How Frank Sinatra Allegedly Saved a Famed Late-Night Television Host From a Mob Hit

Frank Sinatra‘s story goes far beyond his role as a musician. The 20th-century gentleman was also a Civil Rights activist, actor, radio host, talent promoter, and friend of the mafia. In the Sinatra canon, the most legendary stories told are often those about his relationship with the mafia. Well, that relationship allegedly once saved the life of the incredibly reputable late-night host, Johnny Carson.

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Frank Sinatra’s alleged connection to the mob reportedly dates back to his childhood in Hoboken, New Jersey. Some of the more notable Sinatra mafia stories include him performing in Havana for a mob conference, allegedly leaning on the mob for record deal negotiations, and, of course, being surveilled by the FBI due to his connections.

The story concerning Sinatra and Carson is seemingly not as widely known as the two mentioned previously. However, that doesn’t make it any less entertaining, because if it weren’t for Frank Sinatra, Johnny Carson might have seen an early grave.

Why Frank Sinatra Had To Call in a Favor for a Flirtatious Johnny Carson

According to comedian and friend of Frank Sinatra, Tom Dreesen, Johnny Carson has Sinatra to thank for preventing an early demise via the mob. On The Friars Club Podcast, Dreesen divulged that Frank Sinatra told him that he saved Johnny Carson’s life after he’d flirted with a woman who was in a relationship with the infamous mobster, “Crazy Joe” Gallo.

Per Dreesen’s story, Carson was three sheets to the wind when he stepped over a line with Gallo’s significant other. Consequently, Gallo, whose reputation was founded on his temper, then ordered two men to “find [Carson], beat him to the ground, cut his d—k off, and stick it in his mouth.”

Subsequently, Sinatra reportedly contacted Gallo and pleaded for Carson. Gallo agreed, and according to Dreesen, told Sinatra, “You go tell Johnny Carson he breathes ’cause he knows Frank Sinatra.” This story is that of legendary folklore, and folks need to take legendary folklore with a grain of salt, as it often becomes embellished over time.

We aren’t saying there is not an ounce of truth to this. However, according to the New York Post and author Henry Bushkin, a contact of Carson’s at the William Morris Agency actually saved his life, not Sinatra. Regardless of which story is true, the prior is still incredibly entertaining and adds to the growing legend of Frank Sinatra.

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