American singer, a top cabaret performer known as the “man with the golden voice.” His perfect pitch is heard on 14 gold records. Along with Cyd Charisse, he co-authored an autobiography, “The Two of Us,” 1976.
Raised in poverty, Martin had an adoring Jewish step-dad. From the time he was a kid he became a professional musician gaining recognition and financial independence. A cocky kid, he was at one time a heavy gambler and prior to his second marriage, a womanizer. Martin married Alice Faye, a big star at the time, on 4 September 1937; they divorced on 27 March 1941. He had a major affair with Lana Turner.
On 2 January 1942, he entered the U.S. Navy and considered it the most miserable time in his life. From August to October 1942, he had to testify at a friend’s court-martial and he himself was discharged as “unfit” on 7 December 1942. Five days later he was inducted into the Army where he served for three years before being dishonorably discharged on 14 December 1945.
Martin married Cyd Charisse on 15 May 1948 and their son was born on 28 August 1950; he was a strict father to Tony Jr. and to Nicky, Cyd’s son born in 1942 from a former marriage. He and Cyd did TV specials and a club act together.
Cyd died in Los Angeles on 17 June 2008 in Los Angeles, age 86. Their son, Tony Jr., died on 10 April 2011, age 60. Tony himself died in Los Angeles on 27 July 2012, age 98.
Link to Wikipedia biography