Frank Sinatra had to plead for his life after the New York mafia attacked him in the early 1970s, according to a new book.
Mafia takedownwritten by former FBI agent Mike Campi, it reveals that the singer had so enraged the Genovese crime family that he was summoned to a secret meeting in an East Harlem basement by ruthless mob puppet master ‘Fat Tony’ Salerno.
It was here that one of Campi’s informants, the Genoese “soldier” George Barone, was instructed to kill Sinatra.
The singer’s ties to the mafia are the stuff of Hollywood legend, to the point that Johnny Fontane’s character in The Godfather is said to have been based on his life.
“Rumors circulated for a long time that he was close to gangsters and that they boosted his career from the beginning,” writes Campi, who led one of the most successful attacks against organized crime in the United States.
Sinatra was often photographed with members of the mafia; here he is among the Fischetti brothers, members of the Chicago mafia who were affiliated with Al Capone.
“There is ample evidence to support this claim.”
For one thing, Sinatra’s godfather was infamous New Jersey wiseguy Willie Moretti.
But the connections don’t end there.
“Italian authorities once found Sinatra’s name and address in the possession of Charles ‘Lucky’ Luciano, and it is alleged that Sinatra once delivered a suitcase full of cash to Luciano in Cuba,” Campi writes.
He adds: “Sinatra was also good friends with Louie ‘Dome’ Pacello, a veteran Genoese soldier who operated from an office above Veniero’s Bakery in New York City. Pacello once refused to answer under oath whether he even knew Sinatra. , citing his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.
“After being vaccinated and legally forced to answer, Pacello still refused to answer, voluntarily choosing to be imprisoned rather than answer this simple question.”
Sinatra began an affair with Ava Gardner in 1951, while he was still married to Nancy Sinatra.
The singer’s ties to the mafia are the stuff of Hollywood legend, to the point that Johnny Fontane’s character in The Godfather is said to have been based on his life.
The mafia is alleged to have been behind Sinatra’s Oscar-winning role in From Here to Eternity, after he was initially rejected for the role of soldier Angelo Maggio.
Campi claims the mafia was even behind Sinatra’s Oscar-winning role in From Here to Eternity after he was initially rejected for the role of soldier Angelo Maggio.
“Columbia Studios is said to have been closely aligned with the mafia,” Campi writes. ‘Sinatra requested a role from Columbia director Harry Cohn, who turned it down.
“Sinatra apparently approached a Genoese power broker, Frank Costello, who hand-picked Chicago mobster Johnny Roselli to deliver a message.”
Roselli is said to have “persuaded” Cohn to choose Sinatra after all, telling him he was a “damn dead man” if he didn’t do what he was told.
But, through his personal conversations with George Barone, Campi uncovered even more damning details about Ol’ Blue Eyes’ affiliation with the Genovese family.
“According to Barone, at one point Sinatra was becoming too friendly with other crime families (Sinatra was photographed with several Gambino members),” he writes.
Posing with mob friends in his dressing room in 1976. Left to right: Gregory De Palma, Sinatra, Thomas Marson, Carlo Gambino, Jimmy ‘The Weasel’ Fratianno and, front, Richard ‘Nerves’ Fusco. The photo was introduced as evidence during the trial of De Palma and Fusco for fraud.
James Caan (left) was “extremely close” with then Colombo captain Andrew Russo, while Robert De Niro (right) consulted with “Fat Andy” Ruggiano to discuss this.
Genoese street boss ‘Fat Tony’ Salerno summoned Sinatra to a basement meeting in East Harlem
Word had also reached the family that he was going all out in Las Vegas, becoming rude and abusive when drunk.
Stories of his violent outbursts are infamous: He apparently once paid a waiter $50 to punch Vanity Fair writer Dominick Dunne in the face, and, after an argument about politics with a woman, he is said to have demanded a valet to hit her with a plate. of grilled ribs.
It was enough. The Genoese street boss, ‘Fat Tony’ Salerno, summoned Sinatra to a meeting in a basement in East Harlem. Barone was told to arrive early, and when Tony gave the signal, he was to kill Sinatra.
But when the singer faced his fate, he “cried like a baby” and pleaded for his life.
Apparently, Fat Tony took pity on him.
‘Sinatra… was reprimanded and promised not to violate his relationship with the Genoese,’ or he would be a dead man.
For now, ‘his life was saved.’
Sinatra wasn’t the only star associated with the mafia.
Campi writes that Robert De Niro consulted with Gambino kingpin ‘Fat Andy’ Ruggiano for his role in Analyze This, and Tony Sirico, who plays Paulie Walnuts on The Sopranos, was associated with the Colombo crime family.
James Caan, he alleges, was also “extremely close” to then-Columbo captain Andrew Russo. The character of the actor’s godfather, Sonny Corleone, was said to be based on Russo.
The gangsters even used their considerable muscle to impose control over the content of films, he writes.
“For example, Capone was concerned about his fictional portrayal in the original 1932 film, Scarface, so he sent gangsters whose threats ensured his satisfaction with the film.”
Barone (in 1954, left, and 2006, right) was told to arrive early and, when Fat Tony gave the signal, he was to kill Sinatra.
Tony Sirico, who plays Paulie Walnuts on The Sopranos (center), was associated with the Colombo crime family.
The mob is said to have issued bomb threats against Paramount to ensure they were seen positively in The Godfather.
Even in The Godfather, he says, the mob was determined to make sure they were seen in a positive light.
‘Mob boss Joe Colombo used his control over the Italian-American Civil Rights League to pressure Paramount against the proposed film.
‘He also made it clear that he would exploit mafia control of the unions and other influences to interfere with their creation.
‘In addition, the mafia threatened the film’s producer and other executives and stole expensive film equipment.
“After continuing to make bomb threats, Paramount gave in to their demands. A silent agreement was reached and the film’s story was adjusted to the mob’s satisfaction.’
Mafia Takedown: The Incredible True Story of the FBI Agent Who Devastated the New York Mob by Mike Campi is published by Skyhorse
