Nicknamed the " King of Cool ", he is regarded as one of the most popular entertainers of the midth century. They performed in nightclubs and later had numerous appearances on radio and television and in films. Following an acrimonious ending of the partnership in , Martin pursued a solo career as a performer and actor. He established himself as a singer, recording numerous contemporary songs as well as standards from the Great American Songbook.
Martin became one of the most popular acts in Las Vegas and was known for his friendship with fellow artists Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Starting in , Martin was the host of the television variety program The Dean Martin Show , which centered on Martin's singing and comedic talents and was characterized by his relaxed, easy-going demeanor.
From to , Martin was roastmaster on The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast , a popular show that drew celebrities, comedians and politicians. Throughout his career, Martin performed on concert stages, in nightclubs and audio recordings and appeared in 85 film and television productions and sold 12 million records in the United States alone, over 50 million worldwide. Martin's best-known songs include " Ain't That a Kick in the Head?
Gaetano, who was a barber, was originally from Montesilvano, Pescara , and Angela was born December 18, , in Fernwood, Ohio. Angela's father, Domenico Barra, emigrated from Monasterolo, Bergamo. Martin had an older brother Guglielmo "William" Antonio Crocetti β His prizefighting earned him a broken nose later straightened , a scarred lip, many broken knuckles a result of not being able to afford tape used to wrap boxers' hands , and a bruised body.
Of his 12 bouts, Martin said that he "won all but The two reportedly charged people to watch them bare-knuckle box each other in their apartment, fighting until one was knocked out. Martin knocked out King in the first round of an amateur boxing match. At the same time, he sang with local bands, calling himself "Dino Martini" after the Metropolitan Opera tenor Nino Martini.
