Show Notes
From an introduction made by his long time friend Tom Sheer, Joe Poletto was introduced to Art Ruffles, special agent in charge of the FBI's organized crime unit in charge of the Gambino, DeMeo and Westies cases. Through his work in the Westies, Art secured Billy Beattie and another Westies member Mickey Featherstone into the witness protection program. Through Art, Joe was able to meet Billy. This podcast series explores Joe's conversations with Art and Billy. Sadly, both passed earlier this year. The Westies were the most notorious and final generation of Irish American gangsters to rule Hells Kitchen during the 70s and 80s. Unlike the deeply entrenched and invulnerable Omertà of the Italian Mafia, the Westies followed no rules. Their's was an era of disorganized crime, a chaotic and violent reign of terror on Manhattan's west side. Hells Kitchen had long been dominated by Irish hooligans, but the Westies fearless brand of terrorism gained them widespread notoriety that spread far beyond the neighborhood, eventually catching the attention of the media, the Italian Mafia and all levels of law enforcement, from the local police precinct to the FBI. Under the direction of Jimmy Coonan, the gang's ambitious and ruthless leader, the Westies branched out from normal rackets to become serious players in the crime underworld of New York City. Produced by Joe Poletto & Karl Derfler Engineered by Karl Derfler Production Director: David Gross Production Managers: Michelle Garramone & Kelsey Kirpich https://www.asterlight.com
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Joe Poletto continues his conversation with the multi-talented Jason Crosby.
Joe Poletto talks with Jason Crosby. Over the past three decades Jason Crosby has toured and recorded with some of the biggest names in modern music, from Jackson Browne and Phil Lesh to Father John Misty and Jenny Lewis. Jason has performed at Madison Square Garden, the Grammy Awards, appeared on the Tonight Show and Austin City Limits. He has shared stages with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, and Outkast. Born and raised on Long Island, Jason discovered he had perfect pitch in an early age and he immersed himself in a world of classical music. With his school orchestra, he traveled the world; China, Russia, Australia, and Cuba. But during his teenage years, a fascination with rock, funk, jazz and blues began to take hold, and by the time Jason was in his 20s, he had landed a gig on the road with Grammy winning bassist Oteil Burbridge. Crosby would spend the next 30 years on the road performing with a Who's Who of legendary artists on some of the world's most iconic stages. Along the way he would relocate to California, sign with the artist collective Blue Rose and release his celebrated solo album 'Cryptologic' all while continuing his musical journey. Produced by: Joe Poletto & Karl Derfler Engineered by: Karl Derfler Production Director: David Gross Production Manager: Michelle Garramone "Later Days" song by The Mother Hips
Joe Poletto continues his conversation with Greg Scarpa Jr., son of the notorious hitman Gregory Scarpa. Joining him on this episode is Larry Mazza who was also a member of the Colombo family as he was a key member of the Scarpa family crew.
Joe Poletto speaks with Gregory Scarpa Jr., the son of the notorious hitman Gregory Scarpa. Greg Scarpa Jr. succeeded his father as capo in the Colombo family after his father contracted HIV AIDS following a contaminated blood transfusion in 1986. Scarpa Jr. was sentenced to 40 years in prison for racketeering and he was recently granted a compassionate release after serving 33 years.
Joe Poletto continues his conversation with Steve Forbert, the great American singer-songwriter from Meridian, Mississippi. Steve's new record, 'Moving Through America' will be released on May 13th on Blue Rose. Let's listen to Steve's new single called 'Livin' the Dream.' Produced by: Joe Poletto & Karl Derfler Engineered by: Karl Derfler Production Director: David Gross Production Managers: Michelle Garramone & Kelsey Kirpich "Later Days" song by The Mother Hips