Ricci Martin, the youngest son of iconic crooner Dean Martin, has died aged 62. According to multiple news reports, Martin, who was a performer himself and had recently toured with a tribute act to his late father, was found dead Wednesday, August 3, at his Utah home.
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A cause of death has not been determined.
In the 1980s, Martin transitioned into the world of music video, working as a VJ for “The Rock Show”, based in Los Angeles.
Ricci Martin was born in 1953 to Dean Martin and his second wife, model Jeannie Biegger. ‘RIP, Ricci. I love you!’
In a 2002 memoir, Martin recounted growing up in Beverly Hills, California with the rest of the Martin family. In the 1990s he performed in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand with Billy Hinsche and Desi Arnaz, Jr., replacing his late brother Dean Paul Martin who had formed pop band Dino, Desi and Billy with Arnaz and Hinsche in the 1960s and died in 1987.
In 1977, Ricci released his debut album, Beached, which he collaborated on with future brother-in-law Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys.
In the 1970s, Martin worked as the opening act for The Beach Boys during the group’s US and Canada tours.
He has been performing his father’s songs in venues across the country over the past few years.
He moved to Utah in 1990 and later joined the trio Dino.
In one memorable passage, Martin recalled his star-studded 21st birthday party that included appearances by John Lennon, David Bowie, Ringo Starr, Elizabeth Taylor and Elton John.
Ricci’s sister paid tribute to her brother in a tweet early on the morning of the announcement.
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Ricci is survived by three daughters – Pepper, Montana and Rio – as well as his mother, Jeanne Martin, brother Craig and four sisters, Gail, Deana, Gina and Sasha.
