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Memories Are Made of This - The Album
 
Memories Are Made of This - The Book

March 2006

Dear Deana,

My wife and I made a skit years ago similar to the old Flying Saucer records and the answers to all the questions and statements in the skit are answered by bits and pieces taken from only Dean Martin songs.  Your father has been my idol since I was old enough to hear.  My first son is named after him and over the years I have collected just about every song he's ever recorded.  When I sang years ago I even tried to copy his style but you know as well as I, nobody could ever sound like him.  I will always love that man. He is the perfect symbol of an Italian. He has helped to make my life more enjoyable because of his beautiful voice and the wonderful person he was. Please let me know if you would like a copy of the skit and I will be honored to send it. 

Kindest Personal Regard, 
Tony 

P.S. I read your book and it was absolutely wonderful.

Hi Tony,

I would absolutely love to see a copy of your skit.

Deana


Dear Deana,

Met you at the Italian Festival where I so enjoyed meeting you and you were kind enough to sign a book for my Irish mother Helen who is now dying of lung cancer. She will get such a kick out of this as your father was her all time favorite entertainer. Next was Frank Sinatra. My 84 year old Italian father was so impressed!!

I just wanted to say that after reading this myself, I am so honored to having shaken your hand and had a few minutes of your time. It is your life and your survival, emotional growth and spirituality that are really the impressive aspect of this book. The ability to synthesize a myriad of events, good and bad and create a gestalt of something positive is a great lesson for us all. I am truly honored to have met you for what you have become, not just who your father is. I wish you the very best.

Peace and love.
Richard Book


Hello Deana,

I am 44 years old and I have been a number 1 fan of your fathers since I was 6. I grew up watching his movies and TV show and listening to his music, which is the all time greatest. I am in the process of collecting all of his CD box sets and many of his movies and TV shows. My wife and I are remodeling a house and I am going to use one of the rooms as a screening room and as a place to listen to music and read. I am decorating it with murals of the old Brown Derby restaurant on Vine Street and the Hollywood Hills with the sign and pictures of old Hollywood and your Dad is well represented with good pictures of him performing at the Sands, one when he was with Jerry, and one when he was in his 60's.
My family and I visited L.A. and Hollywood in late April of this year and seen your Dad's hand prints at Grahman's, went to Capital Records, Hollywood Palace, and the old Chasen's Restaurant. I also went to Greystone Mansion but did not realize that your old address 601 Mountain Drive was located beneath it. I also got my picture taken in front of your Dad's house at 511 Maple Drive in Beverly Hills. Deana could you tell me how long your Dad lived at the Maple Drive residence and was it the last home he lived in? Also, what are your thoughts or comments on the destruction of the Sand's Hotel in Las Vegas and other historical sites related to your father like the Ambassador Hotel and the Villa Capri in L.A? I plan on buying your book very soon. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you.

Bye.
Derrill Pope

Hi Derrill,

Our home at 601 Mountain Dr. is located two blocks south of Greystone Mansion. The 511 Maple Dr. house was my father’s last residence, and he lived there for approximately 7 years.

Deana


Hi Deana,

Just to say I think you're dad was one of the all-time great entertainers. Singing such wonderful songs like 'Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes' and 'Baby It's Cold Outside’ and I loved the scene from 'Robin and the Seven Hoods' where he teamed up with Frank and Bing for that great standard 'style.' I also believe he was a great actor (even better than Frank) and his performance in 'Rio Bravo' was outstanding. There aren't to many actors around that can say they out acted the Duke in a movie, but Dean did in that film. I also liked him in 'Five Card Stud' 'The Son's of Katie Elder’ and 'Something Big' you can probably tell from this letter, that I thought he was a pretty good action hero. I also admire him for standing up for Marilyn Monroe when she was sacked from the movie '’Somethings Got to Give.' it's easy to forget of his earlier successes with Jerry Lewis. He and Jerry were one of the cinemas great double acts. I have often wondered how they split up and if they ever made up again, though if they hadn't gone their separate ways. Dean probably wouldn't have gone on to become the great all-round entertainer that he did.

Stuart Thomson

Hello Deana,

I have always been a fan of your dad. I have all his music and read all the books that have been written about him. I have one question that has been brought up in conversation and was hoping that you could answer.  Did Dean ever have a dog as a pet during his adult years while in Hollywood, New York, or in Ohio?
I have been told that he had a Chihuahua.

Thanks,
Tony DiPalma

Hi Tony,

No, Dad did not have a Chihuahua. He had a German Shepherd named Captain Klaus, a Hungarian Sheep Dog named Pierre.

Deana


Hello Deana,

Not a question but a comment! I read your book when it first came out and I loved it. Your dad was the best in my book and I hope he was as nice a guy as he seemed!

Best wishes,
Steve Tucker

Hi Steve,

He was the best.

Deana


Dear Deana,

I have written you before and have met you before at one of your book signings. Your book was wonderful, and I have re-read it 3 times to find the recipes for your dad's steaks and your grandma's pasta fagioli. I write today to tell you that I recently bought a video with footage of the ‘Together Again Tour of 1988,’ I almost cried. I bought this tape hoping to see your Dad and his buddies perform a great show once again, but now I am returning it to the seller because aside from it being poor picture quality, I couldn't bear to see your Dad being interrupted by the audience and telling him to sing louder. I’m glad your Dad backed out. I wouldn't have wanted to sing to such rude people in the audience. I think your Dad was the greatest, and I will continue to love your Dad as do many other countless fans.

Love,
Alfonso


Hi Deana,

I see you will be attending Franks 90th birthday celebration. Where can I find more info on that celebration; I want to bring my 80 year old mother. I spoke with you on the phone some months ago. My mom really wants to meet you

That’s amore,
Nancy


Hi Deana,

We would like too attend your father’s festival next year. My daughter & I have all of his DVDs of his shows and roasts. Please send me information on when it will be and a map of how to get too it.

Thank you,
Evie


Dear Deana,

I don’t have a question. I just wanted to tell you something. I'm 11 years old and I am your father’s number one fan! I got in to him from my grandmother. I like rap music but I listen to Dean Martin a lot more!!

From,
Dean Martin's #1 fan!!!!
Brianna


Deana and John,

When are you planning on coming to Tucson for a book signing? People here would love to meet and talk with you both. Keep up the good work with your book and festivals.
Are you planning on writing another book about your dad? I would love to read anything you write. You are a very gifted and talented writer!

Karen

Hi Karen,

I am planning a tour that does include Tucson. I will post it on my web site as soon as the dates are finalized. Thank you for asking and for the encouragement.

Deana


Dear Deana,

Please could I have your autograph, because I am from the UK and visited LA and visited Dean Martins grave and put a few flowers down. Would u be able to send an autograph and if possible something of Dean’s.

Thanks,
Matthew


Dear Deana,

Not a question - just a comment- I recently purchase the Bear Families box set of ‘Lay Some Happiness On Me’- which contains all of the later Reprise recordings of your dad- in listening to it for the umpteenth time- it occurred to me that just as some of the Beatle songs that sound like they were recorded yesterday and remain timeless - your dads records especially the Reprise era stands the test of time the same way- and is just another reason why the ‘King Of Cool’ will be in our hearts and on our CD players for a long , long time.

Sincerely,
Chris Cochran


Hello Deana,

It is not a question.  When I was 13 my parents went through a divorce and I wrote your dad and he sent me a picture autographed by him.  He was great.  I also read your wonderful book, from a great person of a wonderful man.

Thanks for the memories,
George Lowery


HI Deana,

I am only about a third of the way through your book, but I already know, and I agree with one of the persons that wrote to you, that it is the best biography I have ever read.
I am 56 years old, and I remember as a little girl, watching your dad on the television with my parents, and even as a child, I found your dad very handsome, sexy as they come, and a voice that matched. Your dad, and Elvis are the two greatest male voices of all time! With that said, my question to you is..... I know his favorite liquor, and I know his favorite cologne, but I would like to know what his favorite color and favorite number was.

Congratulations on a great book!
Carol Wagner

Hi Carol,

Thank you for your wonderful email. My Father’s favorite color was blue and his favorite number was 7. Great questions Carol.

Deana


Hi Deana,
I was in San Diego, CA for Italian Festa, got your book, but would like to send check for another with your autograph to a dear friend who was very big fan of your dad's.  I sent email earlier from CA, but didn't get response.  Is this possible?
Thanks so much, I enjoyed your number with Lena Prima

Jo Ann Cirone-Cutter


Hello Deana,

I took a few pictures of you when you were in San Diego to do a show for the Italian Festa we had. I would like to send you the pictures, how can I do that?

p.s.  it was great seeing you and hearing you sing.

Sincerely,
Bob Francella


Hi Deana,

Just finished your book.  Very good!  We are off to the Rat Pack review at The Post Theatre in San Francisco this evening.
Thinking of and appreciating your father.

Best of all,
Trent


Deana,

I recently retired from 35 years of policing in Canada and now drive a Tour Coach Bus. I have always been a huge fan of your fathers and play his music on the Coach all the time. I was wondering if you ever get up to Canada for book signings.

Rick Turnbull

Hi Rick,

I am absolutely coming to Canada, for a book signing and a concert tour. It’s in the works and I will post it on deanamartin.com as soon as the dates are confirmed. Thank you for asking and more importantly, thank you for protecting us.

Deana


HI Deana,
    
I don't have a question, but I have a comment regarding your dad.  I'm 15 years old from Youngstown, OH and I grew up listening to your father. I listen to him as I sleep almost every night and I watch his movies religiously. I can't read an interview about your dad by Jerry Lewis, Frank Sinatra, or any one who knew Dean without almost coming to tears because I wish so much that I could have had the pleasure of meeting him. I'm not religious, I consider myself Agnostic, but the one thing that makes me want to believe in a heaven is the thought of meeting your father, Dean, at "the pearly gates". Once I experience a death in my own family, I'm sure that will further encourage me, but for now all I have is the thought of meeting what seems to be the nicest and coolest person to ever live.  "You can't buy happiness but you can pour it", -Dean Martin...you gotta love him!

Paul


Deana,

I have just finished the trivia questions & I got one wrong,
but the "marker" says I got all the questions wrong!!!!!!
Would love to get over to Steubenville one day with my husband. I have to say he does sing like Dean, how lucky am I??
People just love him at the Karaoke nights.

Take care and Regards,
Kathy McCrae.


Hello Deana,

I don't have a question to ask I just wanted to say I enjoy your show every morning on 1370 WFEA in Nashua, N H.  I heard you one day about Neil Diamond's song Craklin Rosie and it was a bottle of liquor he was talking about. Also, The Four Lads are still singing on the circuit; the only original member is Frank Busseri. I worked with your dad in the early 1950's in Boston, Mass. If it wasn't for him I would have never sung my song because I was so frightened on stage. He came out and put his arms around me and started to sing and I just followed. I was in love forever. I read your book but I can't seem to find it anywhere but the library. I would appreciate any list of stores where I might find a copy for myself. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I remain forever,

Jean Hines
Nashua, N H.


Hello Deana,

What made you write the book when you did and not earlier when your dad was still alive? My Father Harvey Korman did one of his roasts and told me he was one of his comic idols. I feel the same way about your dad as well. He really was the spine of Martin and Lewis and being the son of a celebrity I can relate to your stories about having to share him with the world. I loved your book; I read it in one day. Hope all is well with you and your family and that everyone is happy and healthy. Your father brought so much joy to so many; his legacy is one that will always be positive and it always brings a smile on my face when I hear your dad sing or watch one of his movies. You were blessed to have him as a dad even though at times he wasn't accessible emotionally the way you would have liked it, but you did have some special times with him and that’s what counts!

Take care and God bless you Deana!
Christopher

Hi Christopher,

Thank you for your kind words. I am glad you enjoyed my book as it took four very grueling years to write it and a lifetime to live it. As for why I decided to write it now...I have wanted to set the stories straight for a long time. I'm certain you understand that no matter how strong you feel as an individual, you want the public to know the truth about your family and not false stories that over time become reality. Also, I felt the timing was right...and for once I could make the time to commit to this very cathartic project.

We are both very fortunate to have such talented fathers. Your dad is brilliant. My father loved him and so do I. When you have the opportunity, please share our thoughts and our love with him. Thank you for your letter and please, stay in touch.

Best Regards,
Deana


Dear Deana:

Loved your book and all of us in Jersey love your dad.  With Jerry Lewis's new book many local memories of your dad are being recounted. In the book Jerry recalls performing with your dad at The Riviera Nightclub in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Well my Mom recalls your dad and Jerry clowning around in my Uncle's dry cleaning store on Main Street not far from the nightclub.  They brought a lot of laughter to this world. Your book and Jerry's make that laughter come alive again.

All the Best,
Tom Meyers

Hi Tom,

Thank you for you comments on our books. I do a duet with Jerry on my new CD and you can hear clips of the songs on deanamartin.com. I can only imagine how hysterical Dad and Jerry must have been in your Uncle's dry cleaning store. Please send my love to your Mother and tell her thank you for sharing her story.

Deana


Morning Deana,

I am a 4th grade teacher in Sacramento Ca and I listen to you and Les every single morning and tune in again on the way to work. They are closing KCTC this weekend and opening it as an all talk station!! I am so upset.  Is there another way I can listen to the broadcasts from Branson? Please help me, you guys are so wonderful! PS My son's name is Dean...after your sweet father. I am 58 yrs old and I really want to hear your music....please help me.  

Jean McCall

Hi Jean,

I will forward your email on to The Music Of Your Life corporate office. The show is available online at: musicofyourlife.com. Thank you for listening and please send my love to your Dean.

Deana


HI Deana,

Hear you on the radio often. Sounds like you are happy and successful.

Best wishes,

Murray Oxman

Hi Murray,

I am happy and I hope you are also.

Deana


Dear Deana,

Do you have an idea where I can get late live performances from Dean on DVD or VHS? I know what is offering on Amazon and so on but I really like to see some of his late Vegas shows. It is so sad that there is no chance for me as a truly fan to see this right now....HELP !!!

Thorsten


Hi Deana,

I Love Your Dad. In the early 60's all my contemporaries were buying The Beatles Records. NOT Me I was buying Dean's.
The first song I learned to sing was from Dean's 45 "Inamorata". I still have all my records and when I shop, if I see a record I buy it. Question:  Is Jerry Lewis's new book (Dean and Me) truthful? How did your Dad and Jerry get along after the reintroduction in 1976? I had seen Jerry on TV at an airport he looked very hurt because of Dean's passing at that time. I want to come and see your Dad's Festival next year. My Mom (83) lives with me now and she would love to see you and the festival events as much as I would. Thanks for this great site.

Yours,
Vincent


Hi Deana,

I've been catching your radio show here in Branson with Les Brown Jr. and wondering if you're planning to perform here, or if you've moved here. We need performers of your caliber to continue to move and work here.

Sincerely,

Tim Corbell


Ciao Bella!

I'm Italian, and I adore your father. Many time I prey for him. My Grandfather Mario, have your father's age, and he love him.
I would like to know, what your father told you, when you had to face a difficulty or the fear for something, like an examination or some hard decision about your life. How to advise you to face the life? Thank you Deana, and if you can, give my regards to Jeanne.

God bless you cara, always!
Monica Orsini


HI Deana,

Are you aware that a company called The Vermont Country Store specializes in hard-to-find items and it is offering Woodhue Cologne? I thought you'd like to know.  I loved your Dad and your book! 

God Bless!
Beverly Moody Lagroue


Hi Deana,

I would like to know whether your book "Memories are made of this" will be available at stores in Europe. It would be easier for me to get it as I come from Poland.

Best wishes.
Maja

Hi Maja,

Yes, my book "Memories Are Made Of This" is published in Europe by Pan Macmillan Ltd. Please check with your local bookstore.

Deana

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