Making the Wiseguys Weep: The Jimmy Roselli Story

Five more stars to David Evanier for writing a great story on Jimmy Roselli. After reading the reviews, some people feel that Jimmy is not the greatest person in the world, but I think we can all agree that he is one of the best singers who's story is a story of interest and it was superbly told by David Evanier.

I am the author of "Making the Wiseguys Weep." The reactions to my book have been extremely gratifying. Probably the most moving tribute came from the reader who called me the "Dante of the Italian-American community." I think that anyone interested in the Mafia or who loves "The Sopranos" would want to read my accounts of Gyp de Carlo, Carlo Gambino, Sam Giancana and John Gotti, among many others. Jimmy Roselli is not only the "sweetheart of the mob" but an amazing singer who is considered the soul of the Italian-American community. Martin Scorsese featured his voice in "Mean Streets." After writing the book I was told by a disc jockey in New Oreleans that Norjo's, the Italian grocery in New Orleans, features behind its counter pictures of the Pope, Sinatra and Jimmy, and CD's of Roselli and Sinatra. In addition, it's important to note that Frank Sinatra had only one true rival in terms of a great voice, and that was--and is--Jimmy Roselli. It was a joy to discover a great singer, someone who deserved far greater recognition, and who, thanks to my book and the movie planned about it, is finally receiving it. There are many great Italian-American singers: Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Louis Prima, Bobby Darin and Jerry Vale among them. No one is more unique than Jimmy Roselli. No one has more passion. Check out "Making the Wiseguys Weep" and some of Roselli's truly great albums: "3 A.M.," "The Best of Neapolitan Songs," "The Italian Album," "Jimmy Roselli," "When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New," and "What is A Song." You will never, ever, forget them. Vincent Patrick, critic of the book for the "New York Times," Sammy Cahn, Joe Pesci, who loves Roselli and wants to play him, Chazz Palmintieri, and John Gotti, among others, will attest to that.

I thought this was a pretty amazing book about a pretty amazing guy. I didn't know much about Roselli except that he was a singer who had some association with Sinatra and with the Mob. The book tells all sorts of wild stories about his connection to both. It's really funny, and what's great about it is you can go out and buy the music you're reading about. This is probably my favorite book of the last two years.

One of the best Mafia books I've ever read. Funny and riveting. It's a window into the world of the Sopranos and an amazing account of a love-hate relationship between singer Jimmy Roselli and the Mob. They really should have whacked him. Instead Carlo Gambino cooked for him, Sam Giancana flew him to Mexico for a presidential wedding and Larry Gallo had himself buried holding a Roselli record. Go figure. This book is one of a kind.

There is not a dry eye in the house during one of Jimmy's shows. This biography will detail the man behind the underappreciated voice from Hoboken. Sinatra may have had the backing, noteriety and power, but Jimmy has the pipes. I have visited both birthplaces a number of times(a scant block apart), paid my respect, but invariably found myself reaching for Roselli. And so will you.