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Pearce’s Picks: Donny Most – Mostly Swinging

March 5th, 2017

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By Jerry Pearce

In some past installments of both “The Sinatra File” and “Pearce’s Picks,” I’ve been able to tie in my appearance at this past December’s “Sinatra Birthday Bash” concert in Red Bank, New Jersey, with whatever topic I was covering that week, and in this edition of “Pearce’s Picks,” mention of that memorable day happens to be almost obligatory.

I was standing off stage right listening to some pretty sounds from the orchestra. Vocalist Zack Alexander had just thrilled the crowd with his interpretation of Sinatra’s classic “Summer Wind,” and now, trombonist Wayne Goodman was serenading the audience with a magnificent solo of the song “Time After Time.” Echoing the days of Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey, when Wayne finished his solo, I would enter on a riser at the rear center of the orchestra and sing the vocal part of the tune.

I’m Gonna Laugh You Out of My Life: Nat King Cole – NewzBreaker Music Video of the Day

March 5th, 2017

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The Haunted Emerald Isle: St. Peters National School

March 4th, 2017

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By Kristi O’Toole

In December 1894, St Peter’s National School on Raglan Street was hosting a performance in a classroom upstairs which was larger than the other rooms. Many children came to see the performance and some of them were accompanied by their parents.

Now some boys in the front rows began to misbehave, forcing others watching the show to stand in order to see it. Suddenly the room was plunged into darkness and someone shouted “Ghost!” Naturally panic broke out and people began to rush to the exit. The hallway was also pitch black and people began to push in their panic, those at the front started falling downstairs as they were unable to see where they were going. The poor people that fell downstairs were now blocking the door out onto the street and were soon being crushed by the people behind them.

If I Never Sing Another Song: Matt Monro – NewzBreaker Music Video of the Day

March 4th, 2017

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Being Gay In the Mafia Leads to a Death Sentence for John D’Amato!

March 3rd, 2017

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By Marla Eggar

This week we journey into the life of mobster, John D’Amato, of the De Cavalcante Family. But before we do, here’s a little FYI for you. Back in the day, (when I was just an itch in my daddy’s pants) the New Jersey crime family was seen as the “red headed step child” of the mob. (Also, referred to as “The Farmers”). They were the smallest but oldest of the crime families. In fact, men who couldn’t get made anywhere else within the five families would join the New Jersey fraction as a last resort. Nevertheless, don’t be fooled by their numbers. What they lacked in size they made up for with violence and ruthlessness. (Who says size matters?)

In time, they became known for their brutality and intimidation. Rumor has it, they’d rather beat a man like a government mule then have sex with a woman. Fortunately for one mobster that wasn’t an issue. You see, John D’Amato, boss of the De Cavalcante Family in the early 90s, was a super freak! You know the type you don’t take home to mother… or your mob friends.

Written On A Subway Wall: Dion Dimucci – NewzBreaker Music Video of the Day

March 3rd, 2017

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Lost Inside Of You: Barbra Streisand (Duet with Kris Kristofferson) – NewzBreaker Music Video of the Day

March 2nd, 2017

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The Haunted Emerald Aisle: Castle Oliver

March 1st, 2017

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By Kristi O’Toole

Though a sign hangs warning folks that Castle Oliver in Limerick is full of spirits, too many often mistake it to mean the liquid kind. However, they are quickly corrected by the resident specters.

When Charles Silver Oliver became an absentee landlord around 1812, Galloway became Steward of the estate. Following Charles’s death a few years later, Galloway assumed total control, to the despair of the tenants. His word was law and by all accounts he was a bully. His hobby was wrestling, and he must have been good at it, because he had a fearsome reputation. But at the harvest festival one year, in front of all the estate workers, local farmers and their families, Galloway was beaten by a forester named O’Brian. Although he lived for many more years, he never got over his humiliation, and took his anger out on all those around him. He allowed the castle to fall into such a state of disrepair that it became fit only for demolition. (This much of the story tallies closely to known history).

Pearce’s Picks: Jimmy Roselli’s “3 A.M.”

March 1st, 2017

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By Jerry Pearce

We spent so much time in our last installment of “Pearce’s Picks” speaking about the notorious rivalry between singers Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Roselli and their respective associations with the underworld, that I’m left to feel that I robbed the latter singer of what deserved to be brought to light: speaking of his true musical talent. To make up for this, we devote this week’s pick to a unique album that Roselli recorded in the late 1960s, one that went somewhat unnoticed in comparison to his other recordings of the time, featuring intricate recordings of some of the great standards of the Great American Songbook.

Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do): Christopher Cross – NewzBreaker Music Video of the Day

February 28th, 2017

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Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad: Meat Loaf – NewzBreaker Music Video of the Day

February 27th, 2017

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A Bronx Tale & A Real Life Tale Between Angelo & Dion Nicosia

February 27th, 2017

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By Marla Eggar

A Bronx Tale has to be one of my all-time favorite movies. You have danger, romance and a valuable life lesson that’s applicable to everyone. For anyone who may fall under the category of living under a rock or in outer space – here’s the meat and potatoes of the storyline. You have this cute little tenderoni by the name of Calogero.

He’s growing up in the 60s in the streets of the Bronx, hint, hint I think title somehow gives his locality away unless you are deaf, dumb or blind – the name A Bronx Tale. Calogero idolizes this neighborhood mobster named Sonny who in comparison to his father is a stark contrast. Anyways, Calogero also known as “C” falls for this black chick Jane which is no good in his neighborhood or the time frame the story takes place in.

NewzBreaker Book REVIEW: Black and Blue: The Redd Foxx Story

February 26th, 2017

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By “Bad” Brad Berkwitt

Author Michael Seth Starr has a best seller on his hands with the autobiography “Black and Blue: The Redd Foxx Story.” From page one, to very last page of the book, Starr takes the reader on a journey through the amazing life of Jon Sanford (AKA – Redd Foxx), from his youth growing up in Saint Louis, to his days of running the streets of Harlem, New York, with Malcolm Little (AKA Malcolm X), pulling off small cons for starters.

Redd Foxx was a man who went from obscurity playing the “Chitlin’ Circuit,” to the greatest heights of the entertainment world. At the age of 49, after working in show business for over 30 years, he became a household name as the star of “Sanford and Son,” a show that took the NBC network to the top. It is all highlighted in this book in great detail. Foxx lived a lot of life in his 68 years on planet Earth, seeing success and failure, but never losing his amazing comedic wits.

NewzBreaker Book Review: Frankly Just Between Us: My Life Conducting Frank Sinatra’s Music

February 26th, 2017

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By “Bad” Brad Berkwitt

Conductor & Arranger Vincent Falcone has worked with a who’s who’s in the music industry to include, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Steve Lawrence & Eyde Gorme and Pia Zadora to name just a few… Each of these talents he speaks of fondly is very enjoyable in his autobiography: Frankly Just Between Us: My Life Conducting Frank Sinatra’s Music which he co-authored with Bob Popyk.

Throughout the pages, Falcone shares countless stories that will move the reader and create many laughs along the way.

Frankly Just Between Us: My Life Conducting Frank Sinatra’s Music is a book you will not want to put down once you start to read it. I am just being FRANK!

Singer and Songwriter Leon Ware DEAD at 77

February 26th, 2017

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By “Bad” Brad Berkwitt

Leon Ware, who was an extremely talented singer and songwriter who penned hits for artists like Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, died Thursday. His manager confirmed the singer’s death to NPR. He was 77. Ware co-produced and co-wrote Gaye’s classic 1976 LP I Want You, which featured the chart-topping title track and “After the Dance.” Ware also co-wrote hits like Jackson’s “I Wanna Be Where You Are,” Minnie Riperton’s “Inside My Love,” Quincy Jones’ “If I Ever Lose This Heaven” and Maxwell’s “Sumthin’, Sumthin”.

Judge Joseph Wapner Dead At 97

February 26th, 2017

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By Kristi O’Toole

The final verdict came in for Judge Joseph Wapner. He died Sunday morning at his home in California of natural causes. He was 97

The famed judge taped more than 2,000 episodes of “The People’s Court” during his 12-year tenure on the program, inspiring decades of similar courtroom shows, including “Judge Judy” and “Judge Joe Brown.”

Prior to his television series, Wapner graduated with both his undergraduate degree in 1941 and his law degree in 1948 from the University of Southern California, and served in the US Army as a Lieutenant. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in World War II.

Bill Paxton Dead At 61

February 26th, 2017

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By Kristi O’Toole

“It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery. A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker.” A family representative was quoted as saying.

His final film “The Circle,” slated for release on April 28, is based on the novel by Dave Eggers. It stars Paxton alongside Emma Watson and Tom Hanks.

Bobby Darin: A Life – NewzBreaker Book Review

February 26th, 2017

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By “Bad” Brad Berkwitt

Bobby Darin was a larger than life singer and actor who sadly has his star burn out much too soon. In 1973, at the young age of 37, he would pass away, but he packed a lot of living in those 37 years.

In Michael Seth Starr’s outstanding biography “Bobby Darin: A Life,” the author takes you from Darin’s humble start in New York City to his meteoric rise to fame in his early 20s. Starr covers how he always knew he would not live long because of his damaged heart from a case of Rheumatic Fever as a child, which plagued him throughout his life.

Throughout Starr’s book, he talks to close associates who give great insights to the man who brought Mack The Knife to life with this finger snapping style and it took that great song to the top of the charts making it a smash hit and one he would become associated with from that point of his career, to this very day, years after his death.

It’s a Party Down in New Orleans

February 26th, 2017

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By Marla Eggar

Alright I’m taking a break from the mob stuff for now and dedicating this one to all the “Good Catholics” of the World Black, White, Cuban and Asian. This week, Shrove Tuesday falls on February 28th. I myself, (a Waverly Roman Catholic) am not only preparing for the celebration. However, I am teaching my little crew of regulations. One who’s preparing for First Communion, the other Conformation, the significance of the holiday (purposely omitting all the fun parts of Mardi Gras until they are grown and outta my house). For those who don’t know, Mardi Gras is also called Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Tuesday.

Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast: Wayne Newton – NewzBreaker Music Video of the Day

February 26th, 2017

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The Haunted Emerald Isle: Leamaneh Castle

February 26th, 2017

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By Kristi O’Toole

Leamaneh Castle in Co. Clare Ireland is said to be one of the most haunted places on the island. Reported to be occupying the premises is a woman known as Red Mary. A person may say to themselves, ‘Only one ghost?’

Perhaps there is only one, but please don’t make the mistake of underestimating Mary and her notoriously bloody past.

Red Mary was aptly named, and not just for her flaming red hair but also her foul temper, which was legendary. It is said that if a servant were foolish enough to displease her, they would be hung out of one of the castle windows, the men by their necks and the women by their hair. If the maids did not learn to bend to her will, she would punish them by cutting off their breasts.

The Influence of the Mob on Rap Music

February 25th, 2017

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By Marla Eggar

The influence of the mob has captivated our attenion since the early 1900s. The imprint they’ve placed on society can be seen on everything from the movies to sports. Even the music scene can’t get enough of both real life and fictional mob characters. Artists like Yo Gotti, Scarface and Capone all pay homage to real life gangsters who represent their aspirations for Money, Power and Respect. Until recently, I thought the world of hip hop/rap belong solely to the brothers. Sbagliato! Over the years, I’ve discovered and enjoyed a new genre of music that’s unique within itself. Wait for it…Wait for it – Italian hip- hop. Now before you cynics go off into your “f” that mulinyan music tirade, let me explain. First of all, Italians got rhyme too (I can personally vouch for the men) and their talent isn’t just limited to Frank Sinatra and Lorenzo Ferrero.

Feature Entertainment Writer Marla Eggar Joins the Team at NewzBreaker

February 25th, 2017

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NewzBreaker Press Release

Feature Entertainment Writer Marla Eggar joins the team at NewzBreaker. Her columns will be heavily “Gangster Flavored”, but she will have other subjects as well. We can tell you this, when you see a Byline by Eggar, you are in for some great laughs, a dose of reality and a chance to learn some new things you may have never heard before.

On behalf of the entire team at NewzBreaker, we welcome her aboard.