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Tony Martin, Hollywood Legend, at Feinstein's Oct.21 & 22

By: Oct. 11, 2007
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Feinstein's at Lowe's Regency will continue their Fall 2007 season with Hollywood legend Tony Martin for two shows only, Sunday, October 21 and Monday, October 22. Both shows are at the Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street).

Martin, now 95 years old, will tell stories of his days in Hollywood performing alongside such iconic names such as Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Rita Hayworth, Judy Garland, Lana Turner and his wife Cyd Charisse. He will perform songs from his career like "Begin the Beguine," "Let's Face the Music and Dance," "You Stepped Out of A Dream" and "A Foggy Day."

Tony Martin – who has gained worldwide popularity and recognition as a multi-talented, multi-faceted singer, actor, entertainer and recording artist – is one of the only entertainers to have four "stars" on Hollywood's legendary "Walk of Fame" for his heralded work in motion pictures, television, radio and recordings. As an actor, Martin also appeared in more than 20 classic Hollywood films, including Show Boat, Til the Clouds Roll By, Here Come the Girls, Easy to Love, and Hit the Deck. He is respected as a singer and recording artist. Some of Martin's top sellers include such hits as "Begin the Beguine," "To Each His Own," "I Get Ideas" and "There's No Tomorrow." He became a household television name to millions of viewers in as the star of his own hit variety series, "The Tony Martin Show," in the 1950's. He also led his own radio orchestra on a two-and-a-half hour popular radio show every Saturday night. He diversified his radio popularity by playing Grade Allen's boyfriend on "The Burns and Allen Show."

He was born in Oakland, California on Christmas Day as Alvin Morris. He started singing at his mother's sewing club as a young boy, and began mastering a number of musical instruments, including saxophone and clarinet. He eventually formed his own dance band and began playing various gigs professionally.  They say timing is everything. And it certainly held true that serendipitous night when a Hollywood agent heard Tony Martin singing on a late night musical show and offered him a chance to try his luck in Hollywood. Martin had the look, the voice, and the charisma to make it in "Tinseltown" and quickly landed a movie contract with RKO Studios. He subsequently found himself with contracts at 20th Century Fox and MGM Studios.  His first picture was Ali Baba Goes to Town with Eddie Cantor and Gypsy Rose Lee.

Martin's early years brought new life to the rising star, as well as a new name. Tony came from the name of a gambler in a story in Liberty Magazine (the People Magazine of the day), and "Martin" came from the name of the bandleader, Freddie Martin.  He was married briefly to singer/actress Alice Faye, and went on to serve in the armed forces during World War II. After serving two years in China, Burma and India and being honored with the Bronze Star and Presidential Citation, Martin served on the committee for John F. Kennedy's "People to People" Sports Program. Martin promoted health and fitness, and to this day, he walks five miles a day, plays golf and can give most a run for their money on the 4-wall handball courts. He is also an avid sports fan.

Two of the singer's major hits included "Begin the Beguine," which was originally intended for Bing Crosby who was on tour and unavailable, and "There's No Tomorrow," which Perry Como opted not to record. It was this kind of fortune that took Martin to the heights of stardom as a headline performer around the world.

Martin currently continues to perform on tour and remains married to love of his life, the elegant Cyd Charisse, whom he married in 1948. Martin also stays very involved in charitable causes, including "The Society of Singers" (SOS), in which he serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors.

The special Sunday and Monday Night Series at Feinstein's at Lowe's Regency has performances at 8:30 PM. This show has a $40.00 cover charge and a two drink minimum. Jackets are suggested, but not required. Feinstein's at Lowe's Regency is located at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street in New York City. For ticket reservations and club information call (212) 339-4095, or visit Ticketweb.com or www.feinsteinsattheregency.com.



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