October 14, 2009 8:58

'The Godfather' singer Al Martino dies

'Here In My Heart' performer topped the first ever NME Chart in 1952

American singer Al Martino died yesterday afternoon (October 13).

The singer, aged 82, passed away at his childhood home in Philadelphia suburb Springfield, Delaware County, reports the Associated Press. A cause of death is yet to be announced.

The singer has the distinction of topping the inaugural NME Chart in November 1952 – Britain's first music chart – with the UK's first ever Number One single 'Here In My Heart'.

The chart was compiled by NME's Percy Dickins, who rang around a selection of record shops to calculate the chart positions.

Along with his musical career, Martino also appeared in the 1972 movie 'The Godfather' alongside the likes of Marlon Brando.

Martino played Johnny Fontane, a singer with Mafia connections, who was reportedly partly based on Frank Sinatra. He also sung the film's song 'The Love Theme From The Godfather'.