Al Viola, a versatile guitarist best known for his long association with Frank Sinatra and his memorable mandolin playing on “The Godfather” soundtrack, has died. He was 87. Viola died of cancer Wednesday at his home in Studio City, said his wife, Glenna.
Viola, who arrived in Los Angeles as a member of the Page Cavanaugh Trio after World War II, became a prominent member of the local recording-studio scene.
He worked in the recording studio – and occasionally did local gigs – with the big bands of Harry James, Ray Anthony, Les Brown and Nelson Riddle. He also worked with jazz groups, including playing with Collette, Red Callender, Bobby Troup, Terry Gibbs and Shelly Manne.
As a studio musician, Viola appeared on more than 500 albums with artists such as Julie London, Steve Lawrence, Marvin Gaye, Neil Diamond, Linda Ronstadt and Natalie Cole.
In addition to being the solo mandolinist who performed the classic “Godfather” theme, he played on numerous TV and film soundtracks, including “West Side Story,” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Blazing Saddles.”
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