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Alfred Cini, known professionally as Al Martino, was born on 7 October 1927 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began his career in music after serving in the US Marine Corps during World War II, where he was injured during the invasion of Iwo Jima. Inspired by singers like Al Jolson and Perry Como, he started performing in local nightclubs under the name Al Martino, which he adopted from the husband of a friend. In 1948, he moved to New York City and began recording for Jubilee Records. His breakthrough came in 1952 when he won Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts with "Here in My Heart", which became his first hit single, reaching number one in both the United States and the United Kingdom. He signed with Capitol Records in 1953, releasing several successful singles, including "Take My Heart" and "Rachel". However, his career was interrupted when he had to leave the US due to mafia involvement. He relocated to England, where he continued performing and recording. In 1962, he returned to the US and released The Exciting Voice of Al Martino, which included a re-recorded version of "Here in My Heart". His career resurgence continued with hits like "I Love You Because" (1963), which reached number three on the Pop Charts and number one on the Easy Listening charts, and "Painted, Tainted Rose" (1963). Throughout the 1960s, he released numerous albums, including Living a Lie (1964) and Spanish Eyes (1966), maintaining his presence in the music industry. In addition to his musical career, he is known for his role as Johnny Fontane in Francis Ford Coppola's film The Godfather, a character inspired by Frank Sinatra but with similarities to Martino's own career. This role further cemented his status as a cultural icon. He continued releasing albums until 2001, with notable works including Love of My Life and Come Share The Wine. His discography spans various genres, reflecting his versatility as an artist. Al Martino passed away on 13 October 2009, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire artists today.
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