In Belleville, New Jersey in 1951, Tommy DeVito (musician) performs together with his brother Nicky, and their friend Nick Massi, as The Variety Trio. He meets 16-year-old Frankie Castelluccio, a barber's son, already well known in the neighborhood for his singing voice. Frankie has the admiration of Genovese Family mobster Angelo DeCarlo, who takes a personal interest in him.