Al Martino, “Godfather” singer dies at 82
The famed Godfather singer-actor, Al Martino, died yesterday afternoon in the home of his youth. The cause of death has yet to be released. He was 82.
Martino, an Italian-American originally born Alfred Cini in 1927, was raised in south Philadelphia working for his family’s masonry business. At 15, he ran away from home to join the US Marines, where he served during the second World War.
Later, after his return, a childhood friend, the opera singer Mario Lanza, encouraged him to pursue a career in singing — even conceding him the song that would become the first number one hit in Britain in 1952, “Here in My Heart.”
Martino’s career spanned five decades, with the 1950s and 60s bringing him the most success. Some of Martino’s hits included “Spanish Eyes,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and “Volare.” He also sang the title song, “I Have but One Heart,” in the Godfather.
In addition to singing in the movie, Martino also played the role of singer Johnny Fontane, a character said to have been loosely based on Frank Sinatra. He would later reprise his role in the sequels that followed.
Martino released his last album, Style, in 2000. He also appeared in the movie, Cutout, in 2006.
[photo: jdtv5]
Tags: Al Martino, Alfred Cini, Godfather, Here in My Heart, Philadelphia, singer
