Who was the Father of La Cosa Nostra? | Sit Down with Michael Franzese 

As a "history buff" I really enjoy the history of the mob. Great video.

Michael would be the greatest High School teacher ever. Teaching accountability and going down a path with the help of God

Lucky has always been my favorite Cosa Nostra member. Just a straight boss. He knew that by denying the title of capo di tutti capi, he would be crowned anyway. Boss move

"When Lucky speaks everyone is silent. When he finishes the conversation, the meeting ends" Joe Bonano former Mob boss.

I’m not gonna lie we heard almost everything from these larger than life mob figures…but still can’t get enough stories…. We want to know more ! Thanks MICHEAL!

At the time you were in the Colombo Family, I was studying organized crime in a history class at the University of California Santa Barbara. The class was called History of Crime in America. It was very interesting, but the best history lessons I received were the stories I heard from my Sicilian family that lived in NY during Cosa Nostra's heyday. What stories I heard and through guys like you and Sammy those stories are coming out now!

I think it's undenialble that Luciano was the most powerful and influential/important mafia boss of all time. Ended the old era of Capo di tutti capi, was the gang leader of mafia heavyweight like Frank Costello, Vito Genovese, Adonis, Albert Anastasia, Joseph Bannano, was part of the Castellammarese war and founded the Commision and server as chairman for 15 years where bosses like Al Capone, Magaddino, Bonanno, Profaci were in

Michael, you are such a wealth of knowledge. I hope you can keep recording everything you know for future generations. It is so nice to have a real live link to the high points of mob history. With all the famous figures dead now, the whole organized crime history is just becoming an old "black and white" photo, like our links to WW2. You are a living, breathing, color photo to the days

I read many books about Lucky Luciano, Joseph Bonanno, etc.. I absolutely learned a lot, not only about organized crime but business and life in general. Thank you

Another interesting thing about Luciano. He was born Salvatore Lucania in Lercara Friddi Sicily, where pretty much the only thing a young man could hope for was a miserable life working the sulphur mines. He hated the name Salvatore and most especially the Sicilian abbreviated nickname for Salvatore, Toto. He also changed his last name to Luciano, so as not to embarass his parents. The writers for Boardwalk Empire really did their research. Masseria, brilliantly portrayed by Sicilian born actor Ivo Nandi, calls Luciano Toto a number of times and you can see how much it irked him.

Michael, Luciano came to American from Sicily about the same time as my grandparents. They had relatives in New York but went to Illinois to the coal mines. I was always interested because there was mafia in the area. Your stories are well done, I enjoy them. I always wondered if my Grandpa did things when he went back to New York to raise 11 children and buy a large farm on coal miners pay. I will never know how he did so much with such low and hazardous pay.

I am obsessed with these mob stories. Love all the content. Much love from the Netherlands 🙌🏻

Michael has a respectfulness and manner you don't see. Seems like a stand up guy. Love the content. Glad to see him doing well

This is why Boardwalk Empire is my favorite telling of the mob. The interactions between everyone from Capone to joe the boss to AR, and so on. Such an amazing telling of history and fiction

Great video! He is a relative of mine which makes me both proud and horrified. I was always thankful my Grandfather stayed out of that life however some of my great uncles did not.

History is very important, that's how we and the new generations learn about the past while trying to avoid certain difficult situations...

I listened to Sammy the Bull’s channel for a while but he’ll never change. When you leave the “life”, and then turn to trafficking dope that says a lot about character. It also says a lot about our judicial system. Mr. Franzese is as far as I can tell pretty open, or as open as he can be, and doesn’t glorify the life.

My dad was in the Marine Corps and was on liberty in Naples shortly before Lucky Luciano passed away My father actually met and spoke with him because he recognized my dad as AUS service member My father actually met and spoke with him because he recognized my dad as An American service member

Yet another fantastic sit down, I too would have loved to have a talk with "lucky"..when you talk to us Mr Franzese..time goes by very fast..utterly brilliant, take care and good health and god bless you and your family..

Those who don’t learn history are doomed to repeat it. Thanks for educating, and sharing His love!

Thanks for covering this Mike. I am a big fan of Luciano. Always been interested in his Era of that history

Proud to have Luciano blood in me. Awesome content Michael !

God bless you too Michael 🙏 you have an amazing team around you! Great production and information.

Mr franzese new to your channel I am full blooded Italian with my family growing up in Bridgeport in Chicago and this is awesome what you do here and the fact your turned around but have no forgotten where you came from my friend keep up the amazing work and glad to be one of your subs ciao my friend

Thank you, Mr Franzese... you're truly a man's man. I always appreciate the way you come across. God shines through your every word. May He continue to bless your family and your social network. You deserve every success... Rispetto... ❤🇺🇲❤

In my opinion, it’s so badass that this dude helped the U.S. get into Italy to get his freedom. This dude deserve a movie about him. If there is a movie I don’t know about someone please tell me!

Luciano was def a master mind and had the most power. He really organized the Mafia like a corporation. I know its criminal but he was a Genius as well. Salute to Michael n Sonny.🇮🇹✌🏽🇺🇸

I was told mafia was the old guerrilla salute against the Italian government in Sicily. It stood for Marcheses, Avanti,Frachese , Italia. March against the french and Italians. I was told this by an old Sicilian gentleman who had more than a fondness for the group.

Enjoy these episodes very much. My grandfather was 100% Italian but he left Italy because of the mafia in his hometown. So we’re Italian but not - nothing like you portray life in NY. I’m always attracted to Italian food too - you should put together an authentic Italian cookbook. Thanks for another great lesson - agree we should never cancel but always keep learning and strive to do much better. The pictures you post of your younger self remind me of Maurizio Gucci 😎

Asked someone on a zoom, who is from Italy, now lives in LA about the Mafia. He said that the mafia still exists in Italy. And still strong.

I’ve learned a lot of history about the early mob from watching boardwalk empire! Even tho some parts are fiction, a lot of the people are real! great to hear you give more insight into Luciano!

My boss, when as an ensign in the Navy, saw Lucky in Napoli, siting in a bar. He loved seeing and hearing Americans.

Yes finally, the video we’ve all been waiting for! Interesting to hear your take on Lucky, the OG (literally, Original Gangster), business oriented, Cosa Nostra boss. Lesser known, but the top boss in my opinion. They should’ve kept his name for the family and not changed it Genovese.

Ciao Mike, I subscribed, from Italy. Your videos are helping me improving my English. I was wondering if you can speak Italian. We would pronounce your surname in quite a different way here. Love your stories 🤗

Michael, I just finished mafia states of America and wow! what a fantastic sit down, I thoroughly enjoyed it. anyone on the edge trying to decide I highly recommend it. keep up the fantastic work sir!

Dont know what could be any cooler than having a "sauna night" with you man, ( as we say here in Finland). A couple of drinks and some quality convos. Only found u days ago, but consumed your material for over 10hours already and cannot stop, super interesting stuff. Hope all is well and if you ever decide to visit the small but great Finland, im in!

Your honesty & compassion for people shows through in all of your shows. Thanks for being real & not cowering away from giving praise to Christ. You are a great example for so many. God bless you and yours, take care from the Bruns family up here in Michigan.

Could listen to Michael all day. So concise and articulate. Never get tired of watching his content.

I always wished I could either hear in private or had a superpower and be able to see someone's whole past life. Everyone's life is interesting some more than others and everyone's takes more of their life to the grave than they tell. Could only imagine how you and your father lived day to day through all you're years can only dream.

What an awesome come home from work surprise! I had to pause 57 seconds in, to comment on the beautiful new intro! I especially dig the part with Luciano's file and 1936 printed on it.. can't wait to listen to this! God bless you Michael

I’d really love to see more about the commission and the meeting that went sideways in Appalachan NY. As far as the history goes, good solid inside information about how it all worked is great for authors to use to write excellent fiction about the mob. So talking about it serves a solid purpose there.

I used to say that Michael's RU-vid content was some of the best stuff on RU-vid. I take that back. It's the best. Bar none.

I do love Lucky Luciano. He was an interesting man. ✨

Thanks Michael for this episode ❤. When you will be in the UK 🇬🇧 . YOU GOT BIG FAN HERE. CIAO MICHAEL 🇮🇹👍

Cool! Watching you tell these stories brings us right back to that time. I really enjoy listening to them and I'm always waiting for new chapters, like in those TV series.

Love the videos. Keep them coming.

As a history buff too, I always enjoy hearing about the history of the mob from you, Mr. Franzese Great sit down as always and god bless

Extremely nice piece on Luciano. Puts everything in perspective. Like the ole photos of all the people, can only imagine the times through ole photos.. Very educational, thank you…

Hey Mike another great sit down! Plain and simple let's find the good things out of people and situations!

Thank you for sharing the history! A country that doesn’t know history is doomed to repeat it.

I THANK YOU Michael, for sharing your wisdom, your experiences, on this platform. I never would've gotten thru the covid lockdown without you🤩🤩🤩

God bless you im happy and glad you made it out, My Grandfather would have been proud to see someone make it out of the life successfully

Micheal...initially Luciano was sent to a prison called Danamora (not sure about that spelling) which was an unpleasant place far away in the Boondocks of NY State. As part of the deal for him to help the War effort, he was moved to a prison much closer to NYC (might have been Sing Sing) so his closest associates (like Meyer Lanky) could visit with him easier.

Once again, Sir you show the world that, despite no longer being in ~that~ life..? You remain a TRUE Boss. Keep on, keeping on, Mr. Franzese. Wisdom is fast becoming a scarce commodity - And You, have it by the bucket full. Cheers, sir! (raises your Malbec in thanks!) 👍

I just want to say a massive thank you, I was going through every emotion but you and your team make me feel more positive, You are so right , I did a little time in prison because of prison , I had attitude back in the day but your words & videos helped me , Thank you 🙏🏼 , Not in a creepy way but thank you 😊 Your saying the truth, Massive fan , When you come to the uk please let us talk , Your a inspiration, Thant you 💜 Hard days stay safe, Can’t wait to read your book , God bless 😊

Mr. Franzese, I just discovered your videos and love your stories sir. Bless You and your Family.

Great video Michael. I am glad you talked about Charles "Lucky" Luciano. I always thought Capone was the top dogg, but a few friends of mine said that it was Luciano who was the top dogg and not Capone.

Michael, I agree history cannot be CANCELED. An excellent presentation. Thank you, and God bless you and your family.

Hi Michael, keep up the brilliant work, its very interesting history I could listen it to for hours. Out of interest have you watched the video on Anthony Raimondi claiming to be Luciano’s nephew and him being a member of the Colombo family? I am interested to hear what you think?

Thanks for the great content Michael. Looking forward to your show in Central NY in a couple weeks.

Charles "Lucky" Luciano was THE guy when it came to "organizing" organized crime. I think Al Capone gets too much credit for being the most notorious gangster ever personally. He was in charge of the Chicago Outfit, not the Mafia. He flashed himself around too much like the guys did after the Luftanza heist. Michael, I would love to hear more of a history from your POV on the Valachi tapes. Before him, the Mafia was very elusive, and not many people knew about the structure that Lucky Luciano set up. Thanks for the history lesson.

Michael I know God has kept you alive to mentor young and old folks who might be doing wrong. I love you brother. wish nothing but the best for you and your family.

Just found your channel...great content! Long Island guy from way back. Back in the day I had a girlfriend who was a waitress at a club and who waited on you guys regularly. I also had a friend who was a doorman at a club who did some small jobs when called. ( He became a defense lawyer - and is now doing some time ) . My wife and I will soon be doing some ' binge watching' on your channel. Good luck to you.

The last testament of Lucky Luciiano, great book .

I love learning about the families. I listen the books that are out there on audible while I'm at work. There's sooooo much too. I started out with the gotti movie.. very good movie. The 5 families book is where I really learned alot. I love listening to your channel and Sammy's too. Can't wait to try the wine when it comes to the east coast

I love the way you educate people about some real life happening..could listen 24/7 great point also about erasing history isn’t the right way..absolutely true and so sad that it happens more often in days like this..Luciano was always one of my favorite characters..! Thanks Mr. Franzese for another great history of cosa nostra education..

Recently, I subscribed to your channel and the content is really interesting to me. Aside from movies, my only experience with la cosa nostra was getting large tips from Joe Bonanno a couple times and working with a guy named Pete Licavolli. Thanks!

Thinking back to your past times in that life, it is mindblowing that not only did you get out of that life, not only are you doing well and are still going, but you are impacting many many lives in a very positive way. That is a massive turnaround and it is inspiring to see.

Your videos are always top notch 🔥 Always entertaining and always learning from these uploads. Thank you Micheal. God bless!

Hi Michael. I lived in Freeport, NY and worked in Westbury, NY in October 1985 to May 1986. The family I lived with had a son that was going to marry a Jewish American princess who's step father was "connected". I worked the night shift and dropped her off at her house and her stepdad arrived a few minutes later. He saw me and she and her mother explained why I was there. He was tall, Italian in a 3 piece suit and told me if I ever needed anything to let him know. I left the house and noticed he had a brand new black Lincoln sedan in the driveway while my late 60's MB was parked on the street. I left and never went back.

I'd love to see Michael do sit-downs with John Pennisi and Ed Calderon

This is a video I've been waiting for to hear from you about how it all started

I’m so glad I found your channel Mr Franzese because I’ve always been fascinated with the mob and it’s history and it’s great to listen to someone who is so knowledgeable on the subject. Stay well and God bless from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

To be perfectly honest it was Salvatore Maranzano who is the father of La Cosa Nostra and original Godfather! He was the architect of the American La Cosa Nostra and he envisioned an organization that was based on the clear structure, hierarchical order and strict rules and regulations. Right after the end of the Castalamerese War ended in 1931 it was Salvatore Maranzano who gathered all the main players of the previously divided and feuding Italian Mob and laid out careful plans for the five New York families, for the internal structure which is pyramid structure that goes from boss to consiglere to underboss to the captains who had their decinas of soldiers and below them the associates. Salvatore Maranzano was an intellectual and somewhat of a academic and historian. He spoke 7 languages and was an expert on Roman Empire and Julius Caesar and his military skills, structure and campaigns. That's why he modeled the Mob after the military structure of the Roman legions in a way. After he killed Maranzano and took supremacy in the Mob, Lucky Luciano basically took the blueprint and implemented it. The only difference was that he abolished the position of "Capo di tutti Capi" or Boss of Bosses which Maranzano insisted on and national commission was formed in its place that would mediate disputes and give final approval to decisions. And Maranzano was more chauvinistic and preferred dominance and supremacy of the Sicilians above all the rest, while Luciano made it more inclusive for all Italians, and for Jews and Irish to fully accepted associates. So yeah, there should be clearly stated in this article by Michael Francese that original Godfather and architect of the American LCN was none other than Salvatore Maranzano!!

Can’t get enough of the lucky Luciano vids would like to see more! Maybe you could also Paul ricca and anthony Accardo, be interesting to know if your father had relationships with the Chicago mob

Great video. My first name Luciano, middle name is Lucky. When we moved from Naples Italy to California, I was a toddler. My uncle Sal said we should have Lucky as my middle name, because of the mobster. So I always thought it was cool to hear the name, cuz that’s my name too. I went by Lucky for the longest time, up until I got saved and switched to Lou. Peace ✌🏾

Michael, Love your content! Thank you so much for delivering interesting work. I would love you to do a piece on Anthony Accardo or "The Big Tuna" if you haven't already!

The Non Italian by the name of Meyer Lansky definitely played a Huge Role in building Cosa Nostra in America

Love the history of the mafia 👌great job Mike 👍

This was great..I love learning about the old days of Cosa Nostra..

I agree with you on the cancel culture. History is to be learned from regardless how good or bad it may have been! Love the videos!!!

This seems to be the only "history" I care to know about. 😁 I do enjoy your shows. Thank you Michael. 💜 Vio con Dios from Texas Sir

Yes Michael I agree with your thoughts on cancel culture. Learning from history to positively change the future is the way to go. Blessings and wishing you the best with your wine venture. Thank you so much 👏👏💪❤️

My friend owns a liquor store in Breckenridge Colorado. He wants your Juice in the Store. I told him about your brand Michael. Salute Cin Cin

Great show Michael! These facts are interesting and accurate. I hope you can do a show on what you know or, heard from others about the Chicago Outfit. They were an extreme power in Chicago and other parts of our country til the late eighties. Thank you from the Chicago crew.

A great account of the early days and the early leaders. Keep 'em coming.

Tied into Luciano and with St Patrick’s Day, I bet folks would like you doing an episode on Mad Dog Coll who worked as an occasional hitman for the early crews in NYC. I can’t remember if it was Massera or Maranzano that hired him to kill Luciano

Luciano was one of a kind & I wish I would have been able to meet him

Great video Michael! I would love a video about Sinatra and his relationship with the mob. I find it fascinating how connected they were and I would love to know whether that was common knowledge in your era or if your father ever met Sinatra. Hugs.

If said this before, if I was going to be stranded somewhere and I could only listen to one person it would be Michael. It's not every day that a gifted story teller is equally equipped with wisdom and willingly shares both on a regular basis.

For a history video, talk about Operation Underworld. The US allowed Mafia to be strikebreakers during World War 2 and Michael Franzese's knowledge would be insightful.

Likely gonna reach your first million subscribers this year. Well deserved.

History is history, always very interesring and very informing. Alexander the Great, good or bad guy? Its history, you pick up a book ( or books ), and read about it. Then YOU decide. As always Michael a very interesting vlog on a part of American history that changed the lives of many American...nice one. Blessings to you all.

The more I listen to your videos the more I realise how much alike we are: respect, control your emotions, understand that actions have consequences.

Great history lesson Michael. I enjoyed hearing some of the good side of the mob besides all the bad.

Great show Michael I love hearing about the history of organized crime And the people who were in it God Bless

Love these history lessons about the mob! Will we ever see a video with your sons or wife? Similar to your daughters, be interesting to see their perspective

Another great history of video.... Rudy wearing a Hells Angels vest in that little clip is the definetly ironic

Sammy's channel is a broken record. Repeats stories often. I've been listening to him a long time. Thinks for keeping things new and interesting