The worlds of Elvis Presley and Dean Martin may have seemed different on the surface—one was the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the other the King of Cool—but their paths were more intertwined than many realize. Their influence shaped generations, and their impact on music and Hollywood remains undeniable. However, one particular moment between these two icons left Dean Martin’s daughter, Deana Martin, completely starstruck.
Were Elvis Presley and Dean Martin Friends?
Dean Martin and Elvis Presley were two of the biggest names in entertainment during the 1950s and 1960s. Both dominated their respective genres—Elvis revolutionized rock ‘n’ roll, while Dean’s smooth crooning and effortless charm made him one of the most beloved figures in pop music and Hollywood.
But were they actually friends?
While Elvis and Dean weren’t known for being close pals, their professional admiration for one another was well-documented. In fact, Elvis looked up to Dean far more than most people realize.
Dean Martin’s Influence on Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s musical influences are often credited to gospel, blues, and country, but one name that isn’t mentioned enough is Dean Martin.
According to Marion Keisker, an office manager at Sun Records, Elvis’ early performances mirrored Dean Martin’s style more than anything else. When Elvis first auditioned for Sam Phillips, he wasn’t yet the raw rock star he would become. Instead, his setlist was filled with songs that sounded like they came straight from Dean Martin’s songbook.
“If Elvis is gonna sound like anyone,” Marion reportedly thought, “looks like he’s decided it’s gonna be Dean Martin!”
Elvis Presley Covered Dean Martin’s Songs
Elvis didn’t just admire Dean—he actually covered some of his songs.
One of the most well-known examples is “I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine,” a song Dean Martin recorded in 1950. Elvis put his own spin on it in 1954, making it one of his early releases under Sun Records.
And it didn’t stop there. In 1970, during one of his legendary performances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, Elvis noticed Dean Martin in the audience. As a tribute, he spontaneously sang a snippet of “Everybody Loves Somebody”, one of Dean’s biggest hits.
The Day Elvis Presley Met Dean Martin’s Daughter
While Elvis and Dean had limited public interactions, one meeting left a lasting impression—on Dean’s daughter, Deana Martin.
It happened in 1960, during a film shoot at Paramount Studios. Deana, still a young girl at the time, was visiting her father on set when Elvis Presley arrived on his motorcycle.
What happened next is something Deana would never forget.
Elvis Presley’s Remark That Left Deana Martin Speechless
As Elvis rode up, he leaned toward Deana and said something that made her heart stop:
“Deana, I love your dad. I’m the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and your dad is the King of Cool.”
For Deana, this was the ultimate compliment. She later admitted:
“I almost died. It has to be true—Elvis Presley thinks my dad is the King of Cool!”
It was a moment of mutual respect between two legends, sealed with Elvis’ effortless charisma.
Elvis and Dean: Two Icons with Different Styles but the Same Legacy
Despite their differences in musical style—Elvis with his electrifying rock ‘n’ roll, Dean with his suave jazz and pop—they had more in common than many realized.
- They both had a deep love for gospel music. Elvis, raised in the church, often incorporated gospel elements into his music. Dean, though more associated with jazz, had a soulful way of delivering melodies that mirrored gospel influences.
- They both dominated Hollywood. While Dean was a major player in films, particularly alongside Jerry Lewis and the Rat Pack, Elvis also built a successful acting career with hits like G.I. Blues and Jailhouse Rock.
- They both defined an era. Whether it was Dean’s whiskey-smooth voice and effortless swagger or Elvis’ hip-shaking rebellion, their contributions shaped the culture of the 1950s and beyond.
Their Influence on Each Other’s Music
Elvis’ 1956 hit “Don’t Be Cruel” has often been compared to Dean Martin’s 1955 smash “Memories Are Made of This.” Listen closely, and you’ll hear striking similarities in the rhythm, bass line, and vocal delivery.
Additionally, Elvis’ “My Wish Came True” (1959) shares a distinct melodic pattern with Dean Martin’s “Return to Me” (1958), proving just how intertwined their styles had become over time.
The Rare Photo of Elvis and Dean Together
Despite their undeniable connection, only one confirmed photograph exists of Elvis Presley and Dean Martin together.
On June 7, 1961, the two stars met at Paramount Studios, where Dean was filming All in a Night’s Work with Shirley MacLaine, and Elvis was working on G.I. Blues. The legendary snapshot captures Dean opening a birthday gift next to a cake that read, “Happy Birthday to Dean from Hal”, referencing producer Hal Wallis.
It’s one of the few documented moments of the two icons sharing the same space.
A Legacy That Lives On
Though both Elvis Presley and Dean Martin are no longer with us, their impact remains as strong as ever.
- Dean Martin’s influence on Elvis proves that rock ‘n’ roll didn’t emerge from a vacuum—it was shaped by crooners, jazz legends, and gospel traditions.
- Elvis’ admiration for Dean shows that even rebellious rockstars could look up to the smoothest man in Hollywood.
- Deana Martin’s unforgettable moment with Elvis is a reminder of how these legends respected each other, even if they came from different musical worlds.
Final Thoughts: Legends Never Fade
While Elvis Presley and Dean Martin may have had different sounds, their legacies are forever intertwined. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the King of Cool left an indelible mark on the world, shaping the music and entertainment industries for decades to come.
And for Deana Martin, one unforgettable sentence from Elvis Presley cemented what fans already knew—Dean Martin wasn’t just a star, he was an icon worthy of the highest praise.
