When prohibition ended, the Mafia was well-poised to maintain a grip on the country’s burgeoning nightclubs, which featured comedians between the big band music and jazz. Shecky Green, Kaye Ballard and Larry Storch — some of the comics who worked those clubs in the 50s — recall what it was like to work for the underworld bosses. Produced by Michael May.
The story you just read is available for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
Make a gift today, and you’ll get us one step closer to our goal of raising $25,000 by June 14. We need your help now more than ever!