DEAN MARTIN LEGACY VIA DEANA MARTIN

It’s been a running thing for years that my friend Susan Liben, who has been more than an avid fan of Dean Martin, wants to team up with me, an avid fan, but not necessarily a follower, of Jerry Lewis.   Susan knows all of Dean’s songs and life.   I can do a pretty good imitation of Jerry Lewis…really.  

Dean Martin has “passed on” some years ago leaving his legacy to his daughter, Deana, a singer and performer.    I did meet her when Susan and I attended an annual Dean Martin festival in Steubenville, OH.   Now here she was performing at Feinstein’s at the Regency Hotel, which may be the last of the legit nightclubs in New York City.  

Deana was joined by her talented band: Vincent Falcone conducting and at the piano; Lincoln Millman on the bass; Ted Sommer on drums and Bucky Pizzarelli on the guitar. 

The night brought songs such as Mack The Knife, Volare, Return To Me, Ain’t That A Kick In The Head, That’s Amore and The Lady Is A Tramp.   Deana talked about her father and members of “The Rack Pack”.   Memories Are Made Of This…and yes, that was sung as well.  

She came out into the audience to have us participate in That’s Amore and brought up three women from the crowd to join her in Memories Are Made of This as they sung the line, “sweet, sweet, the memories you gave to me”.

Her father’s humor came through during her banter.    No, she doesn’t sound like Dean and that’s okay. However, she does do his schtick of taking a sip of what is supposed to look like a martini.   

Deana had written a book entitled, “Memories Are Made Of This”, Dean Martin through his daughter’s eyes, soon to be movie.    It looks as if Jennifer Love Hewitt will portray Deana and rumor has it that Johnny Depp will take the Dean role although Deana said that it was still open. 

We also got a glimpse into a future recording of her singing a duet with her father.  Dean Martin was on screen singing, “True Love”  as Deana sang her part.  

Some celebs were there that evening including Pia Zadora and Sal Scognamillo, chef of the famous Patsy’s restaurant.   Sal brought sample bottles  of his sauces.   

Photos:  Susan and Deana;  Deana and her husband, John; Bucky Pizzarelli;  Pia Isadora; Sal Scognamillo

You can check out the schedule of entertainment at Feinstien’s by going to www.feinsteinsattheregency.com