Luciano deserves that accolade because he ordered the assassination of the two Moustache Petes--Masseria and Maranzano--and formed the Commission. He put the modern Mafia on a businesslike footing. He also had the wisdom not to declare himself capo di tutti capi--he was that secure in his own mind.


Luciano and Lasky were best friends since their teens. Meyer was Charlie's most trusted adviser, and he arranged the murders of Masseria and Maranzano. He also advised the Commission, collectively and individually. But, the two were not inseparable, and went their separate ways at times. I'd say neither made the other, but they were a powerful team when they worked together..