13
Dec
Dean Martin a Las Vegas Legend
Dean Martin (June 7, 1917 – December 25, 1995) was an Italian-American singer, actor and comedian, being one of the most famous musical artists of the 1950s and 1960s. As one of the leaders of the “Rat Pack” he was a leading star in four show business areas: concert stage & night clubs, recordings, motion picture, and television. Nicknamed the “King of Cool” he was an unofficial ambassador of the large Italian – American community.
Dean Martin was the most popular entertainer in a showroom in Las Vegas. In the 1960s, Dean and his “Rat Pack” members, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford made entertainment history performing their improvised nightly shows at the illustrious Sands Hotel & Casino.
During the 1970s, Dean would mostly perform at the Riviera Hotel and at the newly opened MGM Grand that would be purchased later on in 1986 by Bally’s. His performances at Bally’s were frequently televised from the Celebrity room on the Las Vegas Strip. He performed more concerts in the famous showroom than any other performer.
During his “Rat Pack” period in the 1960s, Dean appeared in a movie about life in Las Vegas, called “Ocean’s 11”, filmed at various hotels and locations in Vegas daytime. At night, he continued to perform at the Sands Hotel.
For more than three decades, Dean was among the most popular performers in Las Vegas. His daughter, Gail, also sang in Vegas and on his TV show.
Along with the “Rat Pack” Dean was legendary for his performances in Las Vegas with Las Vegas room crowded with people anxious to see them each and every time. After his appearance in the 1975 film Mr. Rico he only performed live in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
When Dean died on Christmas morning 1995 at the age of 78, the lights of the Las Vegas Strip were dimmed in his honor. As a tribute to Dean, in 2005 Las Vegas has changed the name of Industrial Road to Dean Martin Drive.
photo credit: cliff1066™
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This entry was posted on Sunday, December 13th, 2009 at 5:10 pm and is filed under Las Vegas Shows. Follow the comments through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can post a comment, or leave a trackback.
