“You’re Nobody ‘Till Somebody Sculpts You!” (from https://italianamericanpodcast.com/)
We are very happy to welcome our new collaborator, Madeline Northup! Madeline wrote this interesting piece about Dean Martin published on the Italian American Podcast, episode 246. The link to the episode is at the bottom, and you can also subscribe to the podcast. Enjoy!
Madeline Northup
No Italian American household is complete without the melodious voice of Dean Martin wafting through each warm, brightly lit room. Even if one is not familiar with the “King of Cool’s” smooth tone, they are sure to be as the holiday season fast approaches and radio stations begin to play the classic, “A Marshmallow World.” Hailing for Steubenville, Ohio, a small mining and steel mill town located just thirty-three miles west of Pittsburgh, the young Dean Martin grew up in the town’s gambling halls and underground nightclubs before making his big break with musician Ernie McKay. Martin, born Dino Crocetti to an Abruzzian father and second generation Lombardian mother, never forgot his hometown, as he donated his time and money to its upkeep throughout his life. This podcast linked below, from the Italian American Podcast of We the Italians, explores the life and legacy of Dean Martin, and how Steubenville is honoring his memory today with plans to build a statue in the heart of the town. Donations are currently being accepted in the form of checks made payable to “Old Fort Steuben Inc.” with “Dean Martin Statue Fund” in the memo line, and can be sent to Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd Street, Steubenville, Ohio 43952.