Al Martino's ominous last recording
On the day before his death, singer Al Martino was in a Fort Lee, New Jersey studio recording a cover of Garth Brooks' "If Tomorrow Never Comes." His wife Judith and son Al Cini shared the news with us Friday at the D'Anjolell Funeral Home in Broomall which held the viewing and memorial service of the South Philadelphia born show business legend. Martino, who turned 82 on Oct. 7, died of a heart attack Tuesday while cooking at his home in Springfield, Delaware County. The family says it's not sure whether the song will ever be released. Martino, a terrific singer and a true gentleman, who many remember for playing Johnny Fontane in "The Godfather," drew a large crowd of mourners, fans and friends alike, including broadcast veterans Bill Wright, Sr. and Bill "Wee Willie" Webber.
Al Martino's ominous last recording
Dan Gross
On the day before his death, singer Al Martino was in a Fort Lee, New Jersey studio recording a cover of Garth Brooks' "If Tomorrow Never Comes." His wife Judith and son Al Cini shared the news with us Friday at the D'Anjolell Funeral Home in Broomall which held the viewing and memorial service of the South Philadelphia born show business legend. Martino, who turned 82 on Oct. 7, died of a heart attack Tuesday while cooking at his home in Springfield, Delaware County. The family says it's not sure whether the song will ever be released. Martino, a terrific singer and a true gentleman, who many remember for playing Johnny Fontane in "The Godfather," drew a large crowd of mourners, fans and friends alike, including broadcast veterans Bill Wright, Sr. and Bill "Wee Willie" Webber.
Been a fan of Al's since the 60's and followed his whole career. Without a doubt, the BEST true singer in my lifetime. So many memories of Al at the old Latin Casino, Palumbo's, and Atlantic City. He will be truly, truly missed. May you rest in peace, sir.— 1aviator
True that Al was a gifted performing vocalist. Even more importantly, he was a human being, who never boasted of himself, never blew off an admirer, never thought of himself as privileged. He thought of himself simply as a singer! And, man, was he a singer! God Bless you, Al! God bless his family!— Nihilist- Growing up, our Mom, who was a musician, cultivated in us an appreciation of beautiful music. Often we'd see an entertainer on TV, or hear them on radio, and ask Mom, "Is (so and so) a good singer"? "Spanish Eyes" was one of my first memories of my first transistor radio, which hung from the bunk bed ladder each night as I listened on my way to sleep. "Is Al Martino a good singer, Mom", I asked one morning, and Mom replied, "Oh yes, and he's a very nice man, too."— cblank
- It hurts every time another of Al's generation goes. I was of his kids' generation, and did not catch him the first time, but mainly from LPs whose inside sleeves showed other albums in the label's catalog, and Al's were always there in spades. Even before I heard his music, which I loved, I was aware he was big-time.— kierenmcd
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