Jackie Jester

The story of a fascinating musical career fraught with the most miserable lows, a few enormous highs, a touch of anger, a lot of humor—and a couple of perplexing crossroads.

As a teenager in depression-era lower Manhattan, Jack Aronson makes a name for himself writing songs with titles like One Big Pile of Ship and If You See Kay. Their popularity helps him decide to devote his life to making novelty records. Even before he turns 20, Jack becomes the comic yet troubled driving force behind Jester Records. His first hit record, Izzy (Who Gives Me a Smile), leads to a hookup with a shady character who takes over the company. That’s when Jack starts to lose his own smile.

Jack’s professional journey includes infuriating conferences with record company executives, endless inspirations, chance meetings with the likes of Harpo Marx and Frank Sinatra, and a couple of decisions that may alter the course of his family's future.

“A funny, flavorful, touching novel of an unusual New York family with the backdrop of novelty songs, corporate intrigue, and knishes. Samberg has captured the ambiance of the Lower East Side in an era when anything seemed possible for a mensch who wouldn’t let setbacks and betrayals rob him of his dream.”

—David J. Weiner, music writer, historian, and producer

“As a psychoanalyst with 55 years of experience, I found Jackie Jester both a mirror of some difficult times in this county and a modern reiteration of Ibsen's iconic play, Ghosts. It deftly illuminates how one's choice to deny the essential facts of one's life can result in a life-altering event.”

—Gibbs Williams, psychoanalyst and author.