Brooklyn NY: A Grim Retrospective

by Jerry Castaldo

Overview

This explosive autobiographical volume is about entertainer Jerry Castaldo growing up on the mean streets of Brooklyn, NY, his agonizing descent into the darkness of the city's underbelly and his desperate struggle back to normalcy.

Celebrated NY Post Columnist, Author and playwright Chip Deffaa edited this dark, yet highly inspirational story.

"Heartbreaking," "surprising," "emotionally charged."

"Shocking," "volatile," "riveting" and "just plain scary."

Those comments are from readers of this book who cut a wide swath across a varied demographic--men, women; young, old; and who are from varying socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and locales.

Michael Musto, award-winning "Village Voice" celebrity gossip columnist and TV's "E! Channel" regular, calls Brooklyn NY: A Grim Retrospective:
"A gritty tale of dark struggle!"
--The Village Voice, NYC

America's largest Italian American paper promises:
"You'll be captured from the very first page and will find in his story an inspirational message of hope for all who face obstacles in their walk through life."
--The Italian Tribune

"I'm tellin' you right now--this guy Jerry Castaldo is gonna be the biggest thing in show business!"
--Jerry Seinfeld
Sitcom Star-Comedian (Musical Performance Review)

"You cannot put this book down. A natural born story teller, Jerry takes you on his extraordinary journey from the depths of hell to a life of sobriety and success with uncanny wit, heart and honesty!"
--Cheryl Stern
Broadway/Film Actress

"One of the best all-around entertainers in NYC."
--NY Post (Musical Performance Review)

"He brings talent, enthusiasm and energy to his work."
--NY Times (Musical Performance Review)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940033103966
Publisher:	Jerry Castaldo
Publication date:	06/20/2011
Sold by:	Smashwords
Format:	eBook
File size:	184 KB

About the Author

New York City born-and-bred. Jerry Castaldo is a well-reviewed musical entertainer, who consistently logs an average of 300 shows per year. He has opened for such stars as Jerry Seinfeld, David Brenner and Dom Deluise.

After singing and playing lead guitar in different bands during his early 20's, Castaldo put together a solo stage act and started singing standards from the Great American Songbook at nightspots in and around Manhattan. He gained further exposure via Joe Franklin's long-running television talk show.

Gaining recognition for his deft comedic skills and impressive "quick-on-his-feet" abilities, not just his singing, led him to landing countless master-of-ceremonies positions, such as hosting the International Beauty Show at the Javits Center in New York City and a 25-city national tour for Revlon Inc. industrial shows.

Castaldo has enjoyed playing such well-known venues as the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, and the Waldorf Astoria Hotel (including benefits honoring Christopher Reeve and Ray Charles). His repertoire spans the eras--everything from big-band favorites (he has also performed in concert with the Sammy Kaye Orchestra) to contemporary standards.

July 2010 kicked off the Summer-Fall Celebrity Concert Series at the beautiful Center for Performing Arts Complex in Raleigh, NC. Castaldo was tapped to host and open the shows and do all regional radio spots for these events.

The million-selling record artists on the bill included Gary Lewis & the Playboys ("This Diamond Ring"), Jay Black, formerly of Jay and the Americans ("This Magic Moment"), Maureen McGovern ("The Morning After"), Lou Christie ("Lightning's Striking"), Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis ("You Don't Have to be a Star"), Maxine Nightingale ("Right Back to Where We Started From"), tenor Michael Amante & B'way songstress Melba Moore.

What People are Saying About This

Cheryl Stern

"You cannot put this book down. A natural born story teller, Jerry takes you on his extraordinary journey from the depths of hell to a life of sobriety and success with uncanny wit, heart and honesty!" --(Cheryl Stern Broadway/Film Actress)

Editorial Reviews

"One of the best all-around entertainers in NYC."

NY Post (Musical Performance Review)

"I'm tellin' you right now--this guy Jerry Castaldo is gonna be the biggest thing in show business!" --(Jerry Seinfeld Sitcom Star-Comedian (Musical Performance Review))

Musical Performance Review

"He brings talent, enthusiasm and energy to his work."

NY Times (Musical Performance Review)

America's largest Italian American paper promises: "You'll be captured from the very first page and will find in his story an inspirational message of hope for all who face obstacles in their walk through life."

The Italian Tribune

"A gritty tale of dark struggle!"--(Michael Musto, award-winning "Village Voice" celebrity gossip columnist and TV's "E! Channel" regular)

NYC The Village Voice