The Italian-American pop crooner Al Martino boasted many hit singles during his long career in the music industry, which stretched remarkably from the early 1950s through the 2000s. Songs like "Here in My Heart," "Rachel" and "When You're Mine," bring to mind the soft, romantic ballads that were prevalent during the 1950s. Later songs included "Always Together," "I Love You More and More Every Day" and "We Could," which filled voids in a music industry that was dominated by primarily rock 'n' roll. 1966 saw the recording of Martino's signature song, the easy-listening number "Spanish Eyes." These remarkable tunes introduced the charming Mr. Martino to the world, and his gentle and intimate voice would become a familiar sound on international radio stations. Of course, Martino is also greatly remembered for his role as Johnny Fontane in the 1972 film, The Godfather. The character was meant to conjure up memories of Frank Sinatra, but in quite an uncanny way, Johnny Fontane perhaps best portrayed Marino's own turbulent career.

Martino was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1927 to Italian immigrant parents. His given name was Alfred Cini. He developed a large interest in music and was greatly inspired by the likes of Al Jolson and Perry Como. When his good friend Alfredo Cocozza changed his name to Mario Lanza and became an international opera star, the young Cini saw an opportunity. Before long Al Martino was born. He went on to record songs throughout the 1950s, and many of the tunes hit the high marks on the music charts. Martino was riding high, until some of his new fans wanted to impede on his success. According to several reports, his management company was taken over by members of the Mafia, and the popular singer was forced to flee to England for several years.

He continued recording when he eventually returned to the U.S. and re-established himself as a music star in the 1960s with more pop-oriented songs. His striking hit "Spanish Eyes" helped to recruit even more fans, and he also focused on performing covers of songs like Paul Mauriat's "Love is Blue" and Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love." He was still popular, but his record sales were slowly dwindling. Oddly, just when Martino was concerned himself about fading into music history, he was offered the role of Johnny Fontane in The Godfather. Martino jumped at the chance to portray the fading pop icon who was seeking mob intervention to help bolster his flailing career. The Godfather, in turn helped to prop up Martino's own career, and he continued performing in clubs, lounges and casinos throughout the 2000s.