Licensing Deal Struck For Dean Martin's Name, Likeness

NEW YORK -- Dean Martin may have died 11 years ago, but the legendary singer is coming back -- and in a big way.

EMI Music, which markets Martin's recording catalogs, has struck a deal with the Dean Martin Trust to license his name, image and likeness.

Martin died in 1995 at age 78.

The suave singer and actor usually played straight man to comedian Jerry Lewis in their act, which went from stage to television and film in the 1940s and '50s. He was also a member of the famed "Rat Pack," which included Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.

EMI will continue to market Martin's Capitol Records and Reprise Records catalogs on a worldwide basis.

Martin's voice continues to draw an audience, with global album sales totaling more than 50 million units, including 2004's "Dino: The Essential Dean Martin," a 30-track CD that includes "Ain't That a Kick in the Head," "That's Amore" and "Mambo Italiano."

The newly expanded "Christmas With Dino" album on CD, released in September, includes a duet in which Martina McBride recorded vocals to match Martin singing "Baby, It's Cold Outside."