In the 1950s, Elvis Presley and Dean Martin were regarded as the “legends of legends,” ruling supreme in their respective music and Hollywood worlds. However, an encounter between the two icons took an unexpected turn.
Elvis, known for his outgoing demeanor, met Dean Martin’s daughter and expressed his true feelings about her crooner father right in front of her.
Were Elvis Presley and Dean Martin friends?
Dean Martin and Elvis Presley will forever shine as stars in the artistic sky. But were these giants actually friends? And what did they really think of each other behind the glitz and glamour?
Dean Martin was one of the influences on Elvis Presley’s singing style. Contrary to what some might think, it wasn’t just African-American singers who shaped Elvis’ sound. Elvis Presley was reportedly a big fan of Dean Martin and modeled his performance of ”Love Me Tender” after Martin’s style. Both Elvis and Martin shared a love for country music, which influenced their music and performances.
Elvis Presley’s Dean Martin cover
Elvis later covered other Dean-related songs, particularly during his live concerts in the 1970s. One notable occasion occurred in 1970 when Elvis spotted Dean in the audience at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. During the act, The King sang a sample of “Everybody Loves Somebody” in tribute.
Interestingly, Elvis did cover Dean’s songs early in his career. Elvis recorded the song “I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine” in September 1954 for his second Sun Records release.
Dean Martin’s song “Memories Are Made of This” became a great hit around 1955. If you can find it, it’s well worth a listen. Now, compare it to Elvis’ 1956 blockbuster single “Don’t Be Cruel,” which he always said was his favorite.
Aside from the obvious influence in the descending bass line and guitar chord conclusion that Elvis took directly from Martin’s arrangement, Elvis Australia exhibits several surprising similarities.
Crossed paths several times
While Elvis and Dean most certainly met multiple times, the sole known meeting — documented by photos — occurred on June 7, 1961, when Elvis joined Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine to celebrate Dean’s birthday.
Dean and Shirley were filming All in a Night’s Work at Paramount at the time, while Elvis was working on G.I. Blues in the same studio. Both films were produced by Hal Wallis, who most likely arranged for the two stars to meet for that memorable portrait. In the photo, Martin opens a gift next to his birthday cake that reads, “Happy Birthday to Dean from Hal.”
Meeting Dean Martin’s daughter
However, another meeting between Dean Martin and Elvis Presley has garnered considerably more interest. It happened in 1960, during a film shoot, when Dean was visited by his daughter, Deana Martin. Deana, who went on to become a musician like her father, recalled the moment years later.
“I almost d.i.e.d,” she admitted. “It has to be true, Elvis Presley thinks my dad is the King of Cool.”
