The staple of many, and I mean many, Martin Scorsese films, Joe Pesci hasn't really been known as the lead actor. With a couple of exceptions, such as My Cousin Vinny, Pesci is usually cast as the sidekick who is a little bit mentally unstable and often bloodthirsty and almost always Italian or mob connected.
In 1990's Home Alone and two years later in the sequel, Joe Pesci makes his epic connection with the holidays playing the burglar, Harry Lime. In both films, Harry and his partner Marv are stymied by young Kevin as the thieves try to break into Kevin's home (and later an orphanage fund at a toy store.)
Both Home Alone films were huge hits. Over the years both movies have become Christmas classics that must be watched every year by fans or it's just not the holidays for them. And it's this sort of connection to the season that must have inspired Joe Pesci to put out a Christmas song in 1999.
The song is called If It Doesn't Snow on Christmas. It's from Pesci's album Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just For You. This was Pesci's second record, having 30 years earlier recorded an album under the name Joe Ritchie. Turns out, Pesci was hot and heavy in the Jersey music scene in the late 50s and throughout the 60s having helped introduce all the major players of the Four Seasons and playing guitar for Joey Dee and the Starlighters (Peppermint Twist).
When Pesci returned to the studio in 1999, he had just retired from acting. As being a singer had been a life-long dream, the veteran actor wanted to give it one more chance. And that's where we get today's song...
Pesci's album was done in a sort of lounge lizard kind of way who is very well connected in organized crime. The album also borrows from his on screen reputation as a tough guy with a foul mouth. This song is no exception other than it was the only Christmas song on the entire record.
Here, Pesci threatens Santa if it doesn't snow on Christmas Eve in only a way Joe Pesci can. Hence the Parental Advisory on the CD cover. Plus why I put NSFW on today's title. There's quite a few F-bombs in this song. So don't play this for the kiddies who might be fans of Home Alone.
YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!
If Joe Pesci's comedic work makes you laugh, you'll probably like this song. It's just very unexpected from such an actor. Or maybe not. Regardless, Joe Pesci is not the guy you think of when naming Christmas artists until now!
Enjoy...
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