This is the only known photo of Elvis Presley and Dean Martin together. On June 7, 1961, Elvis joined Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine to celebrate Dean’s birthday. At the time, All in a Night’s Work (staG.I. Blues (starring Elvis Presley) were both in production at Paramount Studios. Producer Hal Wallis arranged for the two legends to meet, capturing one of the most iconic moments in entertainment history.

In the 1950s and 1960s, two names dominated the world of entertainment: Elvis Presley and Dean Martin. OneKing of Rock ‘n’ Roll, andKing of Cool. Though they ruled in different musical realms, their paths crossed multiple times, and Elvis himself admitted that Dean Martin had a profound impact on his music.

But one particular encounter—one that involved Dean Martin’s daughter, Deana—would go down in history as one of the most surprising moments between these two legends. What Elvis said about her father left Deana so shocked that she “almost died” on the spot.

Elvis Presley’s Admiration for Dean Martin

Despite being known for revolutionizing music, Elvis Presley took inspiration from a wide range of artists—including Dean Martin. Unlike what some may assume, Elvis’ musical influences weren’t just limited to gospel and rhythm & blues. He deeply admired Martin’s smooth, laid-back vocal style and even shaped parts of his own singing around it.

Marion Keisker, who worked as the office manager at Sam Phillips’ Sun Records, once recalled how Elvis’ first audition was filled with songs that sounded strikingly similar to Dean Martin’s biggest hits. In fact, she was convinced that Elvis had modeled much of his early sound after the crooner’s effortless vocals.

Video: Welcome To My World (Clip) With Dean Martin & Elvis Presley 

Elvis Covered Dean Martin’s Songs

Elvis’ appreciation for Dean Martin wasn’t just admiration from afar. Throughout his career, Elvis performed multiple songs associated with Dean Martin, paying tribute to his idol in his own unique way.

• “I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine” (1954) – Originally recorded by Dean Martin in 1950, Elvis included this track in his second release on Sun Records.
• “Everybody Loves Somebody” (1970) – While performing in Las Vegas, Elvis spotted Dean Martin in the audience and broke into an impromptu rendition of Martin’s signature song.

Elvis’ vocal style, phrasing, and even stage presence were clearly influenced by Martin, proving that his admiration ran deep.

The One Time Elvis and Dean Martin Were Photographed Together

Although Elvis and Dean crossed paths multiple times, there is only one confirmed photograph of the two together.

On June 7, 1961, Elvis joined Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine to celebrate Dean’s birthday. At the time, both All in a Night’s Work (starring Dean Martin) and G.I. Blues (starring Elvis Presley) were being filmed at Paramount Studios. Producer Hal Wallis made sure the two icons met, leading to one of the most legendary photos in entertainment history.

The Moment That Shocked Dean Martin’s Daughter

While fans cherish the rare photo of Elvis and Dean Martin, another encounter between the two legends remains just as unforgettable.

It happened in 1960, when Dean’s daughter, Deana Martin, visited her father on set. As fate would have it, Elvis Presley arrived at the same time, riding his motorcycle to the Paramount lot.

Deana, who later followed in her father’s footsteps as a singer, vividly recalled the moment:

“I remember standing outside Paramount Studios when Elvis rode up on his bike,” she said. “He leaned in and said, ‘Deana, I love your dad. I’m the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and your dad is the King of Cool.’”

Hearing Elvis Presley—one of the most celebrated artists in history—refer to her father as “the King of Cool” left her absolutely stunned.

“I almost died,” she admitted. “It has to be true—Elvis Presley thinks my dad is the King of Cool.”

Dean Martin’s Influence on Elvis’ Career

Many music historians believe that Elvis borrowed more from Dean Martin than he let on. If you compare Dean’s 1955 hit “Memories Are Made of This” with Elvis’ 1956 smash “Don’t Be Cruel”, you’ll notice some striking similarities.

• Both songs feature a smooth, baritone delivery—something Elvis perfected in his own way.
• The rhythm and phrasing feel similar, with Martin’s influence subtly woven into the structure of Elvis’ track.
• Elvis’ use of a gospel-style vocal backing group (like the Jordanaires) mirrored Dean’s four-piece male harmonies.

Elvis never publicly acknowledged how much of his style he took from Dean Martin, but experts argue that his early ballads and vocal inflections borrowed heavily from Dean’s effortless swagger.

A Friendship That Transcended Genres

Despite their differences in musical style, Dean Martin and Elvis Presley respected each other tremendously. Dean, always known for his laid-back charm, never took competition seriously—he admired Elvis’ impact on rock music while sticking to his signature crooning style.

Elvis, on the other hand, continued to pay tribute to Dean Martin, covering his songs and even incorporating elements of his vocal delivery into his own unique brand of rock ‘n’ roll.

Their meeting at Dean Martin’s birthday party in 1961, their mutual love for classic ballads, and Elvis’ unforgettable words to Deana Martin are proof that their bond was built on admiration, not rivalry.

The Lasting Legacy of Two Icons

Although both Elvis Presley and Dean Martin have long since passed, their music continues to inspire generations. They ruled different musical landscapes—one as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the other as the King of Cool—but their influence was deeply intertwined.

From Elvis covering Dean Martin’s songs to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll openly expressing his love for Martin’s talent, it’s clear that these two legends were more than just passing stars in the same sky. They were kindred spirits, forever leaving their mark on the world of entertainment.

And for Deana Martin, that one moment—Elvis Presley calling her father “The King of Cool”—was enough to leave her breathless.