Dean Martin

NAME: Dean Martin (given name, Dino Crocetti)

BORN: June 17, 1917

COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS: born...Steubenville, Ohio (Jefferson County)

PARENTS: Gaetano Crocetti and Angela Crocetti

DIED: December 25, 1995

FAST FACTS:

During the 1930's, Martin was singing with the Ernie McKay Band at the State Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio when he was noticed by Sammy Watkins. Watkins took Martin to Cleveland where he quickly became a local celebrity. He changed his name to Dean Martin in 1940.

Martin got a big break when, in 1946, he was booked at the famous 500 Club (500 Cafe). Apparently, the management needed to find a replacement act, and Martin was given the chance. Jerry Lewis was also perfoming there, and over time, their famous act developed.