Al Martino: Passes away at eighty two

Al Martino: Passes away at eighty two

Al Martino , the renowned crooner who played Johnny Fontane in the 1970s "Godfather" movies and had several pop hits spanning over two decades, has died this Tuesday at his Springfield Township, Pa. home in Delaware County aged 82.
 
He was born in South Philadelphia, on October 7, 1927.

Martino began his singing career in the late 1940s. His single "Here in My Heart" topped the chart in the U.K. in 1952 and stayed there for a record 9 weeks.

He performed for Queen Elizabeth at the London Palladium the same year.

According to Martino's publicist, Sandy Friedman, the singer had plans of returning for an anniversary performance at the Palladium in 2010.

Martino had a run of chart singles through 1953, but his career stalled with the advent of rock 'n' roll. He was back again in 1963 with the Top 5 hit "I Love You Because."

His other chart topping tunes include - "I Love You Because," "Painted, Tainted Rose," "A Merry Christmas" and "Spanish Eyes."

The Italian-American Martino continued to hit the pop charts through the mid-'70s, reaching the top 20 with "To the Door of the Sun (Alle Porte del Sole)" in 1974.

Martino is survived by his wife - Judi; daughter - Allison; son - Alfred; brother - Frank; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Services are pending.