Rat Pack

Who was in the Rat Pack?There were five members of the Rat Pack: Peter Lawford, James Dean, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Joey Bishop

Peter Lawford James Dean Frank Sinatra Sammy Davis Jr. Joey Bishop

How’d it start? ● The group originated in 1955 as a group of friends who met in Los Angeles

while at a friends home; Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. ● The name “Rat Pack” originated when Bacall walked in on the group of men

and told them that they looked like a rat pack.

Humphrey Bogart & Lauren Bacall

History● The group consisted of actors, comedians, and

singers.● The Rat Pack was a supergroup of

entertainment and comedy who often appeared together in concerts, on TV or in movies. They sang, they told jokes, and they did comedy sketches.

● Sinatra, Davis, and Martin, the singing contingent of the group, all managed long individual careers in the recording industry, and would occasionally band together to do nightclub concerts, frequently in Las Vegas, that were equal parts comedy and music, and heavy on caricature, playing off of the groups huge public personas.

History

● Although the group didn’t always perform together, when one member of the Pack was scheduled for a live show, there was always a chance that one or two others might join them onstage. The marquee at The Sands Hotel would often read, “DEAN MARTIN—MAYBE FRANK—MAYBE SAMMY.”

● Rat Pack shows were popular not just for the quality of the entertainment, but also for the glimpse into this exclusive fraternity. The Rat Pack had their own drink tray, rolled out on stage during performances. They told stories, and made spontaneous jokes at each other's expense.

Joey Bishop: The Comedian

● Bishop’s path toward the Rat Pack began in the 1950s when he struck up a friendship with Frank Sinatra. He was becoming one of America’s most beloved comedians of the era. Bishop was not as flashy as other members of the group and tended to remain in the background, becoming the crew member who coordinated most of the Rat Pack’s routines.

Peter Lawford: The Socialite

● British actor Peter Lawford had made a name for himself before he ever joined up as a member of the Rat Pack. He became John F. Kennedy’s brother-in-law when he married the President’s sister, Patricia Kennedy.

● As an actor, Lawford had the privilege of being the first to kiss Elizabeth Taylor on camera. He was also the last person to speak to Marilyn Monroe before her mysterious and untimely death.

Peter Lawford Songs ● “The Best Things in Life Are Free’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7FsxH3LGR0

● “He’s a Ladies Man”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tDme2NALqo

Sammy Davis Jr.: Mr. Show Business

● Sammy Davis, Jr. became one of the most well-known entertainers, singers, and dancers during his time with the Rat Pack, and beyond. Among his Rat-Pack friends, he was given the nickname “Smokey.”

● In his career following the Rat Pack years, he became known as “Mr. Show Business” due to his popularity as a singer, dancer, and film star.

Sammy Davis Jr. Songs● “I Gotta Be Me”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaalq3RYAyw

● “Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDDJYuvweIU

● “The Candy Man”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYihDAhVPko

Dean Martin: The King of Cool

● Known as “The King of Cool”.● He was immensely popular not only as an

actor and singer but also as a comedian.

Dean Martin Songs ● “Everybody Loves Somebody”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-2_OstpR5c

● “That’s Amore”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZawEc1X3Neo

● “You’re Nobody Until Somebody Loves You”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJwZcfREQiU

Frank Sinatra: The Chairman of the Board

● Known for his class, charm, and sophistication, Sinatra was the main attraction at Caesar’s Palace during his years with the Rat Pack

● Sinatra is very well-known for his highly successful career as an actor, and the smooth, mellow voice that made him a most beloved singer

Frank Sinatra Songs ● “New York, New York”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le1QF3uoQNg

● “The Way You Look Tonight”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9ZGKALMMuc

● “My Way”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQzdAsjWGPg

Resources ● https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-rat-pack-mn0000493123/biography● https://groovyhistory.com/who-was-in-rat-pack-sinatra-dean-martin