Interview with Deana Martin part one - The lady soars with her music

Deana Martin, daughter of the legendary Dean, is unspoiled Hollywood royalty, the type of woman who makes sure you're seated comfortably and well taken care of before she sits down to be interviewed by you. She's genteel, friendly and refreshingly open about her famous Dad and her own interesting life. Now that is class and Deana Martin has it in abundance.

A singer and actor in her own right, she comes by her talent naturally; a good deal from her Dad and some from her mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Martin, who penned the beautiful lyrics to the hit 1950's song, "For Your Love."  Talent all around.

But Deana Martin is also her own woman, a woman who has honed her smooth style of singing and has worked hard for her estimable place in the music world. Her latest CD, "Volare", which Deana sent to me along with her book, "Memories are Made of This" , is so good, I could not stop listening to it. In my home, in my office and in the car, I listened to the voice of Deana Martin singing the wonderful standards of a bygone era and it was great! If this CD doesn't win a Grammy award there is no justice in the recording industry. Listen to her sing the title tune "Volare" or  the bittersweet "Smile" just once and you'll understand what I mean. The lady is as smooth as silk.

And the lady dazzles! In the  jazzier high beat numbers like "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" and "Mack the Knife," (which she recorded as a tribute to Bobby Darin), Deana Martin shines. When she sings "That Old Black Magic" her voice is the right mixture of sweet and sultry. Her rendition of "I Wish I Were in Love Again"  has a swagger and style that beautifully fits this petite brunette. Deana knows how to sell a song and she does it perfectly.

In the midst of our conversations she playfully sang snatches of some of the songs on "Volare" and, without a mike or musicians behind her, she was damn good. Many singers wouldn't think to sing without "all the back-up" but Deana Martin is unabashed when it comes to singing. It is apparent that she enjoys singing as much as her audience loves to hear her.

During our five hours together, Deana Martin, and her gracious and playful manner made speaking with her a joy. She is the type of woman who makes you feel as if you have always been friends with her and indeed she is very loyal to all her friends and acquaintances, celebrities or not. With never an unkind word about anyone, Deana Martin sees and accepts the humanity in people, loves life, and loves what she's doing.

 In the Italian language the word "volare" means to fly or to soar  and Deana Martin does exactly that in her follow-up CD to "Memories Are Made of This". Deana is adamant about keeping the songs of the Great American Songbook alive. In her fresh take on these beautiful standards, they are alive like never before.

Many of her father's contemporaries have said----

"Put a microphone in his hand and Dean Martin could own any crowd that sat in front of him."

The very same can be said for Deana Martin. (Click here for photos taken during the interview)

***© copyright 2009 Kristen Houghton all rights reserved

related articles   - Interview With Deana Martin Part Two

                        - Interview With Deana Martin Part three

                        - The Love and Friendship Marriage

                        - Fathers and Daughters, the Relationship

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