|

I truly appreciate hearing from
you and am happy to answer questions regarding my dad,
my life and my career. Please submit your questions
here
and I'll answer them as soon as I can.
I've been hard at work writing my memoir over the past
year and apologize for not answering questions more
promptly. If you can just bear with me for a bit
longer, I will answer your questions and get them posted
within the next few weeks. Thanks in advance for
your understanding. Previously answered questions
appear below.
Deana,
I have just finished reading your book. I have never
read a biography before as I have never been interested
in anyone enough to want to know more about him or her,
that was until your book came out. I am one of the newer
Dean Martin fans at the young age of 31. I love the
music and his appearance always reminds me of my own
grandfather (also of Italian origin) who passed away
in 1990. It was great to hear the stories and in some
ways comforting to know that even Dean was not perfect.
My Nan (84) regularly listens to his music when visiting
my house and taps her toes along to the songs and sings.
If I ever put any Frank Sinatra music on she always
tells me to 'turn that rubbish off'. Dean was a truly
amazing man and you have written a truly amazing book.
Thank you also for the recipe of Grandma Angela's Pasta
Fagioli!
Thank you,
Stuart
Hello Stuart,
Please, send my love to your Nan.
Deana
Deana,
What a beautiful book you wrote about your father. It
is so down to earth. We all fantasize about being the
child of a super star, and you give us the real story.
My question is, will there be more DVD's of your Father's
shows coming out? I have "That's Amore" and I play that
on my DVD player all the time, I love looking at his
gorgeous face. Please let me know if there are such
plans. Thank you. P.S. He would be very proud of you.
Most Sincerely,
Dorothy
Hi Deana,
I just finished your wonderful book I have to say that
not just because I love your Dad but it is the best
book I have ever read. I felt like a part of your family
when I was reading it. Thanks for keeping your Dad's
name alive. Keep up the great work. Do you know if you
will be coming Michigan?
Thanks,
Ron
Deana,
Where can I find the movie Sergeants 3?
Hi Stacy,
At the present time, I’m sorry to say, it is not available
for sale on DVD or VHS.
Deana
Dear Deana,
Your book is a testament to your father's greatness.
It is the memoir that every Dean Martin fan has been
waiting for. It is honest, insightful, and well written.…
I must end by saying that if you didn't give Grandma
Angela's recipe for pasta fagioli I would have been
disappointed…. My love of golf is something I truly
have in common with your father. Ciao Deana.
Respectfully,
Tom Cagganello
Deana, I had worked in the recording industry for 20
years before moving on to NBC in New York. During that
span I worked with just about everyone from your Uncle
Frank to the Rolling Stones. My wish during those years
was to meet and work with your Dad. Unfortunately for
me that never happened. Your Dad's music was always
a part of our home. As fellow Italians all of my family
loved your Dad. My wife gave me your book and I could
not put it down. Thank you for all the memories. Your
Dad along with "Uncle" Frank are the ICONS that will
always be remembered.
Pete Maiorino
Hello,
Do you have any book signings up here in Toronto, Ontario
Canada?
Thank you in Advance.
Peter (Big fan of Dean)
Hello Peter,
I am looking forward to many wonderful book signings
in Canada, as soon as it warms up.
Deana
My husband and I would like to make the trip to Steubenville
this year. What date is the festival scheduled for in
2005?
Thank you
Carmela
Hi Carmela,
The festival information is posted on my web site and
this year will be held on June 17th, 18th and 19th I
hope to see you there.
Deana
Just finished your book. I really enjoyed it. Sad at
times but being a well know family doesn't keep sorrows
from happening. Faith in God really helps keep us strong.
My Dad did the same think to me in regard when I did
something for him he would give me money ten to twenty
dollars. This was in his later years. My Father died
in May 1996. He was a heavy smoker for over 50+ years.
Thank you for your book
Kathy Yallop
Will you be in Indiana for a book signing. And when
is the festival this year I want to come
Hello Debi,
I hope to be coming to Indiana later this summer. My
book signings are posted on my web site under Appearances
and Events. The festival information is posted on my
web site and this year will be held on June 17th and
18th and I hope you are able to attend. It’s a lot of
fun.
Deana
Dean Martin is my absolute most favorite entertainer!
I want to make plans for the 2005 upcoming festival.
I saw you on Regis & and Larry King,
It’s always a pleasure!
Bud
Deana:
This is Robert and Carole from Dallas, Texas. I hope
all is well. I see that your book is a smashing success
as it should be, and will soon be heading for a third
printing.
Will see you and John in Steubenville.
Robert
Dallas, Texas
Hi Deana,
I live in Liverpool UK. I am reading your very interesting
book ''Memories Are Made Of This'' and find it very
enjoyable. I obtained it from my local library. It is
sad, yet at the same time very honest and truthful and
a wonderful tribute to your father and mother who both,
in spite of their difficulties, loved their children.
Hello Deana:
We have just finished reading your book and enjoyed
hearing the inside story. Unfortunately, I left it at
our ski chalet and won't be back there for a couple
of weeks. I would love to make your pasta e fagioli
soup as a surprise for my husband before then. It's
his favorite too! Any chance that you might send it
along or post it to your website? It would be greatly
appreciated.
Best wishes,
Kathryn
Deana,
I just want to say that I've always enjoyed Dean. He
was one of those guys no matter what he would do whether
it was comedy, singing, dancing or just being himself
he made me feel good.
My question to you is that myself being Italian did
Dean ever take you and the rest of the family to Italy
for holidays or to meet family.
Nick
Hi Nick,
Unfortunately, we never had the opportunity to travel
to Italy as a family.
Deana
Deana,
I have e-mailed you before and you e-mailed back with
rapid response thank you! Now my question is would it
be better to come too Ohio on Dean Martin Day June 7
or for the festival June 17-20? Do you know how bad
I want to meet you; it will bring me that much closer
to my ultimate hero Dino! Just to give you some info
I am 23, turned it on 1/16/05.I live in Minnesota, St.
Paul. I haven't had a hobby since I was 16 and now found
one spectacular hobby! Dino Darling
I hope I get to meet you when my grandma Betty and I
come to Ohio for either Dean Day, or the festival!
Hi Jamie,
The festival will be the most fun. This year it will
be on the weekend of June 17th.
Deana
Deana,
I'm 22 and living in Dublin (Ireland, I just finished
"Memories are made of this" and I enjoyed every single
word of it! I respect your honesty about your wonderful
Dad and also your devotion to him! When are you coming
to Dublin??? Oh and congratulations on the book, I’m
sure it will be a success!!!!
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
We were in Dublin last year and it is beautiful. We
hope to return for a book signing in the future.
Deana
Hi Deana,
I was just wondering if there is going to be a "Dean
Martin Day" festival any time this year in 2005? I am
a huge fan and if you could write me back to let me
know, that would be greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Anthony
Hello Anthony,
The festival information is posted on my web site and
this year will be held on June 17th and 18th and I will
definitely be there.
Deana
HI Deana,
I really enjoyed watching your father's TV show and
the roasts. I also remember seeing him in concert for
HBO in the 1970's do you know if that concert will be
released on DVD or if it already is. I would love to
buy it.
Thanks
Denise
DEAR DEANA,
I HAVE THE WONDERFUL NEWS THAT YOUR BOOK WILL BE MY
SOON TO BE BIRTHDAY PRESENT-CAN’T WAIT- I AM THAT 48
YR OLD SALOON SINGER FROM NEW ORLEANS WHO IDOLIZED YOUR
DAD- MY QUESTION CONCERNS HIS WONDERFUL MOVIE- TOYS
IN THE ATTIC SHOT IN MY HOME TOWN - DID YOUR DAD HAVE
ANY OPINIONS ABOUT MY CITY- AND WHAT A GREAT PERFORMANCE
HE GAVE- I THINK ONE OF HIS BEST AND CERTAINLY
UNDERATED.
SINCERELY, CHRIS
Hello Chris,
Dad loved New Orleans, the fabulous food and the music.
Deana
Deana,
How was it to grow up with your dad, Dean?
In school or so.
Everybody loves somebody...
Stefan from Sweden...
Hi Stefan from Sweden,
You can read all about it in my book, “Memories Are
Made Of This.”
Deana
Hello Deeeeeeeeeena!!!
I love the story how your father wrote your name differently
each time. I enjoyed your book immensely, and am grateful
for the "years" of your life that you dedicated to writing
such a treasure!
I just turned 40 this year and have enjoyed watching
and listening to your father since childhood. When the
other kids were outside roller skating or playing hide-n-seek
on Sundays, I was inside watching a Martin & Lewis
movie to get a glimpse of the handsome man named Dean
-- and I was only 10 years old!
Fondly, years later, I met your father at La Famiglia
restaurant in Beverly Hills. My sister, grandmother
and I noticed your father, and after finishing his meal,
he graciously accepted my request for an autograph on
the back of the restaurant's business card. Never have
I requested an autograph from a celebrity, before or
since, but I felt this would be a treasure, reminding
me of the wonderful evening that I met your father.
The kicker of the evening was that he said in Italian
(translated by the maitre d) how beautiful my blonde
sister was. My brunette heart was a little broken that
he didn't say anything about me since I was the larger
fan, but for the rest of my life my heart will be filled
with the wonderful memory of meeting Dean Martin.
I was saddened to hear of Claudia’s passing ˆ my condolences
to you and your family....
Thank you Deana, for sharing personal memories of your
father and your family. It's a treasure that all Dean
Martin fans will forever appreciate.
Respectfully,
April Glatzel
P.S. I made a mental note of the name of your father's
cologne while reading your book, and was heartbroken
to read at the end of the book that the scent had been
discontinued. Are you aware of any cologne that is similar
to the Faberge Woodhue that he wore?
Hi April,
I am sad to say, I have never found a fragrance that
even comes close.
Deana
Deana,
I really enjoyed your book - much more so than some
of the other books on your dad that have been on the
market. Thank you so much for sharing your memories
of your dad with us. He was one of the best and will
never be forgotten!
Cynthia
Hello Deana,
Your book is amazing. It's fascinating to get a glimpse
into what your dad was like off of the stage. A remarkable
man. A remarkable family. You have been truly blessed.
In your book I saw the most beautiful and breathtaking
photo of you father. It's a silhouette on him on stage,
with the spotlight shining down on him. The photo credit
does to Ernest Reshovsky. I'd love a copy of it for
my husband for Valentine's Day, but am unable to find
it anywhere on the internet. Any ideas? You help is
greatly appreciated.
Deana,
I read your book and thought it was fantastic. I would
like to know if you ever plan a trip to Las Vegas in
the future to do any book signings? Also do you know
if Las Vegas ever plans to do any kind of tribute to
your father and the Rat Pack? I heard a few years ago
they were, but somehow it all was put on hold. Thank
you, Kevin
I'm a very big fan of your fathers work and throughout
his career he wore a watch that had like a special bracelet
strap. I have been after one similar for a while with
no luck, I was wondering if he had it specially made
for him....
Many Thanks,
Wayne
Dear Deana,
I just got finished reading your book Memories are make
of this. I enjoyed every page. I adored your dad very
much. I did not have the privilege of seeing your dad
perform and I cried when he passed away. I just got
married and did not go on a honeymoon yet so I want
to try to go to Steubenville, think that will be the
closest I will come to being part of Mr. Dean Martin
history.
Hello Dina,
My first question is how old was Jeannie when she took
you 4 kids in? And how old was Jeanne when she had her
first son? And finally what is the name of the song
Dino sings in a music video with a whole bunch of girls
in sunglasses playing instruments while Dino sings around
the pool?
Hello Jamie,
The song was “Since I Met You Baby”-and as for Jeanne’s
age…she was in her early 20’s.
Deana
Ciao, Bella!
How about coming to the Easton bookstore owned by my
future daughter-in-law's family, for a signing?
I asked for your book for Christmas after seeing you
on the Today show.
The Faiellas have adored the Martins for as long as
we can remember. When your father, Dean, was lost to
this Earth that Christmas, we played his music all day
and sang and danced.
Your book was a pleasure to read; as if we were having
Espresso and you were telling me a story.
Now, that's amore!
I laughed when he came down to greet your date with
toilet paper trailing, as he left, and I cried when
you made him Pasta e Fajoli.
Your book...Che bellezza!!!
Buon Anno, Amiga Mia:
Silvina Faiella Miller
Ciao Silvina,
I’d love to come to Easton for a book signing. I’ll
send the information to my publicist Jeffrey Lane.
Deana
Deana,
will you be at this year’s dean martin festival in Steubenville?
Will you be signing your book (also selling your book
there)? I saw your brother perform but he didn’t bring
any books I was very disappointed.
Thank You,
Tom
Hello Tom,
Yes I will definitely be at the Dean Martin Festival
in Steubenville this year. And yes I will be signing
books. I hope to see you there. It is always a lot of
fun.
Deana
Deana,
I had frankly never realized or thought about Dean Martin's
children (I'm only 27) and I was very pleased to come
across this site and opportunity. I adore your father's
work and I am (ha-ha, I swear) drinking wine and listening
to one of your father's records as I type. My question,
and nature of Internet query, is why can I not find
an official Dean Martin box set? Is there one? Is one
in the works? Are there any hold ups? I would think
a box set would be something that Capitol or Reprise
would have surely done by now, as he is truly one of
the greats. I require such a thing in my life. Please
let me know if you find the time.
Thank you,
Colton brown
Hi Colton,
I am happy to report that Capitol is in the process
of assembling a Dean Martin boxed set. It should be,
if all goes well, just a matter of time.
Deana
Hello Deana,
I just finished your book and I wanted to let you know
how much I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing
your memories with us. Your father's music always brings
a smile to my face and my mother's as well.
Love,
Donna
Deana,
I live in England with my 7-year-old son (I am 29).
I am a big "Rat Pack" fan and my son is now beginning
to learn the songs and loves them too. Do you think
your dad would be surprised and pleased that he continues
to inspire the younger generation like this? He will
live on in our hearts and minds through his voice and
his image - there will never be another like him and
I only wish I had known him as you did.
Victoria
Hello Victoria,
My father would have definitely been very pleased and
proud. Pleased for the new fan and proud of his new
fans mother.
Deana
Hi Deana: I've also recently read your book "Memories"
and enjoyed the insight into Dean Martin...fascinating.
My question is: are any of his movies available on video
today? I live in Ontario, Canada, and would love to
be able to get some copies of these movies. Thanks in
advance for any info you can provide.
Helen
Deana,
I just finished your book about your Dad. I felt your
loss just as I did for my father who died in 1977. I
wish I had written something for him as heartwarming
as yours. You know, I probably think of your father
more often than my own. I have been receiving the DVD's
of Dean Martin's Variety Show and laugh like I don't
remember when. I have many CD's of him that I listen
to constantly with a warm feeling in my heart. Thank
you for sharing him with us again/still! He definitely
was larger than life and thank you very much, still
lives on today!
Bless you Deana!
Shannon
Deana,
I am 59, single mom with a son 35 years old. I live
in Oklahoma City, OK and have all my life. Your Dad
is the only voice I truly enjoy listening to, next to
my Dad's. My dad was so similar to your dad. Not only
in looks, but my dad's voice was a beautiful voice.
He was a novice singer and guitar player and when I
listen to your Dad I visualize a time when the world
was so innocent and lovely to live in. Like you, my
Dad was a pilot. I just read your book and was so compelled
to look at the website for the festival. My girlfriend
works at SW airlines and I'm going to tell her to book
us for a trip to the festival this year. Deana, thank
you for a memorable story of your life, your Dad and
all the wonderful memories that you shared with the
world. I hope I get to the festival and I hope I get
to see you.
Regards,
Marlene Sanders
Dear Deana,
I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoy listening
to your dad's cd's and watching him on DVD.
I have a 2 year-old and an 11 year old that, no matter
how many times they watch the DVD, they are glued to
the television while watching your dad and Jerry Lewis.
Debbie
Deana,
if you were to ask your dad what his favorite pasta
meal and favorite wine is what would he say? Because
I'm going on a date with this gentleman who loves Dino
as much as me and wants to cook for me. Have a Dino
night. Thanks ever so much!!!!
Jamie - Biggest Dean Fan!!!!
DEAR DEANA,
NOT A QUESTION, BUT A COMMENT- STARS OF TODAY THOUGH
TALENTED, ARE MISSING 2 COMPONENTS THAT WERE SO ABUNDANT
IN YOUR DAD-AND FOR THAT MATTER HIS RAT PACK BUDDIES-
CLASS AND CHARISMA- BOTH YOU AND RICKI MENTION IN YOUR
BOOKS THE WAY HIS PRESENCE WAS FELT BY OTHERS WHEN HE
JUST WALKED INTO A ROOM- AND READING YOUR BOOKS SHOW
THAT AT LEAST WITH YOUR FATHER- THAT FEELING WAS REAL
AND NOT ANY KIND OF PUT ON. ALSO WHAT MADE YOUR FATHER
STICK OUT EVEN MORE AS I MENTIONED IN A PREVIOUS LETTER-
HIS DOWN TO EARTH-NESS AND APPROACHABILITY- WHEREAS
ONE MIGHT THINK TWICE ABOUT RUNNING UP TO FRANK SINATRA
AND PUMPING HIS HAND- I’M SURE YOUR DAD ALWAYS MADE
IT EASY FOR HIS FANS- DEANA, AS A LOYAL NOW 48 YEAR
OLD FAN PLEASE DONT THINK I AM PHONY WHEN I TELL YOU
I LOVED HIM, HIS MUSIC, HIS ACTING AND MY WHOLE INTEREST
IN MUSIC AND SINGING IN MY NATIVE NEW ORLEANS, WAS THANKS
TO MY IDOLIZING DINO AND WANTING TO BE LIKE HIM- GOD
LOVE YOU AND YOURS AND THANKS FOR SUCH A BEAUTIFUL,
FRANK AND LOVING BOOK.
Deana,
When are you coming to New York to do a book signing?
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
I’ve been to New York twice so far for signings, and
they were wonderful events. I’m sorry you missed them.
All of my signings are posted on my web site and constantly
updated as new events are added. I will be returning
to New York for more signings later this summer, but
the dates have not as yet been set. I hope to see you
then.
Deana
hello, je suis un tres grand admirateur de votre pere
et ce depuis quarante ans!!
est ce que votre livre sera traduit en francais??
ce serait une tres grande joie a bientot de vous lire
Bon Jour Gerard,
Nous sommes au milieu de negotiations pour traduit le
livre en Francais,
en Italien et en Allegmangne. J'espere que tout sera
accomplit a la fin
de l'annee 2005. Je m'excuse que mon Francais n'est
pas parfait.
Deana
Return
to the current Ask Deana article
|