BRYAN ADAMS - AL MARTINO DIES

AL MARTINO DIES

American singer Al Martino - who scored the UK's first ever number one single - has died at the age of 82.

American singer Al Martino has died.

The crooner - who scored the first UK number one with his single 'Here In My Heart' - passed away yesterday (13.10.09) at the age of 82 at his Philadelphia childhood home and leaves behind his wife Judi and daughter Alison.

'Here In My Heart' reached the top spot in November 1952 and stayed there for nine weeks, a run which has only been beaten by four singles since including Bryan Adams' 'Everything I Do (I Do It For You)', which toped the chart for 16 weeks.

The former bricklayer's other hits included 'Spanish Eyes', 'Can't Help Falling in Love' and 'Volare'.

Martino also played Johnny Fontane in 1972 film 'The Godfather'. He recorded the title tune for it and reprised his role as the singer godson of Don Vito Corleone - played by Marlon Brando - in the 1974 sequel 'The Godfather Part II'.

Martino - who was born Alfred Cini - also performed the track featured in the first film's wedding scene.

His character was said to be based on Frank Sinatra.