Died On This Date (October 13, 2009) Al Martino / Johnny Fontaine in “The Godfather”
themusicsover Al Martino (Born Alfred Cini)
October 7, 1927 – October 13, 2009
Al Martino was a Philadelphia bricklayer before leaving the family masonry business to follow his passion as a singer and actor. He went on to become one of America’s most beloved Italian American crooners. He is perhaps best remembered for his portrayal of Johnny Fontaine, the connected lounge singer in The Godfather. Some believe that character was based on Frank Sinatra. With the encouragement of childhood friend, Mario Lanza, Martino began singing in local clubs which eventually lead him to compete on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts television program. He won first prize and soon landed a recording contract. Over the course of his career, Martino released several hit records including 1952’s “Here In My Heart” which became the first single by an American performer to land at the top spot of the UK singles charts. His biggest hit however, was 1965’s “Spanish Eyes.” In all, he had eleven Top 40 singles in the U.S. In 1972, he played Johnny Fontaine, one of the most memorable characters in the classic film, The Godfather. He reprised the role in the two sequels and sang the theme song as well. Eerily mirroring the life of Johnny Fontaine, Martino’s recording contract was reportedly bought out by mobsters who later beat him when he tried to terminate it. The situation caused him to move to England for several years. Al Martino died unexpectedly in his Pennsylvania home. He was 82 years old.
What You Should Own
Gus Chambers is best remembered as the lead singer for metal band, Grip Inc. Formed by ex-Slayer drummer, Dave Lombardo in 1993, the band was originally signed by powerhouse metal label, Metal Blade Records. The band released a handful of critically praised albums during their run. In later years, Chambers performed with a few other bands, Squad 21, Squealer, and Mantra Sect. Gus Chambers was 50 years old when his lifeless body was found in his home. His cause of death was initially believed to be suicide, but police reports finally ruled he died of an accidental overdose of prescribed medication and alcohol.
Gene Vincent was one of rock ‘n roll and rockabilly’s early pioneers. After what he thought was going to be a life long career in the U.S. Navy, Vincent turned his sights on music after a motorcycle accident shattered his leg and left him unable to continue to serve. In 1956, he and his Blue Caps released his first and biggest hit, “Be-Bop-A-Lula,” a song that Rolling Stone magazine placed at #102 on their list of the 500 Greatest Rock and Roll Songs of All Time. While touring Europe in 1960, the driver of a cab in which he and 
John Denver was an American folk rock singer-songwriter who released several pop hits during the ’70s. His 300-strong catalog of popular songs included “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Take Me Home Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” and “Sunshine on My Shoulder.” Denver also had a strong presence on television and film during the height of his career. He was featured in a handful of Muppet specials, hosted the Grammy’s five times, and sat in for Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show several times. In 1977, he starred alongside George Burns in the popular comedy, Oh God!. In later years, Denver devoted most of his time to various humanitarian causes. He was also a licensed pilot and flying enthusiast. On October 12, 1997, John Denver died when the experimental aircraft he was piloting crashed shortly after take off from a Central California coast airport. Witnesses say the plane made a sudden dive into the ocean, leading experts to conclude that he likely accidentally pushed the right rudder pedal while maneuvering in the seat. Denver was 53 when he died.