time to visit northern CA, so we will be back next year. If you ever visit New Zealand please email and we will share our country with you.  

Regards,  
Tony & Sue,


Hi Deana,

I don't have a question, but rather a comment.  First, let me say, I am running out to get your book and from all the other comments about your book, I am SURE I will enjoy it.

My comment is how much I LOVE listening to you and Les Brown Jr on The Music of Your Life.  I have it on my PC all day long and in my car when traveling.  You are so good together and the little anecdotes you add make me feel like you are just one of my friends.  You are so down-to-earth and such a pleasure to listen to.  Why don't we hear some music being sung by you?

Please keep up the great job....

Pam Wilson


Dear Deana,

In your beautiful book about you dad, you mention a woman in New York who had set up a shrine to Dino in her home and that many folks as set aside a place in there home to honor him.
I’m interested in setting up a special place to honor Dean and would like ideas about how other Pallies have gone about it. 

Thanks for any answer you can share.
Dino Pallies


Ms. Deana Martin (Sorry for misspelling your first name on last message),
 
Thank you for the favorable response on my Dean Martin-Jungle Inn story.  I heard during one of your broadcasts that you will be in Steubenville, OH the first week of June for the Dean Martin Festival.  Sara and I will be in Canton, OH for our granddaughter's graduation from Canton Central Catholic the latter of part of May and into June.  So we are going to try to drop down to Steubenville that week, and who knows,
we might even see you there. Incidentally, we are waiting for your CD to hit the shelves around here.
 
Take care,
Jim and Sara DeGregory


HI Deana,

 This is not a question - I was happy to see you at the Italian Fest in Addison, Illinois a couple of weeks ago - unfortunately I didn't have enough cash on me to purchased your book but I have since bought it and am enjoying it very much.  Had I spoken with you I would have told you how much I was in love with your Father. He and Jerry used to perform at the Chicago Theatre and at the end of their performance they would go outside on the fire escape and talk to the people on the street. I will always remember that and I never missed seeing them whenever they appeared at the Chicago Theatre. It was a pleasure seeing you and keep up the good work in letting everyone know what a great entertainer and person your father was.

Most Sincerely,
Jennie Cece


Hi Deana,

Firstly you look fabulous! Will you please PLEASE visit me at www.geocities.com/thevoiceofbillbennett and comment on my humble Tribute to your Dad.  I was, and still am ('cuz he's never gone away!) a devoted fan since the 50s. I would love your opinion.

Thanks,
Bill Bennett


Ms. Martin,

First, I loved all of your songs. Have you though about doing a song with your father. N. Cole did that with Nat King Cole. I think it would be beautiful if you can do this. One song I loved a lot is "Welcome To My World" I'm not sure if you could use this song to blend in with your father. I am planning on seeing you in Branson soon. Please consider doing something like what I suggested above. It would be an honor for both of you.

Donald Lennon

Hi Donald,

It’s a pleasure for me to tell you that I sing a duet with my father in my concerts…and it is "Welcome To My World." Great minds think alike.

Deana


Dear Deana,

I would just love to ask you a few questions about your dad. What Type of cigarettes did your dad smoke; was it Kents? And do you know if ‘Dean Martin Live in London 1983’ will ever be released as I know it was filmed and also the Ratpack tour of 1988 Footage exists? As well would this ever be brought out? The reason I’m asking is there really isn’t any full concert of Dean available. The TV shows are great and the roasts but I would love to see a concert being released.

p.s. I think you have a wonderful family and your Dad was such a cool funny and talented man.

Andrew Tate


Deana,

I have a very special friend that is a big Dean Martin fan.  Every year I try to buy something with Dean Martin on it.  I am having trouble finding anything this year. We live in Youngstown, OH and visit the festival. Would appreciate if you can help me in any way. 

Thanks,
Karen


HI Deana,

I know that you have and treasure you Dad's last bottle of Woodhue Cologne. You can increase your holdings if you hold the bottle under very hot running water. You'll have to watch not to get the label wet but in a few minutes, the fumes inside the bottle will once again turn into a liquid form. In honor of your Father, we do it with empty Scotch bottles all the time.

Ger

Hi Ger,

Thanks for the advice. I think I can use this one.

Deana


Deana,

I was at the Italian festival yesterday and bought your book (which I am already reading, but forgot to buy a copy for my girlfriend.  She was one of your dad's biggest fans and I would like to have you autograph it to her so I can surprise her with it.
If I send you a check and how to sign it, is that possible? Just let me know total with shipping and I will send return address for you.  You were terrific and I enjoyed meeting you.

Jo Ann Cirone-Cutter


Hi Deana,

It was a pleasure being able to meet you and have you sign a copy of "Memories are made of this," at your recent appearance at the San Diego Italian Fest.  It was truly an event I will not forget.  In my home, Dad was always playing your Dad's records along with Frank Sinatra and Louie Prima.  I gained such an appreciation for his talent, and today he holds a prominent place in my listening library.  I am a professional writer and have just completed my book entitled, "Hey, I'm Italian," which is a humorous account of growing up Italian in New York. Your Dad is mentioned within my book as favorite background music throughout my life. I would love to send you a copy when it is completed by my publishing house. I would be honored to do so. Driving home from the Fest I could hardly contain my excitement and interest in learning more about your life and your Dad, luckily my husband was driving, so I could sit back and begin reading your book on the drive home.  I am thoroughly enjoying it and anxious to read more.  Congratulations on a wonderful book and on sharing a wonderful man with all of his many generations of fans.

Best Regards,
Judith A. Habert
(Aka Judith A. Patti)


Hi Deana,

I just want to say my family always loved the Dean. When I was 14 months old my mom and dad went to go see the filming of "The Big Top" in Phoenix AZ with Dean and Jerry. My mom went back stage and saw your dad...she was thrilled...but Dean was more thrilled with me and he asked my mom if he could hold me (I guess I was the same age as Dino and he wanted to hold me) Needless to say my mom was very happy to see me on your dad's lap!  She told the story many times to me.  I am now 52 years old and I impersonate Dean here Phoenix. It's a lot of fun and I love all the songs they remind me of my childhood growing up; of course there is only one Dean.

God Bless, maybe I will see you next year at the Fest!
Mark DI Bernardo


Dear Deana,

My daughter Deanna (coincidence my name is Denise and my Mom's is Anne hence the name Deanna) well, she is a college athlete and her love of your Dad's music has been a driving force in her life. She listens to his voice and watches his movies because of his ease and she does not like the pace of today' society. She is beautiful young lady that is turning 21 and I know that if she could go to your festival it would be the time of her life. She has your Dad's music with her all the time and when all the other athletes are listening to rap she is listening to the ease of his voice. She finds security in his easy way and yearns for life that was filled with dressing up, romance and inspirational music. Her four siblings tease her because she watches his TV variety show and old movies. She is just drawn to the Rat Pack Era. I just received your book today, which I will give to her for her birthday. She just finished reading the book that Tina Sinatra wrote about her Dad. She had some severe surgery on her elbow this past year and it was one year of repeat surgeries and therapy. We thought she would be out of basketball but your Dad's voice was something that kept her calm.  I just want you to know that we recognize that he had his faults like all of us but the joy he has brought my beautiful daughter everyday is something I am grateful for. Would you kindly let me know when the next festival is? I know that she is coaching 12-year-old girls in AAU but I would love to find a way to let her attend this.
I lost my brother at 23 in a car accident and my Dad technically died when he lost his first-born son. He died 6 months to the day of my brother and often I relate to the expression I saw in your Dad's eyes compared to my Dad's so I also have a personal connection to him.  He was truly a one of a kind and all of my five children love the music of that era.

Thank you for listening,
Denise Goodwin

Return to current questions

Return to Top


Browse the archive of previous "Ask Deana" pages:

 
No portions of this website including text, images and design may be borrowed, reprinted,
reproduced or used in any way without express written permission.