Inside Joe Pesci’s Underrated Music Career: A Look at His Journey from Acting to Jazz Singing

Joe Pesci, known for his darkly funny onscreen persona, has made a name for himself in American cinema.

This year, he returned from retirement to star in Martin Scorsese's The Irishman.

However, his artistic endeavors don't end there.

Pesci is also releasing a jazz album titled “Pesci…Still Singing.”

Yes, that's right, Joe Pesci is a jazz singer.

Pesci has been crooning since his early years as a child performer.

Unlike his onscreen characters, his music is tender, playful, and sincere.

His jazz albums draw inspiration from a range of artists, including Frankie Valli and the lesser-known blues vocalist Jimmy Scott.

Pesci's ability to portray violent psychopaths on screen is not the only reason for his enduring presence in Hollywood.

He possesses a remarkable range, which is showcased in both his acting and music careers.

His involvement in the music scene goes back to the 1960s when he played guitar for groups like Joey Dee and the Starliters.

He even introduced some of the members to songwriter Bob Gaudio, leading to the success of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Pesci released his solo album, “Little Joe Sure Can Sing,” in 1968.

This album features covers of popular songs from that era, highlighting his high-pitched and commanding voice.

It provides a different perspective on the famously crass movie star.

Despite earning critical acclaim and an Oscar for his acting, Pesci retired from the industry in 1999 to focus on his music career.

He continued to release albums under different names, such as “Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You” in 1998, inspired by his character in the movie “My Cousin Vinny.”

This album is a satirical project that showcases Pesci's mean and offensive side.

Another era of his music career, under the name “Joe Doggs,” brought forth the release of “Falling in Love Again” in 2003.

This legitimate jazz album demonstrates Pesci's serious commitment to the medium.

Pesci's genuine respect for music is evident through his admiration for the late vocalist, “Little” Jimmy Scott.

Scott, known for his high singing voice, played a significant role in shaping Pesci's musical journey.

In Scott's biography, Pesci spoke about their close bond and endless hours spent singing together.

The influence of Scott's phrasing and tone can be seen in Pesci's own singing style.

“Pesci…Still Singing” will be released on November 29, following the premiere of The Irishman on Netflix.

It remains uncertain if this marks a new golden era for Joe Pesci as an actor, but it appears that his passion for music has taken center stage in 2019.

At 76 years old, he may be more interested in returning to music than anything else at the moment.