Posted on 10/13/2009 8:53:32 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
SPRINGFIELD, Pa. The singer who played the Frank Sinatra-type role of Johnny Fontane in "The Godfather" has died at his childhood home in suburban Philadelphia.
Publicist Sandy Friedman says Al Martino died Tuesday afternoon in Springfield, in Delaware County. He was 82.
Starting in 1952, Martino was known for hit songs including "Here in My Heart," "Spanish Eyes," "Can't Help Falling in Love" and "Volare."
Besides acting in the Marlon Brando classic "The Godfather," he sang the 1972 film's title score, "The Love Theme From The Godfather." His Fontane character is a singer and occasional actor.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
He had a beautiful voice...RIP.
I was stationed in Germany in the mid-60’s, and Al Martino’s “Spanish Eyes” was on every jukebox in every GastHaus I went into...the Germans loved that song, even though it was in English. I think that song, and “Wooly Bully” were the only English songs on most of those jukes.
Perfectly cast in The Godfather.
Great talent. R.I.P.
I just watched Godfather a couple of days ago. Eerie. I just wanted a replay of how Sonny beat the crap out of his brother-in-law in the street and in that scene he held back a bit throwing the garbage can at his head.
Don Corleone: YOU CAN ACT LIKE A MAN! [gives a quick slap to Fontane]
Don Corleone: What's the matter with you? Is this what you've become, a Hollywood finocchio who cries like a woman? "Oh, what do I do? What do I do?" What is that nonsense? Ridiculous!
apparently both versions were available..
instrumental followed by a vocal version.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speak_Softly_Love_(Love_Theme_From_The_Godfather)
A Classic Film.
A perfectly good horse lost it’s head over that wimpy character.
Michael: Well, give him a call. Hello, Johnny.
Johnny Fontane: Mike, it’s nice to see you again.
Michael: We’re all proud of you. Sit down, Johnny, I want to talk to you. The Don’s proud of you, too.
Johnny Fontane: Well, I owe it all to him.
Michael: He knows how grateful you are. That’s why he’d like to ask a favor.
Johnny Fontane: Mike, what can I do?
Michael: The Corleone family is thinking of giving up all of its interest in the olive oil business, settling out here. Now Moe Greene will sell us his share of the hotel and the casino so that it can be completely owned by the family. Tom.
[Hagen hands Michael some papers]
Fredo: Hey, Mike, are you sure about that? I mean, Moe, loves the business. He never said anything to me about sellin’.
Michael: I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse. You see,
Johnny, we feel that entertainment is going to be a big factor in drawing gamblers into the casinos. We’re hoping that you’ll sign a contract agreeing to appear 5 times a year. Perhaps convince some of your friends in the movies to do the same. We’re counting on you, Johnny.
Johnny Fontane: Sure, Mike, I’ll do anything for my Godfather. You know that.
I grew up listening to his records at my grandmom’s house, back in the ‘60s.
RIP
“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”
Instrumental
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMGE8pks9UE
Vocal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXVQX6HGVy0&feature=related
Great song, but I hate that lip-sync stuff.
You didn't like the Newbomb Turk version?
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