Martino Dead At 82

Singer AL MARTINO has died at the age of 82.

The star, who famously played Johnny Fontane in 1972 film The Godfather, passed away at his home in Philadelphia on Tuesday (13Oct09).

Martino - who was born Alfred Cini - began his career as a bricklayer and after serving with the U.S. Marines in World War II, he commenced his singing career in the 1950s.

His debut single, Here in My Heart, became the U.K.’s first ever number one when New Musical Express magazine introduced its chart in 1952. The song stayed on top for nine weeks.

Martino’s other hits included Spanish Eyes, Can’t Help Falling in Love and Volare, as well as the title tune to The Godfather.

He reprised his role as Fontane, the singer godson of Don Vito Corleone, for the 1974 sequel The Godfather Part II. The character was behind one of the most famous scenes in movie history when mobsters placed the severed head of a prized stud horse in the bed of its owner when he refused to give Fontane a sought-after film role.

Martino continued his recording career until the 1980s when he left his music label. He continued to perform on the club circuit and only returned to recording in 2000 with his last album, Style.

Martino is survived by his wife, Judi, his daughter, Allison, and son, Alfred.