Legendary Crooner Tony Martin Dies, Aged 98

Veteran American singer, actor and all-round Renaissance man Tony Martin has passed away at the age of 98.

The performer, born Alvin Morris in San Francisco on Christmas Day, 1913, sustained a career for almost 80 years, beginning during the Depression era and lasting until the 21st century. No cause of death has been announced thus far, although it is believed that he died due to natural causes.

Throughout his long and often illustrious career, he married two of his movie musical co-stars, Cyd Charisse and Alice Faye. He remained married to Cyd for an impressive 60 years, until she sadly passed away in 2008. The two had one son together, Tony Martin, Jr., who predeceased his father - dying in April last year. He is survived by Charisse's son, Nicky, whom he adopted.

Tony Martin starred in films from 1936 all the way up to 1982, as well as being a well-travelled musical performer and recording artist. Well into his career, Martin was still doing tours of Europe and had a yearly contract at the London Palladium for some time during his career heyday.

He is also said to have continued performing well into his 90's, although obviously not as actively as he had previously.

Our condolences to Tony's family and friends.