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'Godfather' Singer Al Martino Dies at 82

Al MartinoAl Martino, a singer best known for his role as Johnny Fontane in 'The Godfather,' died Tuesday at his childhood home in Springfield, Pa. The cause of death for the 82-year-old is still unknown.

Born Alfred Cini to the son of Italian immigrants, Martino worked as a bricklayer and served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He was inspired by his childhood friend, successful singer Mario Lanza, to pursue a career in show business using his mother's maiden name as his own. In 1952, he hit No. 1 on both the US charts and NME's first UK singles chart with 'Here in My Heart,' and followed it a year later with three more successful singles, 'Take My Heart,' 'Rachel' and 'When You're Mine.' Unfortunately for Martino, his fame also brought consequences.

In a situation that would resemble his later 'Godfather' role, mafia-connected thugs took intimidated Martino's manager into handing over the singer's contract for free. Martino paid them off then escaped to England, where he performed until returning to the US in 1958 with the help of Philadelphia crime boss Angelo Bruno. After a short slump, Martino again scored chart success in the '60s with songs such as 'I Love You Because' and 'Spanish Eyes.'



Martino's legacy was cemented with his turn as washed-up crooner Johnny Fontane in 'The Godfather,' a role he allegedly won after intimidating director Francis Ford Coppola. The character is supposedly loosely based on Frank Sinatra and gets famously slapped and told to "act like a man" by Marlon Brando's character, Don Corleone. Martino also sang the theme song, 'The Love Theme From the Godfather' and appeared as Fontane in both sequels.

Philadelphia entertainer Jerry Blavat -- who dined with Martino Monday night and said he was in good health -- told the AP, "He was the last of the show business legends. There's nobody else. The last of the performers. A magnificent voice." Martino is survived by his wife, Judi; two children, Allison and Alfred; a brother, Frank; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Plans for funeral services have yet to be announced.

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Jan Ornsten

I loved his part in the Godfather; all the girls were screaming as he arrived; he sang the most beautiful song at the wedding. My mom's favorite song is Spanish Eyes and always danced to his singing.....just loved watching her eyes sparkle as Al Martino sang.

October 16 2009 at 5:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Jan Ornsten's comment
Lena & Harry Smith

No one else around but Al had the voice required to capture the atmosphere for the role in "The Godfather" It had warmth, richness, and emotional tones. A quality that many should take lessons from.

October 19 2009 at 5:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tobey

We will miss Al, but he's not the last entertainer/crooner, Tony Bennett is still around and still crooning. There are new crooners as well, Harry Connick, Jr. Michael Buble, Patrizio Buanne, etc.

October 14 2009 at 11:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to tobey's comment
Dee

Ah, yes! But none with a voice as beautiful as his, and none so lovely a person as Al was. One of a kind, no one, I repeat...no one will ever replace Al Martino!

October 16 2009 at 12:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Murray Veroff

This man's music was more than just special for me.

October 14 2009 at 11:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply