Written By: Liz Ronk
In the early- to mid-1960s, Dean Martin emerged as one of the most popular entertainers on the planet, starring in major films, knocking the Beatles off the top of the charts with what would become his trademark tune, “Everybody Loves Somebody,” defining an entire new genre of cool with Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack, starring in his own long-running TV variety show — achieving all of this with the air of a man who had just woken from a nap and was still charmingly groggy.
In 1958, meanwhile, when the pictures in this gallery were made, Dino — while famous as one-half of the Martin & Lewis comedy duo — had not yet crossed over into genuine superstardom. But he was certainly enough of a draw that LIFE magazine devoted a photo-filled seven-page feature to the man they dubbed “Make-a-Million Martin.”
[To] his skillfully used musical and comedy talents, he adds an ebullience that pervades everything he does. . . . Uninhibited, spry of mind and muscle, he maintains a state of relaxation that “makes Perry Como look like a nervous wreck.”
Keeping carefree appears to be the common denominator of the many Martins — showman, businessman, prankster, family man, self-styled hell-raiser and Hollywood social lion. In each role he works hard at making hard work look easy.
On what would have been his 97th birthday (b. June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio) LIFE pays tribute to one of show business’ enduring — and most laid-back — legends.
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
![Japing for Judy [Garland], Dean charges onto stage, followed by Sinatra. To make amends for heckling Garland from audience, they contributed their talents to act.](https://qa-static.life.com/wp-content/uploads/migrated/2014/05/140529-dean-martin-12-1024x702.jpg "Dean Martin 1958")
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra, 1958.
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean and Jeanne Martin 1958
Allan Grant The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Dean Martin 1958
LIFE Magazine
Dean Martin 1958
LIFE Magazine
Dean Martin 1958
LIFE Magazine
Dean Martin 1958
LIFE Magazine
