The name "Al Capone" is a well-known one in American history, but its spelling is often confused. The correct pronunciation is /æl kəˈpoʊn/, with the first syllable pronounced "al" as in "pal" and the second syllable pronounced "pone" as in "stone". The name is spelled with an "e" at the end, not "o" as some may think. The phonetic transcription helps clarify the proper spelling and pronunciation of this infamous figure.
Al Capone was an American gangster and one of the most notorious figures of the prohibition era. Born on January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York, Al Capone became involved in organized crime during the 1920s and 1930s. He gained notoriety as the leader of the Chicago Outfit, a powerful criminal syndicate that dominated the illegal alcohol trade and engaged in other illicit activities such as prostitution, gambling, and racketeering.
Capone's rise to power was facilitated by his ruthless tactics, including violence and intimidation, which allowed him to control numerous speakeasies and breweries during the prohibition period. He became known as "Scarface" due to a prominent facial scar resulting from a knife attack. Capone's criminal empire grew rapidly, and he became known for his extravagant lifestyle and opulent parties.
While he was involved in various criminal activities, it was tax evasion that ultimately led to Capone's downfall. In 1931, he was convicted for income tax evasion and sentenced to 11 years in federal prison. He served time in the infamous Alcatraz Island penitentiary before being released on parole in 1939 due to his declining health.
Al Capone's life and criminal career have been the subject of numerous books, films, and popular cultural references. He is often remembered as one of America's most notorious gangsters, symbolizing the era of prohibition and the criminal underworld of the early 20th century.