American singer and actor Al Martino dies at age 82

October 14, 2009 American singer and actor Al Martino died yesterday, aged 82.

Martino was born as Alfred Cini in Philadelphia, US state of Pennsylvania on October 7, 1927. One of the ways in which he was best known was for his first single, "Here in My Heart", which became the first ever number 1 single in the UK Singles Chart on November 14, 1952. It stayed at the top spot for nine weeks before being succeeded by "You Belong To Me" by Jo Stafford.

More recently, Martino was known was for his character Johnny Fontane in the 1972 film The Godfather. He reprised the role in the sequel films The Godfather II and The Godfather III.

Martino died at his childhood hometown of Philadelphia, following an active 58 years in the music business.