THE GODFATHER - THE GODFATHER'S MANDOLIN MAN DEAD AT 87

THE GODFATHER'S MANDOLIN MAN DEAD AT 87

AL VIOLA, the man who played the haunting mandolin on THE GODFATHER soundtrack has died after a battle with cancer. He was 87. Viola became an in-demand guitar player in Hollywood after World War Two and went on to feature on more than 500 albums, including classic releases by longtime collaborator FRANK SINATRA. The guitarist performed with Sinatra for 25 years and Ol' Blue Eyes even paid tribute to his musician pal on record, singling him out for praise during a 1962 Paris, France concert, which was released as an album in 1994. Viola also performed behind Sinatra on standards like MY WAY and NEW YORK, NEW YORK. As well as playing on The Godfather soundtrack, Viola also performed on soundtracks for BLAZING SADDLES and WEST SIDE STORY. He played his final show at a Sherman Oaks, California jazz club last month (JAN07).