Dean Martin

Singer, actor and comedian Dean Martin's smooth, easy-listening vocal style and laid-back, charming personality made him a beloved performer in a variety of entertainment mediums.

Martin began his career in the 1940s as a nightclub singer, rising to superstardom when teamed opposite comedian Jerry Lewis. Martin and Lewis headlined 16 feature comedies for Paramount; at the same time, Martin recorded as a solo act, notching hits including "That's Amore," "Memories Are Made of This," and "Everybody Loves Somebody."

After splitting with Lewis, Martin launched a lucrative career as a nightclub performer; he also proved his dramatic chops in films like The Young Lions, Rio Bravo and Some Came Running, the latter alongside Frank Sinatra. Together with Sammy Davis Jr. and other celebs, Sinatra and Martin additionally made headlines as the Rat Pack, the unrivaled kings of the Las Vegas Strip.

Martin borrowed Sinatra's acclaimed arranger Nelson Riddle for 1960's This Time I'm Swingin'!, an LP highlighted by "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You," later the opening theme song for the 1996 independent comedy Swingers. In the waning years of his career he turned to television, hosting NBC's popular variety program The Dean Martin Show from 1965 to 1974. Martin died on Christmas Day 1995 at the age of 78.