The Golddiggers
In addition to backing Dean Martin on his show and in his nightclub act, the group performed on their own on other television programs, in live venues, and in three of Bob Hope's Christmas tours.
The original idea, to form a group of singer-dancers that would be called "The Golddiggers", grew out of a need to find a vehicle that would hold the attention of audiences during the summer months.
[2] In between their summer series, The Golddiggers made occasional appearances on The Dean Martin Show and other programs, and joined Bob Hope in 1968, 1969, and 1970 on his annual USO-sponsored Christmas tours of U.S. military bases around the globe.
At the same time, a revamped version of The Dingaling Sisters (comprising Michelle DellaFave, Tara Leigh, Taffy Jones, and Lynne Latham) succeeded The Golddiggers as the regular female singer/dancers on The Dean Martin Show.
[6]: 4–5 The biggest country music artists would join Martin and The Golddiggers on the Dean Martin Comedy Hour with a medley of hits: Lynn Anderson, Conway Twitty, Ray Stevens, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Mac Davis, Mel Tillis, as well as entertainers Dionne Warwick, Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and the top comedians for the Roasts segment.
[1]: 197 [6]: 8 The Golddiggers also took their talent on the road, opening the Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel and Casino performing with Martin in the "Celebrity Room" to sold-out crowds of more than 2 million people.
[7] They were the opening act for Petula Clark, Steve and Eydie, Joan Rivers at Caesars Palace and Bally's Las Vegas, and toured with Bob Hope, Louis Prima, Jerry Vale, and many more entertainers.
In 1977, The Golddiggers of the Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin tour were Maria Lauren and Linda Eichberg (performing as the Alberici Sisters), Patti Gribow, Peggy Gohl, Joyce Garro and Robyn Whatley.
"[1]: 113 Former Dean Martin Golddiggers, including Patti (Pivarnik) Gribow, Joyce Garro, Linda Bott, Marie Halton, Robyn Whatley, Peggy Gohl, Deborah Pratt, Susan Buckner, and the Alberici Sisters: Maria Lauren and Linda Eichberg, have lent their talents to charity events to help the performing arts, women, youth, and AIDS.
