[voice1]

Romantic crooner Tony Martin dies at 98

LOS ANGELES - Crooner Tony Martin, whose career spanned from the Great Depression to the 21st century, has died in Los Angeles at 98.

Friend and accountant Beverly Scott says Martin died Friday of natural causes at his West Los Angeles home.

A romantic idol for at least one generation, his hit recordings include "I Get Ideas," "To Each His Own," "Begin the Beguine" and "There's No Tomorrow."

Although he never became a full-fledged movie star, Martin was featured in 25 films, most of them made during the heyday of the Hollywood musicals. A husky 6 feet tall and dashingly handsome, he was often cast as the lead.

Off-screen, he married two movie musical superstars, Alice Faye and Cyd Charisse. The latter union lasted 60 years, until Charisse's death in 2008.

[Rhodalee]

So sorry to hear this. I liked him a lot. May he rest in peace.

[Dugan]

Rest In Peace

[Gregory]

That's sad to hear.

[Joe Szulczewski]

Sad news, indeed. May he rest in peace.

[sschweiger]

He was my Uncle's all-time favorite musical performer! And he and Cyd Charisse were, IMO, the handsomest Hollywood couple! There was an NBC dramatic show called "Fame Is The Name of the Game," which was always loaded with glitz, pizzazz, and lots of guest stars -- a more sophisticated "Love Boat," if you will.

They filmed an episode at Caesar's Palace, filmed much of it in the afternoon. Eunice and I were at poolside, when they brought the cast over to get them ready for a scene. We introduced ourselves to Mr. Martin, while he awaited the setups. He was charming and delightful. Than he was joined by another guest, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Gene Barry, the show's star, who played the publisher of a newspaper empire. The whole thing was very exciting!

Rest In Peace, Mr. Martin! You were an important part of show business in the 20th century!

[johnofphilly]

I always thought his "I get ideas" was funny. Even Desi Arnaz did a shtick with it on Loosey.

Tony is originally from San Francisco.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Ma...entertainer%29

[Dina]

I'm so sad to hear this news. Mr. Martin and Ms. Charisse were such wonderful entertainers and, such an attractive couple.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Martin.

[Bret]

Rest In Peace Tony Martin

[Lourdes]

I liked him very much. He was a good singer.
Rest in peace, Mr. Tony Martin.

[Ronald Sarbo]

First Tony lost his lovely wife and then about a year ago lost his son Tony Jr. When I saw him sing in NYC before these tragedies he was still vibrant and in great voice. Grief can be devastating.

[George Bellefon]

I lost my wife after 57 years, so I can probably relate to how Tony Martin must have felt about losing Cyd after 60 years. As Ronald Sarbo said, " Grief can be devastating. "

Tony was a great entertainer. After all his troubles these past 4 years, may he have some peace at last.

[ARIES3032]

Sad news! I liked Tony Martin a lot, so sad to hear of his passing.

[chris phasey]

Tony Martin, Rest in peace.



Tony Martin has died, at age 98:

http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=746981

[donnah]

Rest in peace. Living to be 98 with 60 of those years with the woman he loved, was a gift. Perhaps he'll see her again now.

[Ronald Sarbo]

Tony Martin, like Allan Jones and Mario Lanza, made many recordings with Ray Sinatra and his orchestra.

Before Dean Martin teamed with Jerry Lewis he made a screen test for MGM. Louis B. Mayer saw the test and turned Dean down saying "Why do we need another Italian singer named Martin?".

When Dean broke up with Jerry Tony Martin quipped that he would team up with Dean saying that there would be"no problem with top billing".

[sschweiger]

Am reminded of a terrific Johnny Carson moment, when he first started to host the "Tonight Show"...Johnny announces to the audience that he's been able to do what others in show business have tried, but were unsuccessful...huge buildup...And Johnny, in his uniqe way, says, " Yep, you're right;-- And here they are -- MARTIN & LEWIS! The audience goes, as you would guess, bonkers!

And from behind the curtain, out step TONY MARTIN & JOE E. LEWIS (drink in hand)!

Rest In Peace!

[erniegy]

What a great life! Rest in peace.