Frank Sinatra's Mob Ties and Other Secrets | Sitdown with Michael Franzese

In this video, we will be discussing the legendary Frank Sinatra and his alleged ties to the Mob. Now, let me be clear, I am in no way trying to discredit or disrespect Sinatra's talent and contributions to the entertainment industry. He was a brilliant performer and a true gentleman, whom I had the pleasure of meeting a few times. However, I recently came across an article titled "Frank Sinatra's Mob Ties and Other Secrets from His FBI File" and I wanted to share my thoughts on the matter. Join me as we delve into the alleged connections between Sinatra and organized crime and uncover some of the secrets revealed in his FBI file.
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[@jamesfeldman4234]

Legendary singer Bing Crosby was Frank Sinatra's idol when he started out. Many years later, Bing said this funny line during an engagement with Frank: "Francis Albert Sinatra is the kind of singer who only comes around once in a lifetime. But why did he have to come around in MY lifetime?"

[@Spanner249]

Sinatra stood up for the rights of people in Hollywood to keep their political beliefs to themselves. He wasn’t a communist but he believed in the first amendment and was a vocal anti-segregationist. Good man.

[@wallacejoslyn4168]

Good man my ass womanizer knew about murders fixed the election for Kennedy

[@HK00088]

Hey big daddy

[@knowsmebyname]

I like what I read about him too. No angel though that's for sure

[@proudamerican3651]

There's nothing wrong with #Hollywood Celebrities expressing their political views. The problem is, the #HollywoodCelebrities who are demonizing those that have a different Political view.

[@WillScarlet16]

Not so much to women.

[@jamesfeldman4234]

As Jerry Lewis, a long-time friend of Frank Sinatra's acknowledged, virtually everyone who played the club circuits at that time--whether Italian, Jewish, or whatever--knew members of the Mob and were generally on friendly terms. And there's a good reason for that. The Mob owned most of the best clubs. And as legendary comic Don Rickles had always said, the Mob really knew how to run clubs and were better for both performers as well as the audience. So, it was hardly unusual for some special event for Tony Accardo in Chicago for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, and Milton Berle to personally perform for Tony and his family and guests at his home or some other location of Tony's choosing. But this is not to say that the Mob was always good to performers. Consider the case of the great opera singer Mario Lanza. I've read stories about how the Mob tortured and squeezed Mario. Or consider the story of Joe E. Lewis. They even made a pretty good movie out of Joe E. Lewis's life, called "The Joker's Wild," and it starred Frank Sinatra.

[@stevenhershman2660]

Don Rickles loved Frank. Frank backed Don Rickles and Don appreciated it.

[@tomfabozzi5353]

Some very mob connected people were also not very nice to their performers. Morris Levy, who was a big music business guy from the 50s-80s: he was a partner of the Lucchese family on a lot of his investments

[@KratostheThird]

@@stevenhershman2660Frank Sinatra was also good friends with LA Dodgers manager great Tommy Lasorda. With Don Rickles being a good friend, he was put on an 80’s TV ad where he insults the baseball players. All in fun and entertainment of course.

[@KratostheThird]

Some older people told me the Mob made Vegas more attractive for customers. Now the city is owned by massive corporations, and nobody is winning, and nobody cares about the casinos anymore.

[@SMR3663]

Your sit-downs are very enjoyable. Reading about history is one thing, but hearing it from someone who was there is a real treat !

[@greeneyedsoutherngirl6468]

It’s the real history! Don’t get me wrong, books are great, but books twist history to fit a narrative most times.

[@steiny3353]

SMR . I agree wholeheartedly. It's amazing to listen to these stories from someone who was actually in the life. He has probably seen things that would give you nightmares, but he has turned his life around and is doing good things for people. I find his channel intriguing.

[@gwenmarie7311]

Exactly 💯And History was my favorite subject in school. This Day the history channel is my favorite channel.

[@MaltSingle]

For me the greatest Italian American was Dean Martin, very versatile, comedian.singer n actor. Cheers n Love from India, Michael ur channel is getting big in South Asia, keep Rocking champ

[@anthonytony8328]

Dean Martin was 1,000% better than Sinatra

[@ianworley8169]

My mother in the UK adored Mario Lanza and pre-dating him was Caruso. Italian singers go back to the very beginning in Hollywood.

[@vanmoody]

@@ianworley8169 My father adored Mario Lanza. I remember him singing, "Be My Love" when I was a kid. Dad had a very good operatic voice himself.

[@vanmoody]

Dean's roasts were great television. And of course he and Jerry Lewis made really funny movies.

[@ryker4124]

Singer, actor, dancer, comedian and host.

[@loristaybiasfelix]

People love to take things out of context, Sinatra's song, "I did it my way", was loved by my uncle Tom, who asked for this song played at his funeral, I played it for him publicly, a few weeks ago...rip Uncle Tom 💙. Thank you for this story, and truths

[@jamesthomas9791]

Bruce Lee also had the same song played at his funeral.

[@zroy9263]

I've been a fan of Frank Sinatra since I was a skinny little Haitian American kid in Flatbush, Brooklyn during the early 70s. It was the aura of class, confidence, and power that he had. I was also impressed by the fact that he was also an activist long before it was fashionable! He fought against racism and helped in making the great Sammy Davis Jr a crossover superstar. Later in life as a historian, avid listener, and serious collector of fine music, I admired the fact that he was also an excellent jazz vocalist. I've wept while listening to Sinatra singing the blues and about lost love. He was also a solid actor, and I think that he would have been great as Don Corleone in The Godfather film. There will NEVER be another man like Frank Sinatra period! I've read at least seven biographies about his life. He was a predecessor of what so many cats in the old-school hip-hop game were trying to emulate during the 1980s through the early 2000s. He was a man's man and fashion icon. He exemplified the Playboy lifestyle. His connection with the mafia also gave him an element of both power and danger. Long live the life of the great Frank Sinatra!

[@funkflex5144]

Big Up to Flatbush Brooklyn USA

[@MAMRetro]

My dad knew Sinatra pretty well. He was a partial owner of Montmartre club in Havana, and arranged Sinatra‘s festivities for his marriage to Ava Gardner. In the late 70s after a concert in Carnegie Hall, he went backstage and Frank received him with great enthusiasm.

[@abeltrenadojr7235]

That’s awesome! You got any pics ?

[@PeteCannellasSound]

I’m 35 years old. I’ve been listening to Sinatra since I was a kid. I understood his music and became a diehard fan after my first true heartbreak in high school. From then on I understood his music. He is still my all-time favorite singer. He is my all-time, favorite, pop artist. He’s the only artist I can listen to all the time and never get sick off. I never need a break from his music.

[@aurwood68]

Same for me 😊

[@santaclaus3077]

I'm 36 and its the same for me. Sit on my deck with a cigar and listen to "Summer Wind"

[@TheSilverShadow17]

I'm in my mid 20s and listen to Sinatra, is that a bad thing?

[@sicilianeye]

My mom was a bobbysoxer. She saw Sinatra at his very first headline show at the Paramount. His voice was a constant presence in our house.

[@jancoyote52]

Oh I was lucky enough to be able to go to see Frankie Valli 3 times in concert, a true force of nature.

[@wallylosangeles4155]

@JanE Fritz: I was going to Go See Him ( Frankie Valli) when I Lived in New Jersey to perform in NYC, but The Tickets Sold Out quick, just like Michael said about Frank Sinatra as well!! Thanks for sharing Jane!!😀👏👏👏👍👋

[@TomMendoladrums]

Mr. Sinatra was a great guy. I had the privilege of performing for him at Jilly's for three weeks. Several friends that came to the club to show him respect were connected. They were well mannered and respectful of him and others at the club. Gentlemen and ladies. Actually, I felt safe when they were there. Frank was wonderful to me and my fellow musicians. He was a class act. He and I had a conversation once and he was a real person without any airs that fame can bring to a weak minded person. A class act!

[@maureenmcgettigan2794]

"Did he hang out" with criminals, even murderers? What's wrong with that?! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@maureenmcgettigan2794]

Yeah, Mob guys "spend money." Money they steal, but money!

[@greeneyedsoutherngirl6468]

You’re a very lucky man!

[@libertybell8852]

​@@maureenmcgettigan2794some of it they stole, and some of it the earned with business.

[@andrewipp426]

It’s interesting that because entertainers throughout history have had mobsters who were fans like the rest of us and enjoyed their music and acting, automatically denotes a negative connotation. No gangster or ordinary citizens behaved differently when we heard them perform, we all had sung along with their greatest hits; whether Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Al Martino, Jimmy Roselli, Frankie Valli, Jerry Vale...the list goes on and on!! The fact that are Italians just makes them extra special!! God Bless Mr Franzese, keep up the great work, love your content!

[@DrChem-wx1uc]

Perfect for a Monday. Thanks Michael for the best in the genre.

[@matteoromenghi]

Legends never die.

[@greeneyedsoutherngirl6468]

Thank God we have his music and movies! I’m proud to be a younger generation who adores him! I used to have his music playing in my car in high school and all my friends would say “hey who is that, this is pretty cool”-and I would say Frank Sinatra, only the best singer EVER! 😁

[@timstewart8500]

To this day, thanks to my sicilian grandmother and my childhood memories of spending time hanging out with her while my mom was at work.. Sinatra is my all time favorite singer. I mean vocal tone, delivery, everything. Though I myself am a rock musician, Sinatra is my number one.

[@jond2458]

Great and interesting video as always, thanks for all you do for us folks out grinding through the day. Always interested in your content and helps pass some time while out making a living

[@LeeChungTu7230]

Whenever I see Michael Franzese, I just can't shake off the pic of him as a youngster. Amazing how time tides changes.

[@williamj.dovejr.8613]

I always admired Sinatra as a kid...I rediscovered that at 27, collecting as much music as I could find, reading every book on him and it always annoyed me that people ignored all the good things he did that's mentioned here.

[@CaptainRanger1]

You never disappoint Michael. Thanks for this overdue video. Keep making them. God bless.

[@andrewvanhalen1984]

Frank Sinatra with mob ties? I'm shocked! SHOCKED! OK, maybe not that shocked... 😅

[@joebarbuto2760]

It's amazing how back in the day there were alot of crooners that were Italian's. Not necessarily involved with the Mob but were very successful singers. Hey Michael how about some background history on maybe Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, AL Martino, Perry Como. I mean truly amazing, as an Italian to be proud of them being a huge part of the entertainment business back in the day. Thanks enjoyed it very much!!

[@nomobties]

Add to that Dion DiMucci and Frankie Valley.

[@MK356BC]

And Ronnie James Dio.

[@jo-annfat-bricks2471]

To be a performer from the 30's to the 90's You had to deal with Mobsters. Whether they owned a studio, a record label, ties to a radio station, and most importantly club owners were typically connected with or worked for the Italian Mafia. Joe E. Louis had his vocal chords cut in the back alley of a club for looking at a mobster the wrong way.... those were how things were.

[@shaned7158]

And boxers

[@georgetaylor8591]

Hi Michael, loved this Sit Down!! I had the privilege of seeing Frank Sinatra in the 70's!! Great Showman!! Thanks for sharing!! Take care and Stay safe in this crazy world!!

[@staletoothpick9584]

Love your insight and the truths you tell. It's very interesting to hear your stories, I'm definitely subscribing for more.

[@davidneidel436]

Very interesting and informative perspective of a wonderful and entertaining man who is greatly missed. Thank you for clearing up the misconceptions about Mr. Sinatra.

[@cindybecerra1965]

You have the Absolute Hands Down BEST CHANNEL ON KZbin, worth watching. Love Love Love your channel, Thank You. Sending you Many Blessing from Denver Colo. -Cindy

[@giovannifattorusso1301]

Sinatra was the background track to my first dates with my girlfriend now my wife . Although I was behind by thirty years. Still listen to his music. Blessings to you all.

[@richardsalicejr5295]

Growing up in an extended Italian family, there was never a Sunday when after church service we went to one or another aunt's house where Sinatra vinyl wasn't spinning on the record player. I'm recently turned 56, and remember hearing his music from the time I was four years old. His music brings back so many fond memories, and I'm on a quest to find his records on vinyl again. They sound like childhood.

[@jamesrapp9778]

You tell the most enthralling stories thank you.😎👌

[@jamesrapp9778]

@@michaelfranzese you're very welcome😎👌

[@carlbenson6412]

How are ya' man...great subject...I'll check it out tonight when I look at my KZbin stuff when I wind down my day...thanks again!

[@greeneyedsoutherngirl6468]

Today is my birthday, Sinatra is my favorite, thank you for the awesome video to watch today! I go to Palm Springs every year just to go by and see his houses there, and visit the restaurants he would frequent! My grandfather raised me on Sinatra. I love his music and movies! 🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@stevedurnell4002]

Thank you for this information your youtube channel is so awesome Micheal love it .👍

[@elohimentertainment8166]

Another great sit down Micheal. This definitely hits close being that I'm #HBR (Hoboken born n raised) and Sinatra is the most famous hoboken resident. His childhood home is across the street from a store i go to on a daily basis and you can see a copy of his Hollywood star on the wall. I never understood how some people would get upset and say "how come he made a song about new york when he was from hoboken" If you've ever been to the hoboken waterfront and saw the Manhatten skyline you would understand why. Btw he's the only person, besides myself or family members, that i have hanging on my wall.

[@williammiano7011]

Thank you Michael for dispelling the nasty rumors about a great man. As the son of a Sicilian immigrant I’ve heard them all. Thanks for discussing innocent associations. My Medical Doctor father took care of the families of John Dipolito and Frank Fiorello in Southern California. I remember wonderful meals at Frank’s home. My father took care to explain to me how to stay on this side of the fence with those relationships. Non Italians have difficulty understanding this issue. Again, thanks my Brother.

[@jackcrespo2900]

Thank you so much for sharing your life events with us. God bless you and your family. Bsafe.

[@josephcollins628]

Always respect Michael! Great introspection and stories

[@ge1754]

I know your experiences past and present have made you a reliable human being..thank you and God Bless

[@mr.guppyjr.6080]

When my Grandpa was in the war he played in a big brass band. He would do gigs with Sinatra but not be fully employed with him. One night Sinatra offers my Grandpa a spot playing the sax and clarinet but my grandpa had to go to war and couldn’t. He was so nice and he gave my grandpa silver salt and pepper shakers. I always heard that Sinatra had some ties with the mafia. My grandpa said that the mob would help Sinatra book events. He also said he knew for a fact Sinatra wasn’t in the mob like an actual gangster type but he had a lot of friends in it and they would work with each other.

[@dianesher5517]

Once again you've been brilliant. Frank Sinatra was the greatest entertainer ever. I listened to his music from a very young age. Thank you

[@debbielb2325]

Damn! Wish the contest was open to Canadians. I would love to try these wines and meet Michael. Love your videos. I always learn something. Thank you for your time in putting these videos out!

[@hanknipper3921]

Great video Michael and I live in Tampa and I am going to try and come to your event here.

[@azmachine637]

Another video, excited for this michael

[@TheOrdep1976]

Love your videos sir keep it coming

[@crazyvids3351]

I wish I was old enough to have seen him sing at a club. He had an absolute beautiful voice to hear.

[@ketorn987]

Love you Michael ❤ I'm addicted to your channel 😂

[@florianburr9002]

Thanks for this video! I just listened to his last LP ever, so great music! He’s my idol👌🏼

[@plagasvon2399]

@micheal , your a legend love your content and your a chill guy

[@originalchilehed]

My mom (RIP) was in college back in the day, and said that every time Sinatra came to town his agent sent people to campus to offer the girls free tickets and money if they'd go act hysterical and faint and stuff. So a lot of that was a put-on. She still loved him though, the guy was indeed worthy of legend status.

[@jamescherico749]

Sush,there's things you just keep to yourself

[@stevetantilo9421]

That would be 3,000 girls getting paid at the Paramount….bullshit pal

[@BigAnt2]

Love listening to you Michael!❤️

[@TheRealJay33]

Another great video!

[@ronietude2572]

As usual great content.

[@jamescherney5874]

I asked you to do a sit down about Sinatra's mob ties and you did. Thanks for caring about your followers. Sinatra was a larger than life character who like the song said "did it his way."

[@CaliforniaPickin]

I asked also! Great Minds think alike. Lol. And Michael came thru as always.

[@als1023]

Great stories, great entertainment, always interesting !! Spending some time viewing FBI history , CIA history etc, truth stranger than fiction ,, Thanks as always !!

[@Cashcrop54]

If Frank only sang one song and it was "One For My Baby (And One More For the Road) he'd be a legend to me. He creates a reality when he sings that. I always feel like I'm Joe. "Set em Up Joe". Thanks Michael. I needed Frank today. Well, anyway really. God Bless Michael and be safe.

[@user-gq7ql2wi1d]

God bless. Just came across your channel.

[@FireWolf-Gaming3645]

Hi micheal i loved the vedio keep it up also could you make a video about angelo bruno and the philedephia family ?

[@johntravolina2043]

So much truth to what you said Michael. I liked hanging out with my friends from the long Island family. Keeping it real buddy and ty

[@DC8091]

Awesome video on The GOAT!! Cheers Mike & Frank 🥃🥃

[@cody9579]

Great video Michael. Could you make a video like this one but about Don Rickles and people he knew in the mob if you feel it’s worth it? Thanks

[@shalfacre30]

To be able to see him live at the Copacabana with other mob guys. What a site that would be.

[@sammyk5762]

Wonderful show today. ❤

[@TorNielsen124]

Great informative story 🏆

[@audiophileman7047]

Frank was truly great, definitely one of the very best singers of the 20th Century and a source of pride for the Italian American community no matter what kind of life they led. I love his music too. 😻I knew a guy who met Sinatra in a Vegas club, and they had a nice talk. Frank wasn't so full of himself that he wasn't willing to talk to ordinary people.

[@steray7590]

Thanks Michael another great video 👍🇨🇮

[@christineweischedel1504]

Glad you enjoyed Utah! Love these stories. My family owned (I think-not sure of the details) the 500 Club in Jersey. We have some awesome pictures with F.S.

[@johnalcorn8079]

He was the best,and he definitely knew the Mob Guy.The only problem for so many people he didn’t try to keep his distance.He denied in court knowing them in a hearing and he didn’t know them.The hearing was to try and get his gambling licence back.He got his licence back,but he lied at the hearing (On KZbin).It was true he had good friends in the Mafia. Sinatra was many things,a complicated man,but did many good deeds to others.Sinatra was involved in politics and he had power.So much power he could break a performer. He actually helped Sammy Davis Jr.and other black performers.Again a complicated man that did a lot of good,but ran with the mob.

[@davidgraham2556]

Hey Michael! Loved this segment on Frank Sinatra! I met Frank at the Nancy Sinatra’s show taping at NBC! His Bodyguard towered over me and I would characterize him as a possible “Mob” guy! I think I even met you! I hung out around The Club 87 (Vito G’s place and Club 82 Joe Bonnano’s place. Glad to see you have connected with our Lord and Savior!! Blessings!!!🙏

[@aaronlopez492]

Michael thank you so much for reviewing The Great Frank Sinatra. My Mom and Dad have gone now to be with the Lord. They had been married for 53 years. Yet every time my mom saw Mr. Sinatra perform she got a grin from ear to ear like the Cheshire cat and my dad would give her the old side eyes 😒. Thank you for the memories and may The Lord bless you and yours richly.

[@lewisnapton8399]

Good show today, Capo!

[@bri21229]

Congratulations 🎉on hitting a milling ❤god bless u Mikey

[@user-sf5zk4ji9g]

I was in the hospital having my daughter May 14th 1998. My husband is a huge Sinatra fan. Great music.

[@thepatchhead8422]

That Legendary Meeting Backstage at the Dick Clark/Westchester Premiere Theatre in Tarrytown, NY with Mr. Sinatra & his Special Guests provided one of the Greatest/Iconic Photos Ever. It quite possibly cemented his Legendary Status in General Society

[@danielwolski873]

Great video, very interesting.

[@EBThisThat]

Honestly, nothing about this really surprises or shocks me, knowing what I do about Frank himself. I consider myself a connoisseur of mob stories and the underground (I've written numerous stories where my characters escape the Life) but what you revealed makes absolute sense. I think besides the entertainment and fun that the mob provided, the power and money made them irresistible to others.

[@josephsierzengaIV]

Frank did the weddings of Joe Profaci’s daughters when they married Detroit LCN Bosses Joe Zerilli’s son and Bill Tocco’s son.

[@jeffreygraf3358]

An Icon, of not just his generation, but following generations.

[@karynpender5549]

Hi Michael. Please come and visit New Zealand. Beautiful country, friendly people. Love your podcasts.

[@rubenfernandez8825]

My parents used to listen Fran Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Andy Williams and the list goes on, and Im still listening these singers because I really enjoy it and I can cook some Italian dishes too. we are not Italians, I have friends in Mexico, they are Mexican Italians and I used to hung around with them. Back to these amazing singers, i try to passed on to my Daughters because it is beautiful music.

[@PAPITO_49]

Working at the Stardust Hotel and Casino in the 1973, 74 when Sinatra came to town every room in town was filled you could have rented out rooms in your home. It was a great time to be young and working Vegas. What i miss the most about LV, when they did away with lounge shows.

[@justinnelson9787]

As a Detroiter, I love hearing you mention the Giacalone brothers. I'd love to hear more about the Detroit Partnership. I almost had tickets to meet you in Warren, but had to work that day

[@karenperini3372]

God Bless You, Michael And, Your Family....🙏🌹😘

[@alexb8989]

Frank Sinatra was the best!! I have most of his Albums on Vinyl. Thanks for another Great Video!!

[@tfs203]

My Grandmother absolutely adored Frank Sinatra! RIP Grandma❤(2018)

[@walterbyrne5888]

Frank said, " may you live to be a hundred. And may the last voice you hear be mine."

[@Svelasc2]

I remember watching the Sinatra family guest appear in The Sopranos episodes.

[@jimsanchez2284]

Immensely enjoy your Sit downs brotherman.

[@SophiaTME]

Frank was several years before my time but love listening to him, maybe because my grandparents listened to him.

[@ralphviolajr]

"Connected" seems to mean very good friends with.

[@denniskucmyda9761]

Great song, Great entrance, Great Singer Gene Chandler the Duke himself

[@JamesSmith-wk5vq]

Good old blue eyes song the best song ever MY WAY I’m 29 from England and love his music cause my dad brought me up with good music

[@mattrettinger8715]

I have a great framed mug shot of Frank from 1938

[@richardclaypool9522]

Frank Sinatra isn’t my favorite style of music, but I get in the mood sometimes with a glass of scotch to listen to his music. I’ve always gotten on well with Italians and they have with me. I don’t know why, but gave consumer the most excepting people, even though I’ve been blind. I found treat them with respect, and they’ve always treated me with respect. There are exceptions, but that’s pretty much how my relationship with them has gone. Love your channel man keep it up!

[@unknown4o8er]

Great vid mike I was thinking if you can make a video about frank locasio

[@absolutgeist]

Thanks Michael!

[@m.asquino7403]

Great story Michael!

[@elizabethevangeliste8725]

Thank you Michael 🤗🥰🤗

[@giovanniscimeca7761]

Micheal we would all love it if you could take the time to do a more in depth video about your Fathers early days growing up and becoming involved in the life through the 30s-60s. You Father is such an interesting man that we know very little about. Please share more information with us sir!

[@frankfacts6207]

Good Essay!

[@mariannedippenaar8488]

Agree. Very interesting

[@nickmad887]

Thank you my friend.