Elvis Presley and Dean Martin
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Elvis Presley among many other celebrities, worshipped Dino for his sublime cool and style that made every song he recorded memorable. Elvis was very influenced by Dean. In the early days, before Elvis was famous he was in and out of recording studios singing Dean’s songs trying to secure a recording contract, as Dean was his favourite singer and most of the records Elvis listened to were Dean’s. Later in his career Elvis would record several Dean songs, as a kind of personal tribute to the singer. Elvis was always humming Dean’s songs, and whenever he had free time he would sing Dean’s song to relax. Elvis was nervous before every show that he would forget the words to his songs, however, when spotting Dean in the audience of one of his shows, he launched into an impromptu rendition of “Everybody Loves Somebody.” The fact that Elvis was comfortable singing Dean’s song, but not his own, only proves his admiration for Dean. Elvis’ favourite song he released, “Don’t Be Cruel” is a close match to Martin’s, “Memories Are Made Of This” complete with Martin’s wobbly voice and gospel sound. Elvis’ “My Wish Cam True” has an almost identical four not motif to Martin’s “Return To Me”.

Elvis was not only influenced by Dean musically, as Elvis dyed his hair black to be like his idol who had that macho sex appeal.Elvis also bought his clothes from Dino’s tailor, Sy Devore, although in defference to Elvis he wore his differently.

For the first Dean Martin Show TV Special Dean had wanted Elvis to guest star but not surprisingly baulked at the Colonel’s asking price of $75,000 - a veritable fortune in the 1950s.

During the 60s Elvis used to drive past Dino’s Bel Air mansion on his motorcycle, never summoning up the courage to go in but still in awe that his idol slept within.

Elvis had heard that Dino golfed regularly at the Bel Air Country Club, so although Presley had never golfed he began staying in a house right on the links. One morning Presley spotted Dino getting ready to tee off. Just as Dean was about to swing, Presley waved to him; yelling, ‘Hey Dean! Hey Dean, it’s Elvis!” After Dino hit the ball he waved back to Presley. Jerry Schilling, best friend of Presley, warned him that interrupting someone just before they are ready to swing is bad golf etiquette. Presley didn’t take it well, and disappeared in his house,. He stayed indoors for the next 3 days because he was so embarrassed repeating to himself, “I don’t know about golf. I just wanted to say hello”.