In the 1950s, Elvis Presley and Dean Martin were considered the “legends of legends,” both reigning supreme in their respective worlds of music and Hollywood. But one encounter between the two icons took an unexpected turn.
Elvis, known for his bold personality, came face-to-face with Dean Martin’s daughter — and shared what he truly thought of 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. Few have had as much impact on music, Hollywood, and the hearts of Americans as these legendary figures.
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.
Marion Keisker, who worked as the office manager at Sam Phillips’ Sun Records studio in Memphis, remembers Elvis’ first audition with Sam Phillips didn’t exactly go as planned.
When Sam asked Elvis to run through some songs, Marion couldn’t help but notice how much of Elvis’ set was basically Dean Martin’s greatest hits. She even thought to herself, “Well, if Elvis is gonna sound like anyone, looks like he’s decided it’s gonna be Dean Martin!” So, instead of reinventing rock ‘n’ roll, it seemed like Elvis was aiming for a crooner vibe.
Elvis Presley’s Dean Martin cover
Elvis would later cover several songs associated with Dean, especially during his live concerts in the 1970s. One memorable moment was in 1970, when Elvis saw Dean in the audience at the International Hotel in Vegas. In appreciation, The King sang a snippet of “Everybody Loves Somebody” during the set.
Interestingly, Elvis also covered Dean’s songs early in his career. One example is the song “I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine,” which Elvis recorded in September 1954 for his second release on Sun Records.
While Dean had released the song in 1950 and it appeared in his 1953 movie Scared Stiff, it’s believed that Elvis may have heard it while working as an usher at Loew’s State Theatre in Memphis. However, since Elvis lost that job in May 1952, it’s more likely he heard the song at the movies, as he was a frequent moviegoer.
Around 1955, Dean Martin had a huge hit with ”Memories Are Made of This.” If you can find it, it’s definitely worth a listen. Now, take a moment to compare it to ”Don’t Be Cruel,” Elvis’ 1956 smash hit that he always said was his favorite.
Aside from the obvious influence in the descending bass line and guitar chord ending that Elvis borrowed directly from Martin’s arrangement, Elvis Australia reveals that there are some striking similarities.
Crossed paths several times
For example, both tracks feature that smooth, almost hiccupping baritone vocal that wasn’t quite “rock” until Elvis made it his own. Plus, Martin’s innovative use of a four-piece male gospel group clearly inspired Elvis, who was steeped in gospel music himself. Elvis eventually brought in the Jordanaires to accompany his lead vocals, creating a new sound that would become a rock staple. Another clear tribute to Martin came in 1959 with Elvis’ song ”My Wish Came True,” which shared an opening four-note motif with Martin’s “Return to Me” from 1958.
While Elvis and Dean likely crossed paths several times, the only confirmed meeting — backed by photos — was on June 7, 1961, when Elvis joined Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine to celebrate Dean’s birthday.
At the time, Dean and Shirley were busy filming All in a Night’s Work at Paramount, while Elvis was on set for G.I. Blues at the same studio. Both films were being produced by Hal Wallis, and it’s likely he arranged the chance for the two stars to meet up for that iconic photo. In the photo, Martin opens a gift next to his birthday cake, which read, “Happy Birthday to Dean from Hal.”
Meeting Dean Martin’s daughter
However, there’s another meeting between Dean Martin and Elvis Presley that has captured even more attention. It took place in 1960, during a film shoot when Dean was visited by his daughter, Deana Martin. Deana, who later followed in her father’s footsteps as a singer, recalled the moment years later.
When Elvis was introduced to Deana Martin, she recalls, “I remember standing outside Paramount Studios when Elvis rode up on his bike,” she said. He leaned in and said, “Deana, I love your dad. I’m the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and your dad is the King of Cool.”
“I almost died,” she admitted. “It has to be true, Elvis Presley thinks my dad is the King of Cool.”
Elvis and Dean may have had different styles — Elvis with his rock ‘n’ roll and blues, and Dean with his crooning jazz and pop — but their shared passion for music and immense influence on popular culture cemented their status as icons.
Despite their differences, both left an indelible mark on music history, and together they symbolize the golden era of entertainment. Their unique contributions to the industry have earned them the title of “legends of legends,” reminding us that even in different musical worlds, their legacy remains intertwined, forever celebrated by fans worldwide.
