'Godfather' singer Martino dies

US singer Al Martino who had Britain’s first number one single in 1952 has died aged 82.

Martino, who played the Frank Sinatra-type role of Johnny Fontane in “The Godfather” and recorded hits including “Spanish Eyes” and the Italian ballad “Volare” in a 50-year musical career.

Martino died at his childhood home in the Philadelphia suburb of Springfield.

Starting in 1952, Martino was known for hit songs including “Here in My Heart” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

He topped the first UK chart in 1952 with “Here In My Heart”.

Besides acting in “The Godfather,” Martino sang the 1972 film’s title score, “The Love Theme From The Godfather.”

His Fontane character is a singer and occasional actor and is the godson of Marlon Brando’s Mafia boss character, Don Vito Corleone.

The Italian-American crooner, born Alfred Cini, was one of a number of South Philadelphia-born singers, including Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Chubby Checker.