RIP Johnny Fontaine

[Dennis Donovan]

http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=2991912

Singer Al Martino dies at 82

(AP)

Singer Al Martino, who played the role of Johnny Fontane in "The Godfather," has died at his childhood home in the Philadelphia suburb of Springfield, Delaware County.

Publicist Sandy Friedman of Rogers & Cowan says Martino died Tuesday afternoon. He was 82.

Starting in 1952, Martino was known for hit songs including "Here in My Heart," "Spanish Eyes," "Can't Help Falling In Love" and "Volare." In addition to acting in "The Godfather," Martino sang the 1972 film's title score, "The Love Theme From The Godfather."

[monmouth]

1. He was one of the wonderful voices of my youth. RIP....n/t

[sinkingfeeling]

2. Soon there will be no 'stars' from my childhood left.

[Blue_Tires]

3. r.i.p.

Johnny Fontane never gets that movie! That part is perfect for him, it'll make him a big star, and I'm gonna run him out of the business, and let me tell you why -- Johnny Fontane ruined one of Woltz International's most valuable proteges. For five years we had her under training. Singing lessons, acting lessons, dancing lessons. I spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on her, I was gonna make her a big star! And let me be even more frank, just to show you that I'm not a hard-hearted man, and that it's not all dollars and cents. She was beautiful! She was young! She was innocent! She was the greatest piece of ass I've ever had, and I've had 'em all over the world! And then Johnny Fontane comes along with his olive oil voice and guinea charm, and she runs off. She threw it all away just to make me look ridiculous! And a man in my position can't afford to be made to look ridiculous! NOW YOU GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE!!! And you tell that gumba that if he wants to try any rough stuff that I ain't no band leader. Yeah, I heard that story.