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“In a tuxedo, I’m a star. In regular clothes, I’m a nobody.” So said Dean Martin, a man of many faces. Velvet-voiced crooner of some of the best songs of the 20th century. Hollywood movie icon. Genial TV show host. Wise-cracking comedian. Golden Globe winner. Welterweight boxer. Celluloid secret agent Matt Helm. The list goes on. Though his accompl...

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When you think of Dean Martin’s iconic song “That’s Amore,” you can probably hear the opening line used in so many classic movies play in your head; “When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore.”  However, fans of the song know the Rat Pack singer goes on to list another classic Italian dish: pasta fagioli (or pasta e fagioli). “...

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Comedian Red Buttons once quipped of Dean Martin and his songs, “Let me put it this way: If Dracula bit him in the neck, he’d get a bloody Mary!” While Martin did admit that he enjoyed his cocktails, he long asserted that his boozy, lazy image was more the stuff of legend. “Down deep, [people] know I’m not a lazy guy. If there’s ever a benefit [and...

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The last of the iconic quartet has departed. The alluring realm of the grand crooners has closed its doors, ending a golden era etched in the warmth, perfection, and emotional richness of hundreds of songs. Music and ambiance; an intimate, entrancing tone that required no special effects to capture the stage. Just the voice, the performance, the se...

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The annual Dean Martin Festival is important for Steubenville because it celebrates a hometown hero, but the ever-suave Dean Martin has been an influence for countless others. Visitors from across the nation, all united by a love for Dean Martin and his timeless legacy, make their way to Steubenville each year to take part in the festival and see o...

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June in Steubenville is busy. Summer concerts are in full swing, festivals and events are kicking off and soon, the annual Dean Martin Celebration will be here before we know it, this year taking place June 16 and 17. While I was working at Historic Fort Steuben, the Dean Martin event was something that the Visitor Center took pride in being a part...

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Italian-Americans have shaped and contributed to many aspects of American life. Our people historically have been a dominant force in the entertainment industry. From singers to musicians to actors, Italian-Americans have entertained and brought happiness to millions of people not only in America, but around the world. It is interesting to look at...

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We all have those legendary performers we wish we could have met in person. For me, the list begins with Jackie Gleason, Jimmy Stewart and James Cagney. Yet another name resonates as being at the top of my "wish I woulda met" list: The King of Cool, Dean Martin. Martin passed away Christmas Day, 1995. I thought I would share my experience with the...

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He was the “King of Cool,” an Italian American star whose casual magnetism and incomparable voice defined the Rat Pack style that influenced generations of American popular culture.  Now, Dean Martin’s hometown is seeking to honor him for all time with a larger-than-life statue at the heart of this once-bustling community.  In this week’s episode,...

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In 2015 I attended my first National Italian American Foundation Gala in Washington, DC. Somewhat intimidated by the size of the venue, the 2,000 hosts in tuxedos or evening gowns, and the importance of those in attendance, I discovered that at my table were CEOs and managers of the highest caliber, with their respective spouses.  My surprise was g...

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