Jules Podell
Encyclopedia
Jules Podell was a former speakeasy operator who ran the Copacabana
nightclub in New York
. Although it was opened in 1940 by Monte Proser, Podell was put in place by mob boss Frank Costello
, Proser's partner. By 1950 Podell was making all the decisions and Proser was gone. Podell ran the club until he died in 1973.
His daughter, Mickey Podell-Raber, has written a book of stories and photographs about her father and life at the famous club.
Copacabana (nightclub)
The Copacabana is a famous New York City nightclub. Many entertainers, among them Danny Thomas, Pat Cooper and the comedy team of Martin and Lewis, made their debuts at the Copacabana. The 1978 Barry Manilow song "Copacabana" is named after, and is about the nightclub. Part of the 2003 Yerba...
nightclub in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. Although it was opened in 1940 by Monte Proser, Podell was put in place by mob boss Frank Costello
Frank Costello
Frank Costello was an Italian New York City gangster who rose to the top of America's underworld, controlled a vast gambling empire across the United States and enjoyed political influence.Nicknamed the "Prime Minister of the Underworld", he became one of the most powerful and influential Mafia...
, Proser's partner. By 1950 Podell was making all the decisions and Proser was gone. Podell ran the club until he died in 1973.
His daughter, Mickey Podell-Raber, has written a book of stories and photographs about her father and life at the famous club.