While we're not huge fans of strained renditions of "Shout" or "for the driver in the black 1994 Lincoln sedan…" announcements, we know that most wedding singers are just doing their jobs and trying to bring a little joy to that special day. But ex-NYPD cop-turned-wedding singer Francis Livoti raises the tolerability index considerably.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Livoti, who now performs under the name "Frankie Sands" and was described by Mayor Giuliani as "a brutal criminal," had a checkered past on the force, drawing 11 abuse complaints in 15 years. In 1994, Livoti fought with Bronx resident Anthony Baez, who was throwing a football that twice hit his squad car, and Baez, who was asthmatic, died during the struggle.
Livoti was charged with homicide for using "a choke hold banned by the NYPD" but beat the wrap. In 1997, he was fired by the NYPD, convicted of violating the victim's civil rights, and served 7 years in prison. Of his conviction, Livoti says "You can only be repentant if you did something to repent for…I feel bad that this guy is dead…but I don't feel responsible." He's also available for birthdays!
After discovering his knack for impersonating Frank Sinatra while locked up, "Frankie Sands" also does Dean Martin and Bobby Darin, and apparently does them well, as an 85 year-old client is quoted saying "if I closed my eyes, I would have sworn it was Frankie." His version of "My Way" probably comes from the heart, and we're sure Ol' Blue Eyes—no saint himself—would approve.
