He began touring with Watkins in 1938, and in 1940, changed his name to Dean Martin. During a stint with the Ernie McKay band, he was noticed by Cleveland bandleader Sammy Watkins, who hired him as the band's featured vocalist. Martin began his show business career at age 17, singing in Ohio nightclubs near his hometown. He attended Grant Elementary School in Steubenville, Ohio, and took up the drums as a hobby as a teenager.Īfter dropping out of Steubenville High School in the 10h grade, Martin worked odd jobs, including a part-time job as an amateur welterweight boxer under the name "Kid Crochet." Martin also dabbled in illegal activities, including driving liquor across state lines during prohibition, selling lottery tickets, acting as a bookie and working as a card dealer and croupier in local gambling joints. Martin was the youngest of two sons, the oldest being Bill Crocetti, born to Italian immigrants. Early LifeĪctor and singer Dean Martin was born Dino Paul Crocetti in Steubenville, Ohio on June 7, 1917. The team split in 1956, and Martin joined the Rat Pack - also including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford - in Las Vegas stage shows and on film. There he met Jerry Lewis and they started a long-running comedy partnership on radio, television and film. Dean Martin entered the nightclub circuit and landed a contract with MCA to sing in New York City.
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