Sad news this morning--
SPRINGFIELD, Pa. -- Singer Al Martino, who played the Frank Sinatra-type role of Johnny Fontane in "The Godfather," died Tuesday afternoon at his childhood home. He was 82.
Publicist Sandy Friedman, of the Rogers & Cowan public relations firm, confirmed Martino's death in the Philadelphia suburb of Springfield, in Delaware County, but didn't cite a cause.
Starting in 1952, Martino was known for hit songs including "Here in My Heart," "Spanish Eyes," "Can't Help Falling in Love" and "Volare."
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.
Martino was born in South Philadelphia as Alfred Cini and 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."
Only three months ago, Al Martino appeared at Festa Italiana in Milwaukee. I saw him perform on July 16.
Thursday night, I went to Festa Italiana.
It was a beautiful night. A little cool, but still beautiful.
We were eating and drinking and being entertained by Al Martino.
Although his show was overwhelmingly singing, he did tell a joke.
Given that the 125th anniversary of the story of Pinocchio is being honored by Festa this year, it was appropriate that the joke included the character.
The joke has been circulating for a while now. It's about Pinocchio, Snow White, and Superman.
Here's the short version:
The three are out for a walk.
They see a sign that there's a beauty contest. Snow White enters and wins.
They keep walking and come across a world's strongest man contest. Superman enters and wins.
Then, they come across a world's biggest liar contest. Pinocchio enters thinking he will win.
After the contest, instead of coming out and announcing his victory to Snow White and Superman, Pinocchio asks, "Who's Nancy Pelosi?"
What surprised me was the response from the crowd. There was not only applause, but a standing ovation from many!
Not a good sign for Nancy.
Festa is fantastic. I love everything about it.
Great food. Great entertainment. Great fireworks.
Al Martino put on a great show. He sang his hits. He was very engaging. He seemed to love what he was doing and he did it well.
It was a beautiful night, bella notte.
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