WITH NEW LICENSING PARTNERSHIPS, WEBSITE E-COMMERCE AND A HOLIDAY ALBUM FEATURING “WINTER WONDERLAND – THE SWINGIN’ YULETIDE MIX”
SANTA MONICA, CA – NOV 18, 2009 – Dean Martin, the iconic singer who defined cool, smooth, and suave expands into the collectible and digital universes with new partnerships announced today on the heels of a fresh just-in-time-for-the-holid..
ays collection of 14 Dino Christmas classics, My Kind Of Christmas, featuring a specially commissioned remix, “Winter Wonderland - The Swingin’ Yuletide Mix.”
Elevating the legendary singer (and 2009 Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award winner) to a level of brand awareness worthy of his stature as the King of Cool are agreements with the Bradford Exchange--who has licensed Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and other superstars for the collectibles market--and PLG, Italy’s premier licensing agency, as well as the recent launch of a new Website (
deanmartin.com) powered by innovative e-commerce technology from Echospin.
Said Bruce Resnikoff, President/CEO, UMe: “Dean Martin as a brand has always been about more than music. It’s about style and attitude. The ventures announced today ensure that one of the most recognizable personalities in show business history will resonate in pop culture far into the future.” In 2008, UMe acquired worldwide rights to the recordings Martin made for the Reprise label as well as Martin’s name and likeness from the Dean Martin Family Trust (DMFT).
Said Laura Lizer, executor of the DMFT: “Dean Martin is an icon for every era, for every generation. Now, with new albums and new mixes, new products and new ideas, we’re bringing that special magic of Dean Martin not only to today’s fans but also to those who will become fans in the years ahead.”
With the worldwide licensing partnership between Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) and the Bradford Exchange, Martin’s name, likeness, signature, logo and sound recordings may find its way onto products from plates, clocks and music boxes to pins, retro phones and radios. All products and product designs will be subject to the approval of UMe and the DMFT.
Added Maura E. Kelly, Vice-President Licensing and Art Acquisition, Bradford Exchange: “Dean Martin is an extraordinary figure in pop culture who continues to be rediscovered. We look forward to working with UMe and the Martin family to bring his inimitable and classic style to celebrity-branded products.”
The Dean Martin brand will also reach Italy, the ancestral home of the man born Dino Crocetti, thanks to an agreement reached between UMe and Milan-based Professional Licensing Group (PLG), Italy’s premier licensing agency. PLG will expand the Dean Martin brand, with the DMFT’s approval, with products from apparel to accessories for the fashionable Italian market.
Noted Attilio Mazzilli, Creative Director, PLG: “Dean Martin was the most popular performer to ever have hits sung in both English and Italian. We are proud to represent here such a symbol of the connection between Italy and America.”
Meanwhile, as Bradford and PLG develop products, the music of Dean Martin, including the recently issued My Kind Of Christmas, is now available via a new Website. Utilizing Echospin’s market leading commerce and media delivery platform that facilitates the sale and promotion of digital, physical and mobile products by integrating direct-to-fan sales and promotions into Websites, fans will enjoy greater access, availability and ease of purchase through
deanmartin.com.
The amore for Dean Martin continues into 2010 and 2011 with new CD and DVD releases culled from the DMFT audio and video vaults, including rare never before seen and recently discovered treasures, out of print, and unreleased performances.
ABOUT UME:
Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) is the centralized U.S. catalog and special markets entity for Universal Music Group. Working in conjunction with all of the company’s record labels, UMe provides a frontline approach to catalog management, a concentration of resources, a greater emphasis on strategic marketing initiatives and opportunities in new technological fields. UMe is also designed to aggressively develop a cohesive and strategic approach to maximizing catalog repertoire by initiating and implementing integrated marketing campaigns, direct to consumer programs, brand management initiatives and strategic partnerships.
ABOUT BRADFORD EXCHANGE:
Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, The Bradford Exchange was founded in 1973. Among its other licenses are Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Disney, Warner Bros., Coca-Cola, NASCAR, Major League Baseball, and the NFL and NHL. The Bradford Exchange is the definitive leader in developing and marketing the finest quality collectibles ranging from plates and dolls, to music boxes and ornaments, to architectural villages, diecast cars, and more. No other companies in the industry sell to a greater segment of the market or have a greater variety of products; and no other collectibles companies have the resources and industry knowledge to consistently identify, develop and spearhead new trends in collecting. With the highest percentage of successful products and more awards than any competitors, the Bradford Exchange clearly dominates the field in product development, direct mail promotions and customer satisfaction.
