After reading the dark bio of your dad by a guy I can't remember, I thought, "The wonderful, man I watched every week could NOT have been that sad and empty. I so wished that someone who really knew him and loved him could tell me what he was like. Many thanks to you and your brother Ricci for doing just that. Mainly, I just wanted to thank you, but since I have your ear, here's a question. Has your relationship with Jeanne suffered any after your book?

Thanks again!
Julie Sloan

Hello Julie,

My mother Jeanne is my rock. We are very close and I try to speak with her daily. She is the smartest and classiest lady I have ever known. Thank you for the kind words.

Deana

Could you please answer a question many people are asking over here in the UK?
Your father is singing a song with Helen O’Connell named 'How do you like your eggs in the morning?' it features in a TV add 'Breakfast in New York' advertising Tropicana orange juice.
The name of the record and any other info would be most welcome.

Thanks, Regards,
Brian Sheen (Chester UK)

Hi Brian,

The song you are looking for can be found on a CD Titled: Dean Martin His Greatest Hits and Finest Performances: The Capitol Years: (Disc 2).

Deana

No real question here, just hoping you'd enjoy my sharing something. I made your grandmother's pasta fagioli for lunch over the weekend, and my family & I enjoyed it very much. It's even better the next day.

THAT was so much fun that for dinner, we tried the barbecued steaks with olive oil that Ricci described in his book.

It was a kick to enjoy lunch and dinner with the Martins. Many thanks to both you & Ricci for sharing your memories with us. Your books are both very special. I've been enjoying your Dad's work for pretty much my whole life, and it's a true privilege to look into your hearts.

Hope this note finds you very well.

Bruce

Hello Deana,

I enjoyed reading your remarkable story. It was both uplifting and very emotional. My heart went out to all of you, but especially your mother Betty. She never recovered from the divorce or her alcohol abuse. That is very sad!

I was thrilled to hear that Jeanne took the three of you in and made you her own, however I felt sorry for Craig not being apart of your father's home. According to what I could make from your book, he grew up separated from the rest of you. I understand he was older and set with school, etc...But he seemed to be the black sheep of the family. Was that true or was he more involved in your lives? I know this wasn't his story, but my question is...did he ever develop a relationship with his/your dad?

I've had the pleasure to work with his wife, Donna Martin and was very happy to be on their Christmas card list. Several times I had to phone Donna on business and Craig answered. He sounded so much like your father it was amazing. Would you agree?

I've been a fan of Martin & Lewis, old Hollywood and the songs of that era as long as I could remember. I want to thank you for allowing me to walk in your shoes and sharing apart of this magical generation.

God bless you and your family.
Lois

P.S. I'm now reading Tina Sinatra's book.

Hello Lois,

Craig and dad had a wonderful relationship. As a matter of fact, Craig was, for many years, the associate producer of the Dean Martin show.

Deana

I just finished reading your book for the second time. What a beautiful tribute from a loving daughter. Somehow I have a hard time describing your Dad's allure, but it is like a magnet that pulls me in. My 12-year-old daughter had international week at her middle school recently, and when they honored Italy, they played Dean Martin songs. She said, "Mom, I knew every song thanks to you." Glad to hear your mom Jeanne and you still have a close relationship. But mostly happy that you turned out to be such a happy, well adjusted woman given your childhood struggles.
God Bless you and your family and thanks for sharing your dad with his adoring fans.

Lori Stoddard

Hi Deana,

I have loved Hollywood or Bust forever, starring the two famous guys in show business. Times have changed and movies aren't the same. I really missed that because I was born in 59". How many kids do you have, and what are their names?

Sincerely,
A. L. Kolakowski

Hi A. L.,

We have one very handsome and talented son named Mickey.

Deana

Hello Deana,

I am a huge fan of your father's at only 23. I first discovered your father's music about 3 or 4 years ago. There are only two entertainers that I ever felt an instant connection to. Your father being one and Elvis Presley being the other. As far as I'm concerned, you could get rid off all the music in the world as long as you don't take away Elvis and Dean Martin. That's how strongly I feel about those two. I just have to say one thing. On the "Live and Swingin'" DVD there is the most beautiful version of your father singing "Everybody Loves Somebody" that I have ever heard. Of Course he had to have some jokes squeezed in, :) but that made it all the more better. I only heard about your book about a month ago. I bought it, but unfortunately, I haven't read it yet. I have read the forward by Jerry Lewis. Maybe I'm crazy, but that made me cry. If the forward of a book can make me cry, then the book itself has to be really amazing!! Anyway, I bought two copies of the book, one for a friend of mine, an Elvis performer, who I wanted to give this book to as a gift. Every year, since I heard about the Dean Martin Festival, including this year, either school or work has kept me away. Nothing is stopping me from going next year and I am going next year for the first time. I saw that you were having a book signing at the festival this year. Since I cannot make it to the festival, I was wondering that if I sent the books to you, if you would be able to sign them for me? If so, what is the address I can send the books to?

Sincerely,
Brenda Nies

Hello Brenda,

In what part of the country do you reside? I am on a nationwide tour with the book and could possibly be in your area sometime soon. Please let me know and what ever it takes…I am happy to autograph your book. All the best.

Deana

I was wondering what Dean was like as a father? Also I would like to know if you had a good relationship with him?

Veronica

Hello Veronica,

I had a spectacular relationship with my father. All of your questions are answered in my book, ‘Memories Are Made Of This.’

Deana

Dear Deana,

Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your book. Also, I discovered that you can buy Faberge Woodhue cologne on eBay!

Carol

Hi Deana,

What was Dean like in person?

Danial

Hello Danial,

He was wonderful. Just exactly as he appeared to be on his television show.

Deana

Dear Deana,

I would love to have a copy of a painting of your Father, smoking, that appears at the end of the Variety show DVD's sold by Gunthy-Renker. Do you have any idea how I could find a copy.

Your father meant everything to me and I would like to have it on my wall in my office.

Thanks

Keith George

Hi Keith,

That painting was made from a photograph taken by the world famous photographer and a gentleman I was proud to call my friend, Sid Avery. You can find his work at MPTV, Motion Picture Television Archive, 818-997-8292 http://www.mptv.net/main/main_elements/mainpage.htm

Deana

Dear Deana,

My daughter is now age 34 and I named her after your Dad and spell her name exactly like yours. I have always been a fan of your Dad's and I have just completed reading your book. EXCELLENT!
Do you ever appear with your brother Ricci during his shows as we are attending his 4/16/05 show at the Sands in Atlantic City?
Do you ever expect to perform yourself in Jersey or New York?

Thanks Deana.
Your new friend,
Joe Kreher

Hell Joe,

I was on a concert tour in April. Ricci and I have not performed together, as of yet, but the combination of our two shows would probably be a knock out. And yes I have pending plans to perform in New York in December. I will post the information on my web site when it is confirmed.

Deana

Hello Deana,

I have just finished reading "Memories are made if this". I heard it mentioned on a local radio station in Sydney Australia where I live and found it was not available in the bookshops here so I purchased it from Amazon. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I remember, as a child sitting with my family watching "The Dean Martin Show" my parents loved watching his show. The radio station that I now listen to play "easy listening music" and Dean music sure fits that bill. Your book was very enlightening and I am glad you have found peace in knowing that your father was loved by so many. I lost my father in 1998 his birthday was 9 June.
Good luck in all your future ventures.

Cheers
Gwen

Deana,

What was your father's favorite song and what song was your favorite that he sang to you? I haven’t read your book yet so if it’s in your book my apologies!!

Thanks.
Nick Giurleo

Hello Nick,

There are so many of my father’s songs that I love so this is a very difficult question. ‘I Will” is certainly at the top of he list.

Deana

Can you tell me where I can purchase photos of your dad?

Bob DeSaro

Hello Bob,

My favorite place is the Motion Picture Television Achieve. Their telephone number and Internet address are as follows: 818-997-8292 http://www.mptv.net/main/main_elements/mainpage.htm

Deana

Dear Deana,

Thank you for the insightful, wonderful book. It must have been both joyful and sad writing about Dad, yourself and the family.

I met you at a book signing in Sarasota, Fl. You signed the book "to George, Dad's biggest fan" My wife Judy told you how I walked the floor with each of our three boys listening to Dad's beautiful baritone voice that was so soothing to the children and myself and I was always able get them to sleep!
Deana, thank you for sharing your bittersweet memories, you put together a lifetime of family life and did it wonderfully.

Hope to see you soon.

Sincerely
George Aquila

Hi George,

I remember meeting you in Sarasota. It was a pleasure. Thanks for the kind words and give my best to your wife Judy.

Deana

Deana,

Thank you for the book you wrote about your wonderful dad. At Patsy’s in NY, everyone stops me & tells me I look just like your dad. I also perform on stage as Dino. I would like to send you some pictures of myself so that you can see if I do or not.

Mercurio Caronia

Hi Mercurio,

Patsy’s is one of my favorite restaurants. I never miss going there while in New York. If you want to know if you look like my father, just ask Joe or Sal Scognamillo.

Deana

Hello,

I’m from Germany and my question is, whether this book will be translated in German??
I hope so!

Greetings,
Ninscha

Hello Ninscha,

I hope so too. My publisher in England is Pan Macmillan, 20 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RR. Their Internet address is: http://www.panmacmillan.com/. They are handling the international sales…why don’t you drop them a line.

Deana

I just read your book and Ricci's. Since I bought the Dean Martin tape set of his show, I've been going through a real bittersweet emotional roller coaster. I love the tape as does my mother, but the realization of Dean's departure saddens me. And yet all things come to an end. I will get out to one of your celebrations of his life in Steubenville, Ohio. I owe it to him for all the amazing entertainment he gave us. I really mean that! I have come to realize that he was ultimately the greatest entertainer that lived, bar none. I'm not just saying it. I lost my father at 79 after many mini strokes. He traveled the world, and made a small fortune, but like Dean he was surrounded by those who loved him. I'm proud of you getting your pilots license and I'm sure that Dean Paul looked after you on your solo. Have you seen Always??? If not please do. As a fellow private pilot I get choked up when I see it. I'm also happy that Ricci gave further details on how Dean Paul died...trying not to endanger innocent people. He did what all good pilots do…and that is to minimize risk to others.

Thank you for your book. I sent a note to Ricci asking him to share my emotions with the rest of the family. I'll never be the same after seeing those wonderful tapes.
I now play many of Dean's favorite songs on the piano and think of the tape of his 1983 concert in England. You have wet eyes seeing the pro still have it.. When he honored Ronald Reagan calling him Clutch ... and singing to him Mr. Wonderful. How can you not get choked up? Seeing him dance with Juliet Prouse in that routine. No one has ever come close to what he accomplished. One day maybe they will have tapes of Dean and Perry Como. They must have done a duet.

Bless you and your family,
Joseph Rene Dupont

PS.
I'd love to see that ad he did looking up from the papers.
It must have been precious.

Joe

Hi Joe,

I loved the movie ‘Always’. And you’re right Joe, I’m certain my brother Dean-Paul was looking after me on my solo flights…and still is. Thank you for your wonderful letter.

Deana

I think your dad was one of the greatest entertainers who ever lived, the first time I seen his show was in Las Vegas in 1976 at the MGM. My wife and I were on our honeymoon that year and I Made sure that we had front row seats that evening because we just didn't want to hear Dean we wanted to see Dean. We have been married now for 29 years and we still talk about that evening at the MGM...When he touched my wife’s hand that night I thought that she was going to faint, he was always my idol. I do a tribute to him in my shows, yes Deana I'm a part time entertainer. I do a tribute to Dean, Frank and Sammy in my act. I do other legends to, like Elvis, Bobby Darin, Louis Armstrong, Jerry Lewis and some times Al Jolson. I remember your dad singing like Jolson on his T.V. show back in the 1960's,it was great when Dean's song-Everybody Loves Somebody-was number 1 on the charts passing up the Beatles. I believe it was 1964 or 1965. Well Deana, I have great memories of your dad; he was a big part of my life. So remember everybody loves somebody and I love all of you...I hope I here from you soon.

Thanks for listening.

Angelo"Packy"Ciaravino.

I just finished "Memories are made of this" last night. I read the entire book in less than 24 hours, as I couldn't put it down. I am an avid reader of biographies and this is my all time favorite, and the first book that has brought tears to my eyes.

I wanted to let you know that when I was a kid I wrote to your dad to tell him how much I enjoyed his televised "roasts". I was thrilled when a month or so later, I received an autographed picture in the mail. It is currently framed and has a place of honor in my home.

My question to you is have you read the description of your Dad's reunion with Jerry Lewis at the 1976 telethon that Tony Orlando writes about in his autobiography "Halfway to Paradise"? Tony wrote that your father wasn't all that happy about being pushed into the reunion by Mr. Sinatra and walked off the stage after it was over. Again, I was only a kid but I remember watching that telethon and thinking that your Dad didn't look very happy to be there at the time. Can you give any more insight into the reunion?

Thanks again for a wonderful book.
Jim Cegielski

I was looking over the website for Dean's hometown in Ohio, I am a Big Gone With the Wind fan and travel to Cadiz every year for the annual birthday celebration. It is only about 20-30 miles away from Steubenville, I cannot believe all this time there have been these events and I never knew about them. I loved Dean and Jerry, I hated it so bad when they stopped working together and all the rumors of their bitter split were flying around.
I would love to come up some time for one of these events ...I just read today that this year's event will be held June 17 & 18, I am not sure I will be able to do that but I am looking into it.
I would like to know...I saw that you had a new book out and would be doing a book signing...did I read it correctly that it would be at a Kroger store?
Will they be selling your book there?
I think it is so wonderful that you travel out there for these events.
I hope to meet you some day.

Sincerely,
Patrisha

Hello Patrisha,

I will be doing book signings at Krogers and the Dean Martin Festival in Steubenville and at the Mountaineer Resort in Chester, WV. I look forward to seeing you there.

Deana

I can't begin to tell you how much I adored and still do adore your father. I grew up on Dean Martin. Every week we would all sit and watch his show and even though I was very young my heart always throbbed just to see him. I am 54 and still listen to his music and always did. They just don't make music like he use to do. Just wanted to say he is very missed by me and I have a room in my house with all pictures of him. He was the "greatest".

Angela Barchi

Dear Deana,

Many thanks for the lovely flowers you gave to us at the King Center Wed night. We gave the roses to Tom's 88-year-old mother who adored your father and she was thrilled. Thanks again and we look forward to seeing once more in Melbourne - we'll definitely plan for better weather for you next time.

Terrie & Tom Franco (Green Room Waiters)

Hi Deana,

Is Ricci's name pronounced Richie or Ricky? Is his given name Rico or Ricci? Sometimes in your book, your dad calls him Rico and otherwise it's Ricci?

You have a really wonderful husband!
Karen Johnson

Hello Karen,

My brother’s name is pronounced Ricky and his given name is Ricci James Martin. And thank you for your kind words about my husband. I am truly blessed.

Deana

I finished the book, a great read about a great guy. I live in England and would like you to sign my book. What address should I send it to? Better still…come to the UK for a book signing.

Lenny Gamblin

Hello Lenny,

I will be coming to England the end of this year and I’ll be happy to sign your book. I look forward to seeing you then.

Deana

Dear Deana,

I just started reading your book and I'm having a hard time getting past the pictures. Its like looking at my own father, whose resemblance to your father was STRIKING. When I was a young girl in the early 60's my friends used to come visit and ask, "is your dad Dean Martin?" And I’d proudly respond "yes". My dad sang, looked, and acted like your dad. When he passed away in March 03 listening to Dean Martin is like listening to him. I’m curious, I saw the name Ellis in your introduction of your book and I was wondering is that a relative? My father’s mother’s family is Ellis. Just wondering, maybe the resemblance wasn’t just coincidence.
My daughter just got married in August, and all the music was Dean Martin. ‘Sweet sweet, the memories you gave to me.... thank you.

Sincerely,
Cheryll Masciotra

Hi Deana,

I just wanted to let you know I've read your book and it is so wonderful. You are so fabulous. At my wedding all I played was dean martin music, I've grown up listening to him. My grandpa used to sing dean martin to us as children and Dean's music will forever hold a special place in my heart. Just a couple months before I got married my grandpa died, and listening to dean martin brings him back to life for me. Thank you so much for your beautifully written book.

Love,
Lyndsey Hoyle

Dear Deana,

I am 45 years old and ever since I was a teenager (12) I loved your father…his singing, his acting and his great looks. That love never died and I still play his music in the car, at home and at the radio station I work at as a hobby. At the station I always get lots of response to his music from my older listeners. I would love to have the book you wrote about your father. Do you know if it is for sale in Holland?
Thank you for keeping the memory of this fantastic man alive.

Love,
Rina from the Netherlands


Hello Rina,

Thanks for playing my father’s music and for your kind words. My book is available in most countries but I am not certain if it is available in Holland…yet! However, it is readily available online.

Deana

Dear Deana,

I have always loved your father and grew up with him I am now 63 and My question is can you tell me your fathers real name I belong to a music group and would love to answer it

Thank you so much,
Marlene

Hi Marlene,

My father’s real name is Dino Paul Crocetti

Deana

Dear Deana,

I just finished your book, “Memories Are Made Of This,” and thoroughly enjoyed you sharing those private moments about your mom, dad, and Jeanne, and your whole family. ‘For Your Love’ was and is a favorite song of mine. Did your beautiful mom ever receive recognition for that or any financial reimbursement? God bless your mom. My heart ached for her.. I would appreciate your answer Deana.

A fan of your dad's, and your mom's.

Marlene Shusta

Hello Marlene,

‘For Your Love’ is a beautiful song and no she did not receive the recognition that she so aptly deserved. Thank you for your kind thoughts.

Deana

Dear Deana,

Thank you again for your support and Kindness to Chase Vaccaro and Us in Steubenville, We had planned to see you in Clearwater Fl. but our schedule changed. Hope you will come to Tampa in the near future, Chase sends regards.

Best wishes to you,
Larry and Sandy Feldman

Deana,

What is the title of the number (duet with???) that goes like: ‘How do you like your eggs in the morning?.......I like the mine with a kiss’?? Please help, I love that number.

Stefan

Hello Stefan,

The title is ‘How D’Ya Like Your Eggs In The Morning?’ and he sang it with Helen O’Connell.

Deana

I’m a quite a new Dean Martin fan (about 5-6 yrs since I got a cd bought for me one Xmas) and have since become fascinated by the man as many have no doubt! I am converting the unknown into Dean Martin fans at family parties get togethers etc. I had your book bought for me at Xmas & Michael Freeland’s recently too! I found your book fascinating & slightly heartbreaking that you didn’t get as much time with your father as you would have liked! Would u rather he wasn’t so famous so he could’ve spent more time with you or do you feel he wouldn’t have been the man he was? I hope you don’t find this too personal a question.

Many thanks,
Paul Byrne from England

I’m a huge fan of your father and I would like to know if he had a favorite whisky brand and when which one this was??

Thanks and greetings from Germany
Oliver Schmid

Hello Oliver,

J & B Scotch… which he jokingly said, stood for Just Booze.

Deana

I grew up in the British colony of Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe in Africa, I am 50 years old and just want to say that Dean had a huge following throughout Africa then and now and we used to see his movies and "The Dean Martin Show". I am half Italian and love Dean's Italian songs.
Here are a couple of things that I would like to know.

Has Dean been to Africa?
Has he met Al Jolson and Guy Mitchell?
Is there any statue or plaque devoted to him in the Abruzzi? If there isn't there should be.

Dean is like a relative to me and millions of others and he lives on and is with us everyday in film and song.

Thank you Deana.
Ken Pearson

Hi Ken,

No, my father did not visit Africa. Yes, he did meet Al Jolson and I am not certain about Guy Mitchell. There is a plaque and a Piazza in my father’s name in Montesilvano, Italy, which is in the Province of Pescara.

Deana

Dino had made a poster (l’il Old Wine Drinker Me) where the bottles in the poster a production run?

Scott Shaw

Hello Scott,

Yes, they were.

Deana

Deana,

Are Dean Martin's Concerts available on DVD or Video? If so, where can I find them?

Sarah

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