Sammy The Bull Gravano: A Riveting Tale of Life in the Mafia

Underboss: Sammy the Bull Gravano's Story of Life in the Mafia

by Peter Maas

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8369 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	336 pages

FREE

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, born Salvatore Gravano, was a prominent figure in the American Mafia. He gained notoriety as the underboss of the Gambino crime family and a close confidant of John Gotti, the notorious "Teflon Don." Gravano's story is a captivating account of life within the shadowy world of organized crime, filled with violence, intrigue, and betrayal.

Early Life and Entry into the Mafia

Gravano was born in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, on March 12, 1945. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood, where he witnessed firsthand the allure and dangers of street life. In his teens, he joined a local gang and quickly rose through the ranks. By his early twenties, he became involved with the Colombo crime family, one of the Five Families of New York City.

Gravano's reputation for ruthlessness and loyalty soon caught the attention of Gotti, then a rising star in the Gambino family. In 1985, Gotti took over the leadership of the family, and Gravano became his trusted underboss.

Life as Underboss

As Gotti's second-in-command, Gravano played a crucial role in the Gambino family's operations, including extortion, labor racketeering, and murder. He was known for his strategic planning and brutality, which earned him the nickname "The Bull."

Gravano and Gotti were involved in several high-profile crimes, including the murder of Paul Castellano, the previous boss of the Gambino family. They also orchestrated the "Ravenite Social Club Massacre," where five members of a rival family were killed.

The Turning Point

In 1991, Gravano was arrested on murder charges. Facing life in prison, he made a life-altering decision: he agreed to become a government informant and testify against Gotti and other members of the Gambino family.

Gravano's testimony was instrumental in the conviction of Gotti and other top mobsters. In exchange for his cooperation, he received a reduced sentence and entered the Witness Protection Program.

Life After the Mafia

Under the alias Salvatore DeMeo, Gravano disappeared into a new life. However, in 2000, he was arrested for selling ecstasy. The arrest revealed his true identity and led to the termination of his Witness Protection benefits.

Gravano subsequently served a prison sentence and upon his release, he wrote his autobiography, "Underboss," which became a best-seller. He also appeared on various television shows and documentaries, sharing his firsthand account of life in the Mafia.

Legacy

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano remains a controversial figure. His decision to become an informant made him a pariah in the criminal underworld, but also provided valuable insights into the inner workings of the Mafia. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers and consequences of a life of crime.

Gravano's autobiography and subsequent appearances in the media have shed light on the secretive and violent world of organized crime. His story continues to fascinate people, offering a glimpse into the underbelly of society and the human capacity for both violence and redemption.

Underboss: Sammy the Bull Gravano's Story of Life in the Mafia

by Peter Maas

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8369 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	336 pages

FREE