Dean Martin: The Life and Times of the "Coolest Man Who Ever Lived"

Christened Dino Paul Crocetti, Dean Martin was initially interested in becoming a drummer when he dropped out of Steubenville High School in the tenth grade at the age of fifteen.  After working at numerous odd jobs including becoming a part-time amateur welterweight boxer using the name "Kid Crochet," Dean flirted with criminal activity for a time, working as a bookie and card dealer at local gambling joints and “running” liquor across state lines during the prohibition. Then at seventeen he began his show business career as a singer in nightclubs near Steubenville; clubs owned by the criminal element with whom he'd become acquainted.  Read more . . .