Who was the Richest Most Powerful Mafia Boss?? | Michael Franzese 

"Welcome to another sit-down with Michael Franzese." Hearing that in 2021: "Awesome! Another video with Michael Franzese." Hearing that in 1981: "Oh shit..."

The fact that your not only still alive and healthy, but you're free... that's beyond fortunate. That's a miracle.

Crazy how many people's memories this guy carries with him.

I like how Mike keeps it real and accurately clears things up.

Jimmy two times didn’t make the list ?? He must have been out getting the papers getting the papers

Back in 1988 my mother and her friend June were taken to lunch by John Gotti. My mom's friend June was married to a juicer who was an associate of the Luchesi Family if memory serves. Anyway, its now 1988 and June & my mom are working retail in a dept. (June's husband had "passed" several years before due to "lead poisoning") store when Gotti shows up and takes them to a three hour lunch. My mom had no idea who John Gotti was as June introduced him as a "friend" from NY. My mom said Gotti was very nice and well spoken. About an hour into the lunch my mom said they have to get back to work and Gotti said, "don't worry about it, I'll take care of it." When June and my mom showed back up at work 3 hours later, Gotti went into the managers office for about three minutes and came out, told my mom and June it was all taken care of. A few minutes later a visibly shaken store manager goes up to my mom & June and tells them to clock out, they have the rest of the week off with pay. My mom was amazed this guy she never met had such pull. A few days later my mom & dad were watching TV when something about John Gotti came on the news and my mom said, "hey, that's the guy June and I had lunch with!" My dad just about shit himself. He informed her she had lunch with the head of the Gambino Family from NY. My mom, without skipping a beat said, "well that explains a lot."

I really admire this guy. Not for what he did or was but for who he has become. It takes a lot to overcome that kind of past. Kudos, my friend!

great content Michael, keep making more videos they are really interesting and educating to watch about the history and overall mafia in total.

Michael mentioning mass murderer and criminal: "Nice guy, met with him a couple of times"

I would love to see the list redone with the ones that Michael Franzese knows of as he would rate them.

Interesting dialogue and conversation!! Many things in politics, business and life are changed yet still the same. You are a blessed man! Subscribed 👊

Hi Michael, Liked hearing your take on the silly list. I grew up near Pittsburgh, PA. And consider myself fortunate to have met Michael Genovese. Very nice man. Spent time helping him train his Rottweilers at his home.

Crazy that this list was made 35 years ago, and you're STILL younger than many of the men on it in 1986

“I actually was number one on the list but i made the reporter take me off, isn’t that crazy?” -Gianni Russo

Something that might be interesting to discuss is the lifestyle change that some of these guys on this list were forced to go through in terms of accessibility to their monetary resources after the crackdowns started to happen during the late 80s and early 90s. I was acquainted with Michael Genovese (#25) on the list, and at the time we connected his fortune was all but evaporated since his revenue streams were effectively gone due to federal cases against his earners, although he was never indicted personally. He could no longer access revenue streams and couldn't touch other assets because he remained under close scrutiny by federal authorities. He lived in a large deteriorating stone and brick home that he couldn't afford to maintain.

Hope you and your family are good Michael, nice to see you show how many are left after the life and great break down, walking away with your family respect and thanks for clearing that up. Your showing the next generation not to go down the life of crime, Have a good weekend people Peace 🙏

If I'm a boss and a writer knows what I'm worth, financially and my influence in my family then I got a big problem.

I love how every real life story has a lesson or moral. Classy man with a classic story.

I'd be interested in a book about Micheal dad. How he shaped mr.franzese.

You’re a very intelligent man, informative and good advice to those that will listen

Michael and Sammy releasing stories on the same day. Who could ask for a better Saturday.

"Vincent Gigante was reporting to me, can you believe that haha"- Gianni Kirkland

Yeah I remember back in 70's- 80'$ I lived in a predominant Italian neighborhood and I just look back on it growing up there and how proud , generous and no nonsense it was , you kept your mouth shut unless spoken too. My biggest memory was this little Italian ran store and it was there since early 1900's the original owners wife whom at that time was this amazing older Italian woman and she'd always give me little penny candy bags filled with free candy for years she did this. Anyways they were doing some cleaning out of this one area and were adding a sit down area for the deli , she gave me a huge box of comic books 100's along 100's of them going back to early 30's that were just sitting collecting dust this was an amazing gift from her .I saved acouple dozen and had them valued plus cased I sold most of my collection and I got around $280.000 yes you seen that right it came to 280,000$ . I gave back and donated some of the money just for the fact of paying it forward because of the kindness of her heart to give a hard working kid something I could never buy because my money went to keep the family going. So yeah everytime I take abit out the cash machine I see her smiling at me but anyways it was a great time and place to live the neighborhood these days people don't have the unity like then whole block parties with lots and lots of food music and all around fun... people today forget it was mostly the Italians and some Irish that paved the way across America and sad thing we'll never again have the unite, respect and care again in our country....

That house is awesome. The glass work is beautiful.

True story- I went to school and played football with 2 brothers who we learned after we all graduated were the Chins grandchildren ( chins daughter sons) . The small suburban town we grew up in was located 20 minutes north of NYC so everyone was familiar with the Mob from watching the news . Looking back they were both respectful kids , good athletes and never once hinted to who their grandfather was. In all seriousness , the Chins daughter and son-in law did a great job raising their kids .

Reading the list - died ... died.... he’s dead.... The yuppie Don flexing 💪🏻

One of the many reasons I like your channel is because you show a lot of respect to other guys. Some guys use their platform to bad mouth everyone. Shows me you have a lot of class and respect.

I absolutely love all these stories. Growing up in Africa we always watched the movies and I wondered if it was real. Discovering this channel blew my mind

I was Michael Franzese Gym Teacher when he was in High School can ya believe it! - Gianni Russo

Who else thinks Mr Franzese should be the most interesting man in the world spokesman for Dos Equis? ... love your videos sir, keep it up👍

Yes, these stories are soooo interesting but you also have to catch the lessons....I love your stories, thank you!

Thank you for sharing what you can. I’m on the other side and understand what your people did and don’t have ill feelings. We all do what we do to feed the family. I enjoy the stories from an insider. I grew up in a strong Italian heritage suburb and when something happened, arrests/raids in the late 80’s early 90’s one of our old neighbors allegedly got roped up in it. Love what you can share. Thank you

Respect to Michael putting out great content in these crazy times and helping us through them. We need a bit of an escape. Much love from Boston UK

" I wrote this Magazine, haha can you believe it ?" - Giani Russo

Mike you have come so far, love love everything you are doing, thank you

Amazing list so far Im at 23,25 so far and Im blown away by how many on this list have moved on I feel compelled to say at this stage. At the end of the list now. You are very fortunate matey :)

I'm a simple man, I see a Michael Franzese video, and I click.

That’s a death list not a rich list 😆 You’re a survivor Micheal My friend, you’re top of that list in every way!

I'm from Ascension Parish Louisiana, and Carlos Marcello is still revered by many. A lot of people in my area believe that the parish would not have grown and developed as well as it had if it were not for Carlos Marcello seeing to it that Souther Bell built telephone lines in our area. My dad said, there would be wanted posters for him and he would be walking around in broad daylight in Gonzales. The people loved him too much. I'd love to hear more about Marcello.

Michael I find your you toon videos so interesting. I thank God you’re still alive, God bless.

The chin. What a gd legend. Walking around outside like he didnt have a fuc&ing clue what was going on in slippers and a robe 😂

Would love to see Michael cover more of the Chicago mob and how they did business with 5 families

Frank Balistreri...the Milwaukee Boss in the 60s-80s was pretty powerful for running a relatively small family. He was heavily involved in the Vegas skim and had strong ties with the Outfit. He was smart and one of the few mob bosses who was college educated and both of his sons became lawyers and helped him in the family business. The commission actually was floating his name around to join because he had pretty strong influence with the Teamsters Union.. That never happened though because he ended up getting a long jail sentence. That's kind of a big deal though for a boss of a smaller city. It is even rumored that he ordered the car bombing of Lefty Rosenthal(Ace Rothstein) in the movie Casino. Anyway, I'm from Wisconsin so had to represent for my cities mob days. Lol. Great vid as usual.

Micheal I could listen to u speak for days you are great behind the screen and love your stories hello from Melbourne Australia

Russell “McGee” Bufalino the quiet Don. Great book. One of the most respected men in Cosa Nostra. He ran our area in NEPA. Super interesting that guys like Carlo Gambino, and Rosario Bufalino who kept to themselves and took care of their people aren’t as known as guys like Gotti who actually ruined the mob with ego, and trying to be celebrities. Big fan of yours Michael. Keep up the great work!

Its a shame Jimmy Two Times didn't make the list make the list.

You must be socially brilliant to keep up with these people. Not only this episode but others. Interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing.

I can't get enough of these .

Love listening to and watching Michael Franzese's videos. Michael fascinates me not only in his stories, but his life as well. Glad he turned his life around and is doing well. I could sit down and listen to him all day. I'm sure there's plenty of monies going around, but wondering how much money number 50 probably made per week, month and/or year? Live in Arizona as well, hopefully if I see Michael out and about I can say hi and thank him. Pretty scary how many of the 50 have passed. Hope Michael lives many more long years and enjoys a happy life.

I’d definitely love to hear more about the Greek guy and really any of the other guys outside of NYC.

Got so much respect for you my guy..You accepted da negative outcome of your life style without bringing others down..And u actually made money and kept it 💯...Ppl wanna be involved in criminal activities and then tell erethang...Keep the videos comin too...

Hey, congrats on making the list!

Definitely expand more on Carlos Marcello. My grandfather was involved with him. He owned a gasoline distribution center and several gas stations in Terrebonne Parish which is about an hour Southwest of New Orleans. I grew up as a kid hearing stories about it. I was always intrigued even as a kid.

"When Lucky and Costello asked me what they should do... I said 'Why not form a Commission?'" --Gianni Russo

I love watching these stories about the mob, still gotta say my favourite is Charles (Lucky) Luciano

Another great show. Thank you 💛 Michael

Knocked it of the ball park again. Loved this. Very interesting. Just watched the Kennedy episode before this. Could watch your podcasts all day. Look forward to the next one.

When Michael and Sammy upload in the same day I am a happy girl. I'm waiting for you and Sammy to do a sit down. Now that would be epic.

I gotta tell ya. I’ve never binged as many videos as I have yours! Your a wonderful story teller, what a life you lived. You remind me so much of Paul from the Bible! I have a question, we’re not stupid and know you’ve took lives or had hits put on people. Have you reached out to the family’s that you might have took a loved one from and let them know your a man of god and apologies for causing them pain?

This is all very interesting thanks for the video

Would love to hear your take on what Las Vegas was like in your time! Hope all is well!

"All of these 50 wiseguys, everyone was paying me, isnt that crazy?" Giani Russo

Michael,I enjoy all your broadcasts and would you please talk in detail about Jimmy Nap from Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Very interesting list, was the Mofia in Buffalo N.Y.? I'm a year younger than you, grew up hearing all these stories. I've always been so interested in the mob. Very mysterious life style, but also very dangerous. Thanks for another great video, can't wait for the next one. Be safe.

Historically, Michael always said Los Angeles are nothing more than a glorified crew

It’s going to be fun when Michael runs out of backdrops in the mansion and sets up shop in the garden shed. (For those keeping track; we’re at the front door)

I grew up in Chicago. My grandmother, God Rest her soul, was tied to the Numbers racket before her death in 1983. I remember people coming over, curtains being pulled, numbers being pulled, at the end other night, my grandma being handed a small stack of cash for hosting the event in her home. In 1980, my best friend moved to an area near Taylor St., better known as Little Italy, where a lot of these old timers lived. My friend and I were often chose to run errands for a lot of these guys; pick up their lunch, drop a bag over here, take a message over there. I knew names as Mr. Tony, Mr. Jimmy. They would ask am I doing good in school. Am I going to church, respecting my parents. I was always respectful, never loud, and always said thank you. I was paid nicely for my time. When I was probably in my 40's, I worked with a guy, Italian, whose family knew people. I told him of my encounters as a kid. He told me there is no telling who I came across, but be sure, I was closer than I will ever know.

I'm honestly happy that Michael is still alive he can tell u the truth

Your the best Michael and so humble given everything you’ve been through and dealt with in life. Your helping a great number of people with your words of wisdom and stories about the life. Keep up the awesome work!!

Tony here from New Zealand.Sad to find out our Goverrment won't let you in for a tour and speaking engagement.you have so much to give to our troubled youth.Set them on the right track.The more mentors the better.Keep doing what you're doing.

The moral of the story here is organised crime =violent death or life in prison and is it just me or does Michael have a glint in his eyes that he's still alive! ?! I love this guy and his story's getting me through this lock down !thank you whoever produces this content! !!

Blessings to you Michael Franzese a true man of faith and the testament of time 🙏🏾

Ain't been a great week and a half my mother got COVID-19 and ended up in ICU last week and I got quiet bad at the start of the week and am in hospital, been tied up with oxygen tubes and what not but all off it now made my recovery as has my mother praise be to the almighty, hopefully I should be home tomorrow with my Mrs and daughters, man your videos have got me through hospital as this place is so mind numbing, so for that I'd like to say thank you

Great content! Love the shout out to Kansas City, Mo! Please speak on relations between Italian mafia and African American gangs of the time how they interacted, time stamps etc. We understand the energy wasn’t always positive but business was done and there are interesting and important nuances

Thanks for straightening out the deal with Chin Gigante. Anyone who's done research into the mob knows that The Odd Father was the big, ESPECIALLY after all the other bosses went down in RICO

"None of you mafia guys" I love that haha. Another great video

Michael, I'm really enjoying the videos. Congrats on building things up so quickly. I wanted to make a suggestion on maybe a future video (if this has been covered, feel free to ignore) do you have much experience of or opinions on gangs or families from overseas like the Yakuza or Triads?

Love all the stories mike, happy to see you doing well

I'm from Kansas city I've heard mob stories my whole life! I would love to learn more!

Richest most powerful mafia boss, isn't that Uncle Sam?

Between your stories and Mr. Gravano's stories, they I wake up everyday, just to see your uploads! Thank You, Sir!

When’s that sit down with Sammy happening ? That’s one for the books!!

"Did I used to wipe Carlo Gambinos mouth after he had a meal while saying "that's my little Carlo" "Yes I did" - John Alite

The list includes many names I recognize from one of my favorite movies, Donnie Brasco. Thank you for this video.

I live in Milwaukee, my nonna hung around the Balistreri family. She’s told me some stories and showed me some pictures.

maybe you could talk about Yakuza sometime? It would be interesting to hear your take about them

I love this guys videos man they inspire me 😎

Michael Franzese I'm born and raised in Chicago and If you could do some videos on some of the bosses from here i would appreciate it or at least some of the ones you did know and keep posting the videos your doing a great job 👍🏽👍🏽

Thank you for talking about this list Michael, I've been very curious about it ever since I first heard about it. To answer your question about Gus Alex, the Chicago mob (or Outfit as it's more commonly referred to as) was always somewhat unique to the other mafia families in the states in that there were a number of non-Italian associates who, though they could never be made, nevertheless commanded a great deal of respect and influence in the organization going all the way back to Al Capone. You had guys like Jake "Greasy Thumb" Guzik, Murray "The Hump" Humphreys, Lenny Patrick, etc. Many of these guys were the bagman type who had the connections to the political and business world and through that exercised a lot of influence as advisors, power behind the throne you might say. Gus Alex was another version of this. I'd like to point out that even in New York you had similar individuals, people such as Meyer Lansky, who, though he could never be formally made, was just as much a wiseguy as any Italian could ever be.

Michael, Little Nicky Scarfo's rise to power and the internal war that their family sustained is sad yet fascinating. If you could expound on this, your viewers would enjoy the story.

Really interesting thank you.

I can't believe i haven't discovered this channel earlier!!

I love hearing all the people Michael knew.

Anything about Tony Accardo and the Outfit would be interesting to hear!

These are really good

What a great RU-vid show this is.

Michael I have a lot of respect for you. I heard about your daughters surgery. I’ve been praying ❤️, God bless.

love your content. Can you please make a video with differences between mafia and cartels? And if they work together? Thank you. I really appreciate your work

The big case in Chicago was called “Family Secrets”. My brother was friends with Frank C. Jr. My Dad was cousins with Fred Roti Jr That pretty much took all the bosses down.