Tough crowd
Comedian Shecky Greene performs in 1976.
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 Greene, Kaye Ballard and Larry Storch — some of the comics who worked those clubs in the ‘50s — recall what it was like to work for their underworld bosses.
Kaye Ballard died in January at age 93.
(Originally aired October 5, 2002)
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.