While Martino is a well known Legend in the US, few knew he was the UK's first chart-topper, Martino's song, "Here In My Heart", claimed the number one position when the New Musical Express introduced its chart in November 1952, and it remained there for nine weeks, a run that has rarely been beaten. Only six records have had a longer continuous run at the top, the most recent of which was Umbrella by Rihanna in 2007.

Al Martino
Associated Press, October 14,2009
SPRINGFIELD, Pa. (AP) — Singer Al Martino, who played the Frank Sinatra-type role of Johnny Fontane in "The Godfather" and recorded hits including "Spanish Eyes" and the Italian ballad "Volare" in a 50-year musical career, died Tuesday. He was 82.

Martino died 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.

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.

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.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/
ALeqM5jj4yj37U9DWYfLMh8iNpt2MokknAD9BAPRI80

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/music/2009/10/14/
original-chart-topper-al-martino-dies-aged-82-86908-21746455/
 

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