Singer Al Martino, who you likely remember as the Sinatra-esque Johnny Fontane in 'The Godfather,' (seen above with the microphone) but also had a 50-year music career that produced hits like 'Spanish Eyes' and 'Volare,' has died at the age of 82.
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'Godfather' Crooner Al Martino Dies at 82
Singer Al Martino, who you likely remember as the Sinatra-esque Johnny Fontane in 'The Godfather,' (seen above with the microphone) but also had a 50-year music career that produced hits like 'Spanish Eyes' and 'Volare,' has died at the age of 82.
Martino died on Tuesday at his childhood home in the Philadelphia suburb of Springfield, in Delaware County, according to publicist Sandy Friedman, of the Rogers & Cowan public relations firm. Friedman didn't cite a cause of death.
Al Martino Bio:
Starting in 1952, Martino was known for hit songs including "Here in My Heart" and "Can't Help Falling in Love."
Besides acting in the Marlon Brando classic "The Godfather," Martino sang the 1972 film's title score, "The Love Theme From The Godfather." His Fontane character is a singer and occasional actor and is the godson of Brando's Mafia boss character, Don Vito Corleone.
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Recently Departed Music Stars
Al Martino, Oct. 13: The singer whose music career spanned 50 years and produced hits like 'Volare' and 'Spanish Eyes' is likely overshadowed by his role as Johnny Fontane in 'The Godfather.'
GAB Archive / Redferns / Getty Images
GAB Archive / Redferns / Getty Images
Recently Departed Music Stars
Al Martino, Oct. 13: The singer whose music career spanned 50 years and produced hits like 'Volare' and 'Spanish Eyes' is likely overshadowed by his role as Johnny Fontane in 'The Godfather.'
GAB Archive / Redferns / Getty Images
Stephen Gately, Oct. 10: Boyzone band member Stephen Gately was found dead while on vacation in Spain. There are no signs of any violence or foul play in his death, which is being called a tragic passing due to natural causes.
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Les Paul, Aug. 13: Guitar legend Les Paul was known for an incredibly successful recording career and as the inventor of the electric guitar and multitrack recording. Paul reportedly died of complications from pneumonia. He was 94.
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Adam Goldstein, known to most as DJ AM, was found dead on August 28. TMZ reported that police found Goldstein dead in his bed in New York City, and that drugs may have played a part in his death.
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Mary Travers, Sept. 16: One third of folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary lost her battle with leukemia at 72. Her voice helped carry hits like 'Puff the Magic Dragon' and 'If I Had a Hammer.'
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Rashied Ali, Aug. 12: The free-jazz drummer, who was known for playing with John Coltrane during the last years of Coltrane's life, died at 74.
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Mike Seeger, Aug. 10: Folk singer and auto-harp player Mike Seeger is the half-brother of Pete Seeger and a founding member of the folk group the New Lost City Ramblers. Seeger lost his battle with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. He was 75.
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Billy Lee Riley, Aug. 2: Rockabilly innovator, songwriter and one-time Sun Records recording artist Billy Lee Riley died Sunday of colon cancer that had spread to the bone. Riley, 75, had been convalescing at a hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Lici Beveridge, Jonesboro Sun / AP
Gordon Waller, July 19: As half of the pop duo Peter and Gordon, the dapper crooner landed hit after hit during the 1960s British Invasion, including the Paul McCartney-penned songs 'A World Without Love' and 'Nobody I Know.' Waller died at 64 of cardiovascular disease.
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Michael Jackson, June 25: The "King of Pop" died after suffering cardiac arrest in Los Angeles just as he was preparing an ambitous comeback. The father of three was 50.
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The Italian-American crooner, born Alfred Cini, was one of a number of South Philadelphia-born singers, including Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Chubby Checker. He also was a longtime resident of Beverly Hills, Calif.
Philadelphia radio and television personality Jerry Blavat dined with Martino and his wife on Monday night. Blavat told the Philadelphia Daily News that Martino appeared to be in fine shape and that he was shocked when he learned of the singer's death.
"He was the last of the show business legends," said Blavat, who has played Martino's songs on the radio for years. "There's nobody else. The last of the performers. A magnificent voice."
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(36)Add a comment
Wednesday 14 October
By pastarasta
Don't worry about a thing. I'm gonna give this big-shot producer a deal he don't refuse. Leave everthing to me.
Reply
Wednesday 14 October
By Fran
LOL LOL How well we remember that scene, Especially if you're a Horseowner like me. Al's probably chuckling himself. What a wonderful voice, what a good person. I was 10 when his version of Volare came out & that song is forever imprinted in my mind along with warm summer days, fresh water lakes, starry night skies, & the joy of being 10 & full of wonder& innocence. Thank You, Al, you made alot of people very happy. To Al's Family, we extend our Sympathy.
Wednesday 14 October
By mary alice
why don't you find a HOLE and crawl into it!
Wednesday 14 October
By Patty
I'm sad to hear of Al Martino's passing. He was one of the few beautiful voices of old left to us. I grew up listening to Al, Dean Martin, Jerry Vale, Englebert Humperdinck and others. Initially I hated it, because it wasn't Elton John, Skynnard, The Beatles or Linda Ronstadt to name a few, but I certainly grew an appreciation for this music. I even went to see him and others in concert. From my teens until now, I can sing along with those old clasics from these "gentlemen" and I have fond memories.
Reply
Wednesday 14 October
By Robert Vale
Al was a prick- esp. at restaurants where he would insult chefs who all tried to impress him. ....even bringing his OWN pots and pans on tour to cook at restuarants- the ULTIMATE insult to chefs everywhere. I spit on him.
Wednesday 14 October
By Robert Vale
Out of al the artists you mentioned, in my opinion, Al was the least talented. His last "album: sold 1228 copies incl. digital downloads and lived life that included cheating on his wives, etc. Granted, Jerry Vale and ELton, etc, plus the rockers have issues, but I can't get over how Al would insult chefs, italian, alll over the world. THe stroies are endless. I look forward to eating at Caffee Roma without him beggin for my help in getting him money, record sales, etc.....even though I would say no, well since Caffee Roma opened in Bev Hills, CA.
Thursday 15 October
By Radio Ray
Al was wonderful talent and a great loss to us; but Blavit (unknown to anyone outside of Philly) is nuts. Many Show biz singing legends still with us. What is Tony Bennett...a schlump ? Liza, Bette, and so many more. Go back to sleep Blavit
Reply
Wednesday 21 October
By catfish198
Sure Blavet did`nt mean to slight Bennett.We do tend to over emphasize when the great one`s pass.God bless Al Martino!
Wednesday 14 October
By TOMMIE
IT'S SO SAD THAT A MAN WHO WORKED HIS ENTIRE LIFE IN SHOW BUSINESS, AOL SUMS UP HIS ENTIRE LIFE IN ONE COMMENT, THEN LOTS OF SPAM.
BON VOYAGE ALFRED, WE WILL MISS YOU!
Reply
Wednesday 14 October
By Nana
I loved Al Martino! He had the most beautiful voice and how I loved hearing him sing those ballads that made him so famous. I will never forget the time in 1976 when he was performing at a Nightclub near by and my Finacee took me to see him. Al Martino, during his performance, came down to greet the audiance and kissed my hand!!!
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Wednesday 14 October
By Don
My parents had many of his records. Ultimately, I grew up listening to a lot of his music (vis-a-vis my parents). "Spanish Eyes" was a classic. He was a nice guy and a great talent. He'll be missed.
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Wednesday 14 October
By Sam Rackham
I remember having the privelage of seeing Al Martino perform live on a RCCL cruise ship during the 1990s. My wife and I are fans of the Godfather movies and truly enjoyed seeing "Johnny Fontaine" live.
Reply
Wednesday 14 October
By Robert Vale
Frank Sinatra asked him not play the part, offering him another part instead, a part where he played a real character, not himself. He aid no, and insulted Frank and the MOb who made sure he played birthday parties and weddings until his death.
Wednesday 14 October
By bag o' cheese
You can act like a man instead of a hollywood finochio.
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Wednesday 14 October
By That'sme
How sad... one of the great crooners that my father played every night during dinner when I was growing up. God bless him for the enjoyment he brought through his vocals.
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Wednesday 14 October
By Jerry
I liked Al Martino. Had a nice voice. But I don't think he's the last of the show business legends. Tony Bennett is still singing. But the ranks are getting thin.
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Wednesday 14 October
By CeCe
How sad. All the Icons of a wonderful era are leaving us. Reminds me of my own age and mortality!
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Wednesday 14 October
By nascargurl1
So sad to hear that the man who sang the song I danced to with my Daddy is now gone, at my wedding, our "father-daughter" dance was Al Martino's song "Daddys Little Girl" a wonderful memory!
Reply
Wednesday 14 October
By Lotte
OMG! I was afraid I was the only person left who remembers that song! My Poppa used to sing along with it, as he taught us girls to dance in the living room! I still cry when I hear Mr. Martino do it!
Wednesday 14 October
By Don Caballero
God will give him an offer, that "I believe will be to his liking..."
Reply