Celebrating the Life & Music of Jimmy Roselli.
Born in West New York in 1925, Roselli was one of the most significant Italian-American pop singers of his time, during an era of competition from such performers as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Vic Damone & Jerry Vale. Known as “the other Sinatra”, many considered Jimmy to be the better of the two, but he never reached the heights or fame achieved by “Ole Blue Eyes” because he fell out with the Mob. Roselli had many fans in the mafia, but also refused to share his club earnings, which earned him some enemies. Self-sabotage may have hurt Roselli the most. He had a seven-show commitment on Ed Sullivan, but quit after three shows. Roselli also passed up appearances on The Tonight Show and in The Godfather II. As a performer, he was self-taught and sang with passion in both English and Italian, with a perfect Neapolitan accent. He was a regular at nightclubs such as The Copacabana in Manhattan and appeared on Broadway and sang at Carnegie Hall. Martin Scorsese featured Roselli’s signature tune, “Mala Femmina,” in his classic film, Mean Streets. He continued to perform until nearly the age of 80. And for many devoted fans, Jimmy Roselli will always be their favorite singer from Hoboken.
The event will feature lecture, slide presentation, footage from interviews, concerts & TV appearances. Also live performance by singer Theodore Chletsos.
This program is made possible by a grant from The New Jersey State Historical Commission, a Division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County County Executive and Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Celebrating the Life & Music of Jimmy Roselli.
Born in West New York in 1925, Roselli was one of the most significant Italian-American pop singers of his time, during an era of competition from such performers as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Vic Damone & Jerry Vale. Known as “the other Sinatra”, many considered Jimmy to be the better of the two, but he never reached the heights or fame achieved by “Ole Blue Eyes” because he fell out with the Mob. Roselli had many fans in the mafia, but also refused to share his club earnings, which earned him some enemies. Self-sabotage may have hurt Roselli the most. He had a seven-show commitment on Ed Sullivan, but quit after three shows. Roselli also passed up appearances on The Tonight Show and in The Godfather II. As a performer, he was self-taught and sang with passion in both English and Italian, with a perfect Neapolitan accent. He was a regular at nightclubs such as The Copacabana in Manhattan and appeared on Broadway and sang at Carnegie Hall. Martin Scorsese featured Roselli’s signature tune, “Mala Femmina,” in his classic film, Mean Streets. He continued to perform until nearly the age of 80. And for many devoted fans, Jimmy Roselli will always be their favorite singer from Hoboken.
The event will feature lecture, slide presentation, footage from interviews, concerts & TV appearances. Also live performance by singer Theodore Chletsos.
This program is made possible by a grant from The New Jersey State Historical Commission, a Division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County County Executive and Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
