Biography
Joe Pesci, born Joseph Frank Pesci on February 9, 1943, in Newark, New Jersey, is an American actor and musician renowned for his dynamic range and memorable performances in both film and music. Pesci began his entertainment career in the 1960s, initially working as a barber while pursuing music. He played guitar with several bands, most notably Joey Dee and the Starliters, a group central to the early rock and roll scene and famous for the 'Peppermint Twist.' In 1968, he released his debut album 'Little Joe Sure Can Sing!' under the name Joe Ritchie, featuring covers of contemporary pop hits.
Pesci's musical style blends pop, jazz, and standards, often delivered with a playful or theatrical flair. After his early musical ventures, Pesci transitioned into comedy, forming the duo 'Vincent and Pesci' with Frank Vincent, before eventually finding fame as an actor. Despite his success in film, Pesci maintained his passion for music, releasing two more albums: 'Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You' (1998), inspired by his character from 'My Cousin Vinny,' and 'Pesci... Still Singing' (2019), which features collaborations with jazz musicians. Pesci's musical legacy is characterized by his versatility and his ability to bridge the worlds of entertainment, comedy, and music.
Fun Facts
- Joe Pesci played a key role in introducing Frankie Valli to songwriter Bob Gaudio, helping to form The Four Seasons, as dramatized in the musical 'Jersey Boys.'
- He released his first album under the pseudonym 'Joe Ritchie.'
- Pesci's 1998 album was recorded in character as Vincent LaGuardia Gambini from 'My Cousin Vinny.'
- He played guitar in Joey Dee and the Starliters, a band that also briefly included Jimi Hendrix as a guitarist.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Joey Dee - Band leader and early collaborator in Joey Dee and the Starliters, where Pesci played guitar and learned about the music industry. (Live performances with Joey Dee and the Starliters) [Early 1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Frank Vincent - Comedy partner and frequent musical collaborator; they performed as 'Vincent and Pesci' and appeared together in bands and stage acts. (Vincent and Pesci comedy duo, The New Vaudevillians (Broadway show)) [1970-1976]
- Adam Levine - Featured vocalist on Pesci's 2019 album 'Pesci... Still Singing.' (Pesci... Still Singing (2019)) [2019]
Artists Influenced
- Jersey Boys cast and creators - Pesci's early connections in the New Jersey music scene and his role in introducing members of The Four Seasons inspired the story behind the musical 'Jersey Boys.' (Jersey Boys (musical, film adaptation)) [2005 (musical debut), 2014 (film)]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just For You | 1998-10-01 | Album |
| Pesci... Still Singing | 2019-11-29 | Album |
| Little Joe Sure Can Sing! | 1968 | Album |
| Meze Gang 1911 (Deluxxx Edition) | 2020-11-19 | Album |
| Pesci... Still Singing | 2019-11-29 | Album |
| I Go Back Home | 2017-01-27 | Album |
| I Go Back Home | 2017-01-27 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Wise Guy (Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just For You)
- If I Should Lose You (Pesci... Still Singing)
- Yo Cousin Vinny (Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just For You)
- Take Your Love And Shove It (Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just For You)
- My Cherie Amour (feat. Adam Levine) (Pesci... Still Singing)
- Got To Get You Into My Life (Little Joe Sure Can Sing!)
- If It Doesn't Snow On Christmas (Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just For You)
- Baby Girl (Pesci... Still Singing)
- I've Got News For You (Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just For You)
- How About You (Pesci... Still Singing)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
joe pesci has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 9, 2025 | 20:43 | fixing a holefrom little joe sure can sing | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Sep 29, 2025 | 23:41 | I Wanna Know | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman |