Alfred Cini, known professionally as Al Martino, was born on 7 October 1927 in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began his career in music after serving in the US
Marine Corps during World War II, where he was injured during the invasion of
Iwo Jima. Inspired by singers like Al Jolson and Perry Como, he started
performing in local nightclubs under the name Al Martino, which he adopted from
the husband of a friend. In 1948, he moved to New York City and began recording
for Jubilee Records. His breakthrough came in 1952 when he won Arthur Godfrey's
Talent Scouts with "Here in My Heart...