Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy with Randy and Steve: Recent Episodes
Randy Hodgins and Steve McLellan
Meet the legends of comedy in this fast and fun mini-program. Each week Randy Hodgins and Steve McLellan spotlight a different comedy icon, with biographical bits and a nice slice of the comedy that made them famous. From standup stars, to stellar sketch teams, to novelty music maestros -- they are all part of our Legends. Be sure to check laughtracksradio.com for extended cuts.
If you like your comedy laced with strong and sharp observations about our current politics and culture, look no further than Bill Maher who has made a career out of serving up just that. After early work as an actor, Bill really found his path doing standup comedy. He turned that into a long-running series ("Politically Incorrect"), another longer-running series ("Real Time"), a hit documentary ("Religulous"), and best-selling books and standup tours. Along the way he has become a vocal proponent and consumer of cannabis as well as an animal rights activist. Maher's gift for stirring up controversy on both sides of the aisle has made his show a magnet for people wanting smart conversations laced with acerbic wit. (To be fair, Maher's other gift for stepping over the comedy line has also come back to bite him on occasion). The recipient of this year's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Bill shows no signs of slowing down -- good news indeed for comedy fans. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Does Bill have something to say about Ronald Reagan? Of course he does -- as in this bit from 2007's HBO special The Decider. https://youtu.be/j8FrNEGO7q8?si=SBbfrYZcndlUppFK
Bill's first Carson spot showed the outlines of the career that was to come. (And it reinforced Carson's enormous role in highlighting new comedians). https://youtu.be/V__wp4xvTjI?si=wzjq8d2vxrs7XXah
Since 2003 Bill has hosted Real Time on HBO. One recurring segment (and one spun off into best-selling books) is New Rules where Bill provides helpful suggestions for the nation. https://youtu.be/6dMOfwUP0F0?si=x9dujP71LLfyO4GZ
This week we meet Anthony Jeselnik who has turned a "lightbulb moment" into a booming career as the modern prince of dark comedy. Originally intending to be a novelist, Anthony discovered a stand up comedy course in LA and his new career trajectory was set. Gaining experience and exposure as a writer and roaster on Comedy Central's roast series, Anthony developed a comic persona that is can walk you right up to the line -- and then step over it in a way you didn't see coming. A well-named Comedy Central show (The Jeselnik Offensive) further established his style and though a short stint as host of Last Comic Standing didn't click, a continuing run of Netflix specials, comedy tours and podcast episodes keeps Anthony at the top of the heap for those who like their comedy with an edge. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Anthony is a top standup draw with a style that is perfect for his dark observations. https://youtu.be/iTUNOw5bo48?si=2TioTDa02tykNpYN
Anthony's big boost came from his work as a writer and roaster on Comedy Central's no-holds-barred roasts including this one of bad boy Charlie Sheen. https://youtu.be/jqzFTuuOHyk?si=E5ae8DNW6vLrUall
Anthony had a two season run as host of the Jeselnik Offensive which found him in unusual situations -- such as performing standup for an audience made up entirely of members of the Church of Satan. https://youtu.be/a-UBqlEHcr8?si=Wta_8VRV5-fB9AhG
Join us north of the border as we meet Brent Butt who has become a Canadian comedy legend with a long stand-up career, a smash sitcom (and movie), a well-received novel, and a shelf full of awards. From a small town in Saskatchewan, Brent started his comedy career at amateur nights, then moved to Toronto and started his climb to the top of the comedy ladder. Brent also created the sitcom Corner Gas in which he played the owner of the only gas station for miles in -- you guessed it -- Saskatchewan. That show spawned a movie and an animated version, and Brent has also continued as a standup and more recently a novelist. Not bad for a small town lad! As always find extra clips below and thanks for watching our shows!
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Here's Brent with more hair, fewer wrinkles and, as always, great material from Just For Laughs in 1992. https://youtu.be/YXWT5OmFdDs?si=Z3mDgJEQ3bFaxOHO
Corner Gas was a hit sitcom in Canada and Brent's sly portrayal of gas station owner Brent Leroy was the centerpiece. Here are some more highlights from Dog River.https://youtu.be/sJ_DbLx4-i8?si=O9KdBK_9o6yqgZdD
Brent remains a top standup draw in Canada and his recent work celebrates his longevity (and his receding hairline), https://youtu.be/YmdkyUdKwhs?si=q-W4pEnIxADkYE3d
Pull out your opera glasses because Anna Russell is here to poke some good natured fun at all things operatic. After realizing she didn't have the chops to be a true diva, Anna pivoted and merged her admirable singing voice with some sly and sharp parody of the art form. Through a series of albums and one-woman shows, Anna was a favorite of opera fans (at least ones with a sense of humor) from the 1940s through her retirement in the 1980s. Her major claim to fame was a very funny deconstruction of Wagner's the Ring. And what did Anna say to critics who said she had insulted a great piece of music. Just this: "I merely tell the story as accurately as possible and play the bits of music exactly as written. I can't help it if the story is absurd." As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Anna's main claim to fame was her fabulous take down of Wagner's Ring. First released in 1953, the routine remained a mainstay of her act for the rest of her career. https://youtu.be/Us6CrJzJlIc?si=Ftv-OfPJv8lt0UuB
Here Anna parodies folk tunes on the wonderful Alistair Cooke show Omnibus. Somehow TV was more adventurous in the 1950s! https://youtu.be/UQ4IdPB_aFE?si=nQ9DaGtjZkOOPu0y
Like fellow musical parodist PDQ Bach, Anna had fun discussing the ins and outs of unusual musical instruments. Take the bagpipe. . . please. https://youtu.be/xKWZbFNzFhs?si=uXkXZ3sRg87plZph
So back in the day you could see vintage entertainers such as Dean Martin, Jackie Mason, Ed Sullivan, Glen Campbell, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Or you could just see John Byner and he would cover them all with spot-on impressions, combined with fine stand-up comedy. When young John offered up his version of Bing Crosby singing "Accentuate the Positive" at age 6 his path in life was clear. As an adult, his early gigs were supported by a day job at a swimming pool company but he soon found fans and became a regular opening act for jazz artists in NY and DC. Along with his nightclub work John was a sought after guest star on sitcom and talk/variety shows, landed a recurring role on Soap, and starred in a popular Canadian tv sketch show. Now 88, John maintains a fun website with highlights from his long career. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more John Byner?
Here's a nice slice of John's stand-up from the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour back in 1970. https://youtu.be/Ej3pZWwxTfE?si=pPcGXGTkipGK8nJx
Byner was a favorite of Ed Sullivan and the feeling was mutual -- watch John imitate the master himself. https://youtu.be/hzE97Bov1kk?si=_uD12rTtzqFhzEkP
An unusual project, The Ant and the Aardvark had 17 theatrical short episodes, and featured Byner voicing both characters -- using Dean Martin for the Ant and Jackie Mason for the Aardvark.https://youtu.be/lVXoXlqqxuk?si=4gp349eO7Chck0uE
In 2020 John published an autobiography ("Five Minutes Mr. Byner") that covers his career, his favorite impersonation subjects, and how he approaches his craft. https://youtu.be/6CwKq6I-oZI?si=U4n_nuUMF59dBb_I
Today we meet one of the sharpest satirists of the last 40 years, Harry Shearer. We could also say Mr. Burns or Kent Brockman -- two of the Simpsons characters he voices. Or we could say the the long term host of a weekly comedy and music program called Le Show, as well as the creator of great comedy albums with The Credibility Gap as well as solo. And oh yeah, Harry was part of the crew that came in to rescue SNL as it floundered after the original cast departed. Or, perhaps he is Derek Smalls, bassist for the mockumentary rock kings Spinal Tap. Check it out to find out more -- as always there are extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Harry provides so many great voices for the Simpsons it's hard to keep track, but here is a fun sampling. https://youtu.be/3X2JLl9U4Rw?si=eEDJiukahjM56VEw
Harry has two short runs on SNL in the 1980s and while he didn't stay long his bits remains classic. This one features Harry and Martin Short as the world's first male synchronized swimming team. https://www.reddit.com/r/LiveFromNewYork/s/eTMzv1qmyw
The Credibility Gap isn't as well known as the Firesign Theater, but they should be. A creation born of the LA radio scene in the early 1970s, the Gap specialized in precise takedowns - including this homage to Abbott and Costello's classic Who's on First. https://youtu.be/YEvwW1yqIjA?si=yd-92mP5Km6YLqUV
You might want to wait until 4:20 to fire up this episode. And why not -- this time we feature Seth Rogan, comedian, movie star, and enthusiastic cannabis consumer. Hailing from Vancouver, BC Seth managed to score a role in Freaks and Geeks at age 16, befriended the show's creator Judd Apatow who recognized his talent, then parlayed that beginning into a run of outrageously funny movies, award winning tv shows, and memorable voice roles. And Seth is Canadian to the core, turning down a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in favor of one on Canada's Walk of Fame. So next time you are in Toronto stop by and leave an herbal offering to this comedy master if you can -- you never know when Seth might be in the neighborhood. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Seth started young, performing standup in his teens. You could see already see a star in the making. https://youtu.be/IPnNntVI1DQ?si=Mkxx8qbsQOH_xMkp
Seth has become known for cannabis friendly films -- and none more so than Pineapple Express. Here Seth and his dealer played by James Franco try to navigate a novel joint. https://youtu.be/0L0QQa_MvK0?si=hvcHNBBe6WOP40Op
Seth's most recent hit is The Studio, an Apple TV show about a legacy movie studio trying to survive. https://youtu.be/EIQuE7JGXU8?si=_Okh9g8JRV5tfChN
People who are famous for just being famous have been around forever but this weeks Legend Orson Bean gladly took that role, calling himself a "Neo-celebrity." Orson is being far too modest about a career that started out with a magic act, evolved into stand up comedy, was featured on Broadway and in top NYC cabarets, logged many hours on game and talk shows, and worked steadily as a guest star on tv and in movies. Orson also helped found a Laurel and Hardy society and a (for the time) radical primary school. So while Orson called himself a "Neo-celebrity" we prefer to think of him as a "renaissance man". As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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From the days of black and white tv, here's a running gag between Orson and host Bud Collier on To Tell the Truth.https://youtu.be/qo8pM9LaojM?si=ueaOI_ZENiukCfzC
Orson was such a game show stalwart that even a cameo -- here on The Match Game -- would bring the house down. https://youtu.be/YLDR8oc8k6Y?si=2eH1hOHp6yjh8iz6
Orson had a quick wit so he was a natural guest for talk shows including this appearance with Johnny Carson. https://youtu.be/LpFZOp9bdCY?si=K3-jA3nRYO0typ-A
Orson found some prime roles in his career including the eccentric Dr. Lester in Being John Malkovich. https://youtu.be/DSGYElDi38s?si=j6AfFlMnG_XgVQUk
Here's a great career arc -- go from appearing in kid's movies and shows to starring in your own movie, then join Saturday Night Live and stay there for 23 years (and counting). Of course there is only one Kenan Thompson, but his career is so much more than his record setting SNL stint. What's the secret sauce? Being easy to work with helps, there is also Kenan's gift (in the words of an SNL head writer) for this ability to take "ordinary lines and make them funny and funny lines and make them special". Along the way Kenan also has set the record for most celebrity impressions by an SNL cast member. But what's next for Kenan -- more SNL for sure, but he is also busy with more movies, sitcoms, and award show hosting duties. He also has a show with pal Kevin Hart just riffing on sports -- it's good to be Kenan! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Kenan first broke out as a child actor in D2 The Mighty Ducks, then as a cast member on Nickelodeon's hit show All That. https://youtu.be/3FtmsZ17FZE?si=CeP8gvfaMrWr7uXD Anyone who has watched SNL in recent years has surely seen Kenan absolutely nail an impression of Steve Harvey hosting Family Feud. https://youtu.be/AafBunu-k2U?si=t9SVaZRfUmoSTBTH On SNL Kenan is a master of characters and this take on an imaginary BET show with a very enthusiastic host is a fan favorite. https://youtu.be/3HAiKX97AZI?si=rBA2eoHkXavEzwv4 Kenan has a new sports show with Kevin Hart on Prime Video. It's just a couple of great comics riffing on sports -- so of course it's hilarious. https://youtu.be/uxgGjuAjEUA?si=9EVMpY38QNAI20NQ
This time out we meet the only woman to be a cast member of both SCTV and SNL -- and no, it's not Catherine O'Hara. Say hello to Robin Duke, another product of the stellar Canadian comedy scene. A veteran of Second City Toronto, Robin was there when SCTV was launched in the mid-1970s as a recurring cast member, moving up to the full cast in season three. Lorne Michaels had convinced Catherine O'Hara to join SNL, but a week iwas enough for Catherine to decide that SCTV was more her style. Enter Robin, who stayed with the cast until a major shakeup in 1984. At SNL Robin created a number of standout characters (Wendy Whiner anyone?) and after the show she took her talents into film and television, as well as an all-female, all-Canadian comedy troupe. With trademark Canadian modesty the group was named "Women Fully Clothed" and they have toured all over the world. And in a nice full circle moment, in 2016 Robin joined fellow SCTV cast members Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara in the hit CBC show Schitt's Creek. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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While at SNL, Robin played many characters -- none more memorable (at least in the nails on chalkboard sense) was long-suffering and long-complaining Wendy Whiner. https://www.reddit.com/r/LiveFromNewYork/s/BWOXoPIwT6
Robin's time at SCTV was before the show began airing in a 90 minute format on SCTV, but her clips are worth searching out online -- including this bit in which Robin plays Mollie Earl, the host of Crazy Crafts. https://youtu.be/yQA0n2xTeUs?
In 2003 Robin started one of Canada's funniest exports -- the all-female, all-Canadian comedy troupe "Women Fully Clothed". https://youtu.be/yQA0n2xTeUs?si=_YcXcSPF574nKFn2
Robin scored a juicy recurring role on the CBC sitcom Schitt's Creek -- and it was a fine reunion with her SCTV pals Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara.https://youtu.be/qTZUGFYCzYU?si=OClFL_L1AXhPhHhF
One of the funniest -- and edgiest -- sketch shows of the 1990s was In Living Color which introduced many of us to the Wayans family (and Jim Carrey to boot). And one of the edgiest parts of that edgiest sketch show was Damon Wayans, brother of show creator Keenan Ivory Wayans and a fearless satirist. Whether it was a homeboy with great money making ideas, a supremely flamboyant gay film reviewer, or a misanthropic clown Damon's characters always left you with a "can they say that" moment. A fine standup comic, as well as an actor and writer, Damon also racked up numerous movie credits, an armful of awards, and a best selling book along the way. He's still active so there is no doubt more to come, but we suspect one of his proudest achievements was in true Wayans' fashion making it a family affair when he starred with his son Damon Jr in the sitcom Poppa's house. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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In Living Color reveled in blasting apart stereotypes -- or reinforcing them -- your pick. Either way, the Homeboys (Damon and brother Keenan) were huge hits. https://youtu.be/FSRQKSqvmvk?si=JPyk2SkwLnlats8W
One of Damon's classic characters was Homey D. Clown, a misanthropic kids entertainer who reminds us that "Homey don't play that". https://youtu.be/_QhuBIkPXn0?si=eUqZNbPKbzpmF3z8
Damon has retired from standup but his old sets are worth a listen -- like this one about encountering a miffed Mike Tyson. https://youtu.be/YyQSYZwLFmo?si=j_fqmME-M_w-n-9B
Over its 50+ years Saturday Night Live has had many star making (and breaking) moments, including the coveted role of anchor on the show's Weekend Update news report. But when Seth Meyers departed that role for his own late night gig, who could have guessed that his successor would become the longest running anchor in show history. Colin Jost was born for the role, editing his high school newspaper, then becoming a cub reporter, then sending in a writing packet to SNL and getting hired in 2005. From there he became head writer, then he stepped into the Weekend Update slot which he (and long-time co-anchor Michael Che) have made must watch material. What will he do for an encore -- marry Scarlett Johansen? As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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The twice-yearly SNL joke swap has become a fun fixture of the show. In it, Jost and co-anchor Michael Che write jokes for each other that they must read live on air for the first time. Needless to say the results are gleefully inappropriate. https://youtu.be/-1uC5tBGlNg?si=rUKdClWZPf8JnQyy
Colin's standup covers a broader range than Weekend Update, as in this bit from the Just for Laughs Festival. https://youtu.be/yPSFJwORLH0?si=8XsmAPKM7qdvATsn
Most recently Colin has scored a major sketch role with his amped up portrayal of War Secretary Pete Hegseth. https://youtu.be/vZb1WO1_lGI?si=t0gKHXoxaP88w32b
Whether you want to sell a dead parrot to an unsuspecting customer, travel around the world with a wry view of life, or simply figure out why a fish is called Wanda -- Michael Palin is your man. The creator of many of Monty Python's most beloved sketches, Palin carved out a fine post-Python career as the host of numerous BBC travel shows, as well as a full resume of character roles such as that of Ken Pile, a stuttering gangster, in A Fish Called Wanda. What did the public think of Michael? How about four Bafta awards and an appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Just don't ask too many questions -- you don't want him to think it's some sort of Spanish Inquisition! As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Another Palin classic was this long running gag about some people you would never expect. https://youtu.be/psMMKgvpGfg?si=mkTPwDC9wMC5hUpu
Michael was at the center of many classic Python bits, including this musical tribute to the men of the woods! https://youtu.be/B6mzobwTYyo?si=Riix_96cfDIrNZmS
Michael had a huge post-Python career hosting a series of witty travel programs for the BBC. Not bad work if you can get it! https://youtu.be/jXddPTxv8DM?si=fgUNl6S6BStyeqFR
Michael is a fine character actor and his role as stuttering gangster Ken Pile in A Fish Called Wanda is one of his best. https://youtu.be/4vsFC6Gt2EE?si=1ATBkJEGlBBIVa7R
Grab a hi-ball and cue the rimshot, Jack E. Leonard is in the house. From Friars' Club roasts to tv variety shows to nightclub appearances Jack's routine never varied. He offered up a stream of comedy insults no doubt inspiring a young Don Rickles. Jack's insults were equal opportunity -- and he included himself in the mix frequently poking fun as his weight (who else makes a movie called "The Fat Spy"). One liners abounded in Jack's comedy storehouse but it was hard to convince younger audiences to give him a chance. Maybe that's why in 1968 he went on the Smothers Brothers comedy hour and guess what, he unloaded both barrels on Tom and Dick (who were pretty good a slinging barb as well). It didn't lead to a new and younger audience, but no matter, Jack remained an honored member of the Hollywood comedy scene where they knew his gibes were never meant to hurt. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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The Friars Club is known for their roasts, especially those in the 1950s and 60s that were uncensored. Here Jack lays waste to Ed Sullivan. https://youtu.be/rxjP6evUJp4?si=p-jUm79ATyfBO8v5
In 1968 in search of a younger audience Jack went on the Smothers Brothers Comedy and had a little old school fun with Tom and Dick. https://youtu.be/nZT356f84HU?si=e_6bDlT_ETTWX2u3
Jack's quick wit and sharp style made him a natural for the talk show circuit. Here he is on Merv Griffin in 1966.https://youtu.be/xrK1nWwOIjg?si=QPO5JlNsrvxdsDD7
Anyone who came of age in the late 1960s is bound to have a soft spot in their comedy heart for Arte Johnson, a versatile comic and master of dialects who boarded the fame express when he joined the cast of Rowan and Martin's Laugh In. Originally pursuing Broadway roles, Arte saw the future in the television industry and decamped for Los Angeles in the mid 1950s. He build a resume of guest spots before landing his Laugh In role in 1968. He played over 60 characters on Laugh In, including some (such as an observant German soldier, a doddering dirty old man, and a Russian named Rosmenko who could sing, dance, or joke about America. After Laugh In, Arte settled into a fine career of sitcoms, variety shows, game shows and audiobook readings. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Here's an assignment most would shrink from -- teach Jack Benny how to tell a joke. But for Arte, it was just another day working the boom microphone. https://youtu.be/HROeLKVAQIQ?si=QyKiplnRAd58TREV
A master of dialects, Arte created a Russian character named Rosmenko -- not sure a word of actual Russian was spoken, but this version of Mack the Knife (also featuring Bobby Darin) is a gem. https://youtu.be/43I1zrL3FgE?si=YzikSt_QFTR6sf2v
Arte had many standout characters on Laugh In and one of the best was Tyrone Horneigh who would attempt to seduce women (principally Ruth Buzzi's Gladys Ormphby) with typically bad (for Tyrone at least) results. https://youtu.be/E2IF8HejE1w?si=31DeDx2zZAuupL8w
In the 1970s and 80s you couldn't go to the movies without running into this week's legend Cloris Leachman. While the Oscar that catapulted her to stardom was for a drama (The Last Picture Show), here we remember her for bushels of laughs, expertly delivered on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and the Phyllis spinoff, and in some of Mel Brooks' classic films (notably Young Frankenstein). After that burst of activity, Cloris continued on with movie and television guest roles, picking up more Emmy awards along the way. A member of the Television Hall of Fame, Cloris also has a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Stop by sometime and say "Blucher" - you just might hear a horse off in the distance. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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When Cloris joined the cast of the Mary Tyler Moore Show she brought just the right mix of snark, snobbery, and sweet to the role of Phyllis Lindstrom. https://youtu.be/Gw2GOvsd3Sg?si=l-WJcrCe2MvSeMB6
We mentioned the great bit about Frau Blucher that ran throughout Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. And here it is! https://youtu.be/nx8LjVmoSZk?si=DrlyiU_5_ZGuFvaA
Later in her career Cloris had a recurring role on Malcolm in the Middle, picking up two Emmy's along the way. https://www.reddit.com/.../one_of_the_great_scenes.../...
This time out we honor Stephen Colbert whose amazing career has seen him conquer the worlds of improv comedy, avant-garde sitcoms, avant garde sketch comedy (including one of tv's greatest comedy bombs), The Daily Show (and his own spinoff), and a late night talk show. Not bad for a kid from South Carolina who says he was an indifferent student -- we disagree, at least when it comes to comedy. And, if you want to see Stephen in talk show mode, act fast -- CBS is ending its longtime late night show May 21. But with 11 Emmys, 2 Grammys, and a Peabody Award under his belt, we suspect that Stephen won't stay idle for long. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Stephen had a key role in creating the cult fave sitcom Strangers with Candy, also playing a science teacher who has strayed from the path. https://youtu.be/6uPEeV5Ep2U?si=oQfffmM0_PoqHwUG
After several years on the Daily Show adopting the persona of a conservative talk show host, Stephen scored a spinoff -- The Colbert Report -- that ran for almost a decade. https://youtu.be/MBPgXjkfBXM?si=6Xrip-JJY89c50KO
Given his many comedy personas over the years no one quite knew when to expect when Stephen took the helm of the Late Show from David Letterman. We need not have worried -- he was made for the gig. https://youtu.be/_642piuR-Pw?si=j-prXZYTPS8M-yZ6
The eyes have it -- at least they do if you are Marty Feldman who came of comedy age along with the Pythons and other masters of British absurdity. Starting off as a comedy writer, Marty soon found roles in front of the camera as well with turns in "At Last the 1948 Show" and his own shows "Marty" and "The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine". And if you don't know him from those, how about his delightful turn as Igor in Mel Brooks' masterpiece "Young Frankenstein". A chain smoker for most of his life, Marty passed on far too soon, but he leaves a most impressive body of work -- and one more time -- those eyes! As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Marty's eyes were the subject of a novelty hit by comedian Bruce "Baby-man" Baum. Here's Marty Feldman Eyes. https://youtu.be/k-Wb80MW6c4?si=Rr30BrFVUTLu3r-T
As head writer for the Frost Report Marty was at the forefront of British satire in the 1960s. Here's a very pointed sketch he penned about the British class system. https://fb.watch/Gu53QDMWUo/ At Last the 1948 Show teamed up Marty with other future legends Graham Chapman and John Cleese -- along with other British comedy luminaries. Here's Marty in a role often played later by Michael Palin and John Cleese slow burning as only he can. https://fb.watch/Gu50pQvIX6/ Marty had a huge breakout moment as Igor in Mel Brooks's Young Frankenstein. Just make sure you pronounce it correctly! https://youtu.be/F8BvfHSjwqw?si=JhCk41xm8iKR_Ani
One of the delights of Trevor Noah's stint as Daily Show host was the prominent work of correspondent Roy Wood Jr., a comic who started his career making prank phone calls and who has risen to host his own CNN news quiz, as well as becoming a top standup draw and award show host. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Roy's dad was a black radio pioneer and broadcasting entrepreneur. So it was no surprise that Roy would take up the family trade starting out as part of a Morning Zoo show in Birmingham. Over time Roy gained visibility, especially after a 2010 stint on Last Comic Standing. In 2015 Roy was tapped as a Daily Show correspondent and his chemistry with Trevor Noah was a highlight of the show, which was a perfect showcase for Roy's comedy style which Entertainment Weekly called "charismatic crankiness." When Trevor Noah departed the Daily Show it looked for a time that Roy might get the nod but when that didn't happen Roy pivoted and became host of Have I Got News for You -- a CNN adaptation of a British news quiz with comedians making up the panel. That show, award show hosting gigs, and sold out comedy tours keep Roy busy these days. And if you ever need help getting more sauce for your chicken nuggets Roy is your man -- it's all explained in this week's show. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Roy Wood Jr?
Roy was one of the highlights of Trevor Noah's stint as Daily Show host. This bit on world history shows why. https://youtu.be/EWX0bbGAd0k?si=c8LlAI6bJJLzWPeu
Roy's current gig is hosting CNN's news quiz Have I Got News for You, a fun stroll through the headlines. https://youtu.be/2xdgL5_xj-I?si=XTcELti6IHKeVkUw
Roy is a superb satirist, but he also takes on the frustration of every day life -- like getting enough chicken nugget sauce. https://youtu.be/8qj0BcuRPoc?si=yTxYPsAALpwNRZTZ
Hide the kids and hide the dogs -- the curmudgeon to end all curmudgeons is here. We're talking about William Claude Dukenfield -- better known to comedy fans as W.C. Fields. From his start as a juggler in vaudeville shows, Fields added comedy to his act. Over time, he developed the comedy persona of a con artist who had a particular aversion to kids and dogs. Fields would often recycle old vaudeville bits in his movies, and woe be unto anyone he caught "nibbling" at his routines. In the late 1930s and early 1940s he was at the top of his game but a real-life drinking problem made him unreliable and the film offers stopped arriving. Toward the end of his life he was persuaded to record a couple of monologues which turned out to be his only recordings. But W.C. still has a following today -- just visit his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and surely someone will be saying "go away kid. . . you're bothering me." As always find extra clips below, and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more W.C. Fields? This is short but sweet -- WC (with Shemp Howard) looking for a lost $20 bill. https://youtu.be/t9bFgMb48_w?si=HgueolSsZOKPrgvl WC Fields and Mae West are linked in our comedy minds thought they only appeared together once due do disputes over top billing. Here's the trailer to My Little Chickadee. https://youtu.be/x_Vp23EpguY?si=RRNe0Rh5jEk1BK91 The Temperance Lecture is WC Fields' only comedy recording. Made at the end of his life it finds him in great voice on a topic he loves dearly. https://youtu.be/0YgZRtuMSdE?si=tDBMJqo94i7kit4G
For a guy whose sitcom was called "Get a Life", we think that Chris Elliott has done pretty darn well. The son of legendary comedian Bob Elliott (of Bob and Ray fame), Chris has carved out his own niche playing slightly surreal and snarky characters. Beginning on Late Night with David Letterman, Chris was the focus of many recurring gags including him being a guy who lives under the theater seats. But he was above ground in the Fox sitcom Get A Life, playing an oblivious man-child who lives above his parents' garage. With movie roles including Cabin Boy and Groundhog Day plus recurring tv gigs including Everybody Loves Raymond and Schitt's Creek, Chris is staying plenty busy flying the Elliott comedy flag. And, oh yes, for those scoring at home Abby Elliott of the hit show The Bear is his daughter. Not bad for a guy who most of us first discovered living under David Letterman's seats. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Cabin Boy saw Chris make the leap to the big screen, though the movie didn't score with critics or mainstream moviegoers. It still retains a cult audience thanks to weird scenes like this. https://youtu.be/UFcc1rf4NiU?si=lnHjVvV6l-fpJpm7
Chris was a regular on Late Night with David Letterman playing many oddball roles. Here is where they introduce Dave to the "guy under the seats." https://youtu.be/VB7h8D8fZPc?si=rF-nMPFm5RbTCsQS
Chris starred in Get A Life, an edgy comedy in which he played an oblivious man-child who lives about his parents' garage. And for bonus points, his TV dad is played by his real dad, comedy legend Bob Elliott. https://youtu.be/IQv_Ol5QxEg?si=bw6WjyxeYT15g1HK
Chris Elliott's latest triumph is a spin as Roland Schitt, mayor of Schitt's Creek and foil to Eugene Levy's Johnny Rose. Here's a fun clip of Chris in "inaction". https://youtu.be/AWzRgDPDC6M?si=wCjf5jvdC9NW8Gq4
Back in the mid-1960s American television networks were trying to get with the youth scene, and a big part of that scene was the British Invasion. So NBC said "we'll call your Beatles, Animals, Stones, and Kinks -- and raise you some Monkees. Recruited as actors more than musicians, at the time, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork were put down as the "prefab four" -- a wholly made for television creation. But they were a smash and over the years have gained respect as prime purveyors of power pop. The Monkees TV show lasted just a couple of years -- and some of the efforts that followed didn't connect with an audience (the movie Head for specifics). The Monkees were largely forgotten until MTV came around in the mid-1980s and decided that the original Monkees TV show was just the thing to put on the new music network. Comeback tours and albums followed as a new generation discovered the Monkees. Micky Dolenz is now the last Monkee standing, but he carries the flag proudly performing around the country in his Monkees Celebration shows. Happy sellout crowds are the result -- now just who were they calling "Pre-Fab" way back when? As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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OK, if you are over the age of 50 this song should be burned into your brain.https://youtu.be/ujzyXArvM_g?si=BiyFLD_194lyPOtB
Here's a complete episode from The Monkees show -- each episode contained an early form of music video, no doubt part of what made MTV take interest. https://dai.ly/xskyj5
Head stands a a curious piece of late 1960's surrealistic comedy. The audience scratched its head as the Monkees seemed to revel in tearing down their safe image. A few fine cameos helped the process along. https://youtu.be/ZPQpsipHKU8?si=3moATd9Mg9TYNFCi
The Monkees have been likened to a rock and roll Marx Brothers with zany comedy taking center stage. And even after their show was cancelled, the Monkees still found places to shine -- including Rowan and Martin's Laugh In.https://youtu.be/TuAD5RU55eQ?si=ErCNEOSDMtoHWxTt
This week we sample the comedy of Phil Proctor and Peter Bergman -- half of the legendary Firesign Theatre and a superb comedy duo in their own right. First appearing during a Firesign hiatus, Proctor and Bergman offered sketches that were shorter and tighter, though often connected over the course of an album. The boys also became a touring unit and were favorites on the college comedy scene during the 1970s. In 1977 Proctor and Bergman were in the Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco while a gang-related mass shooting unfolded. Phil and Pete were unhurt, but their touring days were over. Fortunately for comedy fans there were more albums and videos still to come including a somewhat surreal turn as part of the cast of the Starland Vocal Band's summer replacement show. Yes, that's the "Aftenoon Delight" Starland Vocal Band. P&B continued with occasional projects, often during Firesign lulls, until Peter Bergman's death in 2012. Phil Proctor continues as a fine voice actor and writer. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Proctor and Bergman were big enough to earn their own PBS Soundstage special. The opening is classic, first for the detailed instructions on how to hear the show in stereo, then in their sharp take on ubiquitous PBS pledge drives. https://youtu.be/z2sLQOjFpNw?si=yoFMlWR9DBaRrn7i
Proctor and Bergman's first album was TV or not TV, a fun parody of "Channel 85" as it winds through its broadcast day. https://youtu.be/xXwXFm8MEYo?si=f7Xe1jXikG_5XtOc
When P&B were announced as part of the cast for the Starland Vocal Band's summer replacement show Firesign fans wondered how they could fit in. Very well it turned out! https://youtu.be/JvxGFlZIa0A?si=WGoC1avGjx8tsEAi
Proctor and Bergman occasionally popped up on tv for promotional appearances such as as this fun bit from Chicago's Svengoolie tv horror movie show. https://youtu.be/GESCjcj8IrI?si=8k1NynqaXnOAQgX-
Get your cigar, your cowboy hat, and your copy of the First Amendment ready -- this week we salute musical satirist Richard "Kinky" Friedman who blended sarcastic and often offensive lyrics with Texas twang to create a singular comic persona. Way back in the early 1970s after a stint in the Peace Corps, Kinky returned to his home in Texas and set about forming his most famous -- and most outrageously named -- band -- Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys. Country rock was becoming popular so in spite of (or maybe because of) the name, Kinky scored a recording contract. Did he dial it back a little? Of course, the answer is a resounding NOOOO! In fact his appearance on Austin City Limits was taped, then shelved, because of Kinky's "take no prisoners" approach. After a stint with Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue, Kinky's musical career stalled leading him to a second round of fame as a mystery novelist with 20-some titles to his credit. Add to that a surprisingly robust run for Governor of Texas in 2006 and we'd say Kinky's "Legend" resume is complete. As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Back in 2005 CBS Sunday Morning profiled Kinky and it has some nice examples of his plain spoken style. https://youtu.be/KOOiCxbL9-g?si=4mqGoBlMphFFLLIt
Kinky's lyrics were decidedly radio-unfriendly, but his albums were passed around by fans who liked their lyrics unfiltered. Thanks to Austin City Limits for capturing Kinky back in the day -- even if they put it straight into the vault. https://youtu.be/5FSWm67IhDU?si=L06HLwGX6OntonzO
When Kinky ran for Governor of Texas he managed to lure his old pal Mojo Nixon out of retirement to pen a campaign song. He didn't win, but the song is a gem. https://youtu.be/wtOXb2wAlOQ?si=KhHId5bHL3Frf-KQ
From the hallowed halls of the University of Iowa back in 1975 came the Duck's Breath Mystery Theatre, a five man comedy troupe who found fame through great character and ensemble work -- plus some choice exposure on NPR and MTV. Bill Allard, Dan Coffey, Merle Kessler, Leon Martell, and Jim Turner comprised the Ducks -- though they may be more familiar under the names Dr.Science, Ian Shoales, Randee of the Redwoods (and others). The Ducks were a popular touring act, but in their adopted hometown of San Francisco they ruled comedy with appearances at top nightclubs throughout the 1980s. The Ducks put the troupe on hiatus as the 1990s arrived but they did reunite on occasion and mounted a celebratory 40th Anniversary farewell show and documentary. As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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One of the Duck's breakout stars was Merle Kessler's Ian Shoales, a mile a minute talker who could throw down the snarky truth about anything. Here Ian's take on the history of popular music. https://youtu.be/_ZjYndaMGW8?si=VvMG7GoSevmCC6kE
The Duck's had major exposure on MTV, partly through the musings of Jim Turner's Randee of the Redwoods -- we're pretty sure we saw him in the crowd at Autzen for the Dead back in 93. We're pretty sure he won't remember! https://youtu.be/NXFTIlhvUdY?si=rcgCO7cwhx1wuAmR
Because the Ducks had such strong characters it's easy to overlook their fine ensemble work -- this fun bit comes from a show at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.https://youtu.be/IuRCdfRkgtI?si=ktiaZ5sP6U33u5TL
Can you tell a good joke? Sure! How about can you make a puppet tell a good joke? Yes, indeed. OK, so can you tell a good joke and make the puppet banter with you -- all without moving your lips? And that's what separates Willie Tyler (and his dummy Lester) from the rest of us! A ventriloquist since his school days, Willie Tyler brings top notch skills to his act which he has been performing since the 1960s. From early work in Detroit clubs, to recurring spots on Motown tours in the 1960s, to joining the cast of Laugh-In, Willie worked his way to becoming the most successful African-American ventriloquist act in history. A frequent opener for top Vegas headliners, as well as a reliable guest on tv variety and game shows, Willie also managed to branch out into guest roles on tv and he was the first act to take the stage when David Letterman held his Late Night "Ventriloquist Week" in the early 2000's. Now in his mid-80s Willie and Lester keep trucking along, recently appearing in Adam Sandler's 2024 Netflix special. Not too bad for a dummy from Detroit! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Willie Tyler and Lester?
Willie Tyler and Lester weren't a musical act, but that didn't stop them from appearing on Dick Clark's American Bandstand back in 1976. https://youtu.be/L0rnH99cNVA?si=Cfo_lVgZ-f3E4_Px
When Willie and Lester were added to the Laugh-In cast in 1972 it introduced the duo to a whole new audience. https://fb.watch/Fb6NonKmKn/
When David Letterman held a "Ventriloquist Week" on his late night show back in 2006 the first act to appear was Willie and Lester -- and, as usual, they killed. https://youtu.be/6Q1JkAa5ksc?si=KeyaLwQxzJ4MhoHi
This episode we meet Kevin James, a practitioner of "blue collar" comedy, mining everyday life for laugh on television, in movies, and on the standup stage. Originally Kevin was on track to be an athlete (he was a high school wrestling buddy of WWE superstar Mick Foley), but injuries made him shift gears into standup comedy. Moving to Los Angeles to enhance his career opportunities, Kevin became friends with fellow legend Ray Romano, guesting several times on his Everybody Loves Raymond sitcom. Eventually Kevin scored his own sitcom -- The King of Queens -- with was a stalwart of the CBS prime time lineup from 1998-2007. Kevin also has carved out a fine movie career with roles ranging from Paul Blart: Mall Cop to Zookeeper to the Grown Ups films with his pal Adam Sandler. And Kevin's recent standup specials on Netflix and Prime Video show he has lost none of his timing and wit. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Kevin first climbed the comedy career ladder as a standup comic. Here's a longer look at some of his early routines. https://youtu.be/9nYRIFt1EGE?si=s_35ii6-ACh4Y9e9
Kevin's most famous role is as Doug Heffernan, a blue collar delivery driver in The King of Queens. https://youtu.be/bL09Jri9bzw?si=K3deIb2z0_bUjGtJ
Great interviews? Check! Superb musical guest? Check! How about Stupid Pet Tricks, Top Ten Lists, and stunts such as having the host work a McDonald's Drive Thru? If the Legend is David Letterman, check all those boxes. For decades we have welcomed David Letterman and his singular brand of comedy into our homes. And it's really no wonder, because Dave ruled a late night empire that was an authentic representation of its host -- a bit of midwestern "aw shucks" blended with a blinding quick wit and a taste for goofball stunts. Starting as a tv weatherman in his home state of Indiana, Dave caught fire after moving to Los Angeles in the late 1970s. In LA Dave became a popular standup and a favorite of Johnny Carson (who really wanted Dave to succeed him on the Tonight Show). When NBC tapped Jay Leno to succeed Johnny, Dave made the leap to CBS where he remained until 2015. But Dave would gather no moss after retiring his late night show (other than an impressive "retirement beard"), starting a Netflix interview show, popping up at awards shows, and inducting his longtime pal Warren Zevon into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As always find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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If you haven't seen a clip of Dave as a tv weatherman way back when, enjoy this little bit of late night host history.https://youtu.be/k66ek3AYz30?si=hs1n9b7JW8EyVQq5
It pays to have friends. In Dave's case the friend was Johnny Carson and boy did that pay off big time! Here's Dave's first appearance on The Tonight Show. https://youtu.be/TbSaBzO3tXA?si=w82sUqH5eihfo_QM
Dave's late night shows spawned many great bits, none better than the Top Ten List. Here is one delivered by Don Rickles (another Legend), though Dave gets a few good shots in! https://youtu.be/jsSP0hScELo?si=WLjFnaX6yAoxbbDA
Dave had a long time friend in Warren Zevon, featuring him frequently as a guest and also an occasional standing for bandleader Paul Shaffer. So when Warren was (FINALLY!) inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame it was Dave who did the honors. https://youtu.be/CYYzqt68dnE?si=MVoumj7iMUS4kzEl
One of the best things about British comedy is Dawn French, half of the legendary duo French and Saunders and a comedy titan in her own right. Since the 1980s, Dawn has maintained a solo career among with her duo work and the results are stellar. Beginning with small roles In cult classics such as The Young Ones, Dawn eventually became the star of shows including The Vicar of Dibley, Ted and Alice, and The Trouble with Maggie Cole. Dawn's brand of humor can be sweet or very bawdy -- but always very funny. In recent years, Dawn has continued with standup tours and she is an accomplished author with her most recent book -- The Twat Files -- providing the theme for her most recent standup tour. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Dawn French?
Dawn is a long-time participant in the British Comic Relief benefit shows and this sketch featuring her as a shock talk show host is one of her best. https://youtu.be/HuHKpX72248?si=Pns95fTFth0mPUae
Here's a fun clip package of some of Dawn's best work courtesy of BritBox. https://youtu.be/8-StYkm5CXk?si=S9rM5J3UBNG4cURg
Dawn's 2020 series "The Trouble with Maggie Cole" is a gem with Dawn devouring the role of a local busybody who spills a bit too much tea about her friends and neighbors on the town radio station. https://fb.watch/ELpYG_q48h/
The category is 1990s SNL and the answer is "this comedian was an SNL mainstay, a huge movie star, and an internet comedy pioneer -- plus he played a mean cowbell." Of course the question is "Who is Will Ferrell" -- this week's legend. Thank goodness that Will Ferrell was bored at the prospect of being a sportscaster and hooked up with the Groundlings improv troupe. When Lorne Michaels came looking for players to rebuild the SNL cast back in the late 1980s, Will was ready. Through great character work, sharp impersonations, and just plain silliness Will became one of the most beloved cast members in SNL history and he rode that popularity to a decade of comedy movie hits. Along the way he helped found Funny or Die, a pioneering comedy website. No word if he ever one-upped Sean Connery during a round of Celebrity Jeopardy. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Can't do a Will Ferrell episode without his most famous SNL sketch -- grab your cowbell and play along. https://youtu.be/cVsQLlk-T0s?si=6PcKygaU9TXf2FGg
On SNL when the Jeopardy! theme music played you knew it was time for Celebrity Jeopardy -- and a battle of words was sure to ensue between Will's Alex Trebek and Darrell Hammond's Sean Connery (among others). https://youtu.be/bEghu90QJH4?si=6OsaWEEYzeCfi4RB
Will and his writing partner Adam McKay were co-founders of Funny or Die, a website where viewers can vote for their favorite clips. This clip, featuring Will bickering with a 2 year old landlord was an early classic on the site. https://youtu.be/SIdxVR_7ikg?si=Ewrtb5BsEU0Snh42
Anchorman was a wicked take on the glory days of tv news anchors. One bit was how Will's character was tied to the teleprompter and would read ANYTHING. Might want to turn the speaker down on this if you are at work! https://youtu.be/NMXRxNbPvGI?si=Dho1A-YplaNdrDMu
Some ad campaigns live on in our hearts and minds -- think of "That's a spicy meatball" or "show us your pizza rolls". And the Ernest and Vern commercials created by today's Legend Jim Varney sure fit the bill. A talented mimic as a child, Jim started performing early in life, becoming a regular on shows including Johnny Cash and Friends and Fernwood 2 Night. In 1980, career lightning struck when Jim unveiled Ernest, a nosy and noisy neighbor who carried on conversations with Vern, an unseen foil. And, since every great character deserves a great catch phrase, Ernest would wrap up every spot with a perfectly delivered "KnoWhutIMean?" The spots were so popular they led to 9 Ernest movies, starting with Ernest Goes to Camp in 1987. The Ernest shtick began to fade out after a few years, but Jim diversified with tv roles and a turn as Jed Clampett in the movie version of The Beverly Hillbillies. To young fans, Jim is likely best known as the voice of Slinky Dog in the first two Toy Story movies. Not a bad way to be remembered, KnoWhutWeMean? As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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The Ernest P. Worrell character was Jim's bread and butter and this bit from the first Ernest movie shows why. This one's for everyone who had to receive a shot at camp. https://youtu.be/3QZI68azimM?si=Kf3sezm7D1-5TCyF
The Beverly Hillbillies movie received very mixed reviews, but Jim did a fine job channeling the zen wisdom of patriarch Jed Clampett. https://clip.cafe/the.../well-i-reckon-done-what-done/
In 1995 Jim scored the role of Slinky Dog in the first and second Toy Story movies. Always loyal, Slink was a trusted aide to Woody - and a frequent target of insults hurled by Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles). https://youtu.be/3Cq_o0hJII0?si=DJFLOXxJt1XWla89
Happy (almost) New Year you hosers! This time out we honor two true Canadian icons -- Bob and Doug -- the McKenzie Brothers! OK, it's Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas from the classic SCTV late night show, but boy did their characters "take off" in the early 1980s. Originally devised as a bit to meet "Canadian content" requirements, The Great White North was nothing more than Bob and Doug sitting on a cheesy set, drinking Molson and smoking cigarettes, and riffing on all things Canadian. Moranis and Thomas originally viewed the bit as a protest of the Canadian content rules, but audiences went nuts for the duo and Bob and Doug in short order produced over 40 segments for SCTV as well as a feature movie (Strange Brew) and two comedy albums. Moranis and Thomas have reprised the roles on occasion, but not for a number of years. Maybe we could bribe them with a "jelly" for one more revival! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Bob and Doug
At the height of Bob and Doug mania the boys appeared on David Letterman, first in character than as themselves in a fine interview. https://youtu.be/u3niShPaKFY?si=tfeDNcmpv6h69lBd
Strange Brew has become a cult classic over the years with lots of Canadian in-jokes, none more prominent than their love of donuts. Try this trick the next time you need some info. https://youtu.be/tKFgfdtKdys?si=H4vxlj1yGaTENtxJ
Bob and Doug returned for a Canadian tv special on the 24th anniversary of Strange Brew. Geddy Lee from Rush -- who sang with them on their 1981 hit single "Take Off" -- was there to pay respects. https://youtu.be/N5twcRZ5Bi8?si=FFPGI9ISE_Ds25B4&t=1809
Say hello to Imogene Coca, a mainstay of television's first golden age who delighted audiences over a career spanning four decades. Originally a Broadway actor and a headliner in Manhattan nightclubs, Imogene started her tv career with small roles before she was added to the cast of Your Show of Shows. Her work with co-star Sid Caesar is the stuff of legend, and it earned her both an Emmy in 1952 and a Peabody award in 1953. After that classic series wrapped, Imogene remained a popular guest star on variety shows and sitcoms, as well as an Emmy-winning reunion with the Your Show of Shows cast. She brought her career full circle in 1978 with a juicy (and Tony-nominated) role in the musical "On the Twentieth Century." As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Imogene Coca? Some of the best comedy comes from the simplest of premises -- like the challenges of going out on Saturday night (the whole episode is great if you have time). https://youtu.be/MvZMP5d7_GA?si=8h7FkzwQnP_WqS3Y&t=330 Imogene's work with Sid Caesar was a big part of television's first golden age and this sketch about the circus shows why -- it's witty, fully developed, and shows off their comic chemistry.https://youtu.be/vNkO1uofb18?si=IarFnK_pW3yOONY9 Late in her career, Imogene found her way back to Broadway with a Tony-nominated performance in On the Twentieth Century, playing a religious zealot who just wants us to repent! https://youtu.be/B2My_BgcDfg?si=NA12vsONXQWoJenR
Over the last 40 years few comedians have had the pedigree of today's Legend. Harvard Lampoon President? Check! Simpson's writer and show runner? Check! Late Night TV host tapped to replace Letterman's Late Nite show? Check! Tonight Show host (at least for a little while)? Check! Successful Oscar host? Check! Possessing a goofy but sharp sense of humor and a gift for comic self-deprecation, Conan has accumulated a shelf full of awards over his career including multiple Emmy and Writer's Guild Awards and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. And, oh yeah, when he had his syndicated talk show, Conan's band leader was none other than Max Weinberg, drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. For a boomer (and a fine guitarist) like Conan that might be the biggest accomplishment of all. As always find additional clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Conan?
Conan was an SNL writer during one of the show's best runs in the late 1990s writing many classic bits. Here's the full sketch that introduced "The Girl Watchers" to the world. https://youtu.be/FnDGawHdKUg?si=ZaOxoIY4ehHswX8x
It took audiences a while to warm to Conan's hosting style when he took over David Letterman's Late Night show back in the early 90s. No doubt this interview with Dolly Parton was a big part of the learning process. https://youtu.be/ui6pYEXO9BI?si=GQyPdbUdaw3dhNKS
Conan's job hosting the 2025 Oscars won rave reviews from critics and viewers. No wonder he was asked back for another go in 2026. https://youtu.be/_coFFIDVJ_Y?si=pL91u0D3NxNLFg08
You may not know his name but you surely know his voice(s), especially if you were a late night watcher of the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. Fred Travalena turned a fine singing voice and a gift for mimicry into a career that lasted well over 40 years. Fred was encouraged in show business by his father, also an entertainer, and he honed his skills and interest during a stint in the Army Special Services. Rich Little discovered Fred working the Catskills and recommended him as a regular opener for David Frost during his Riviera hotel gigs. Fred soon became a Vegas (and Atlantic City) staple and he soon became a popular guest on television talk and variety shows. In his later years, Fred was a favorite on cruise ships and at casino theaters, as well as a frequent voice actor for animated television shows. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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During his career prime, Fred was likely to pop up anywhere -- a game show, a talk show, a Celebrity roast, etc. Here is a nice fan-made collection of those moments. https://youtu.be/fVbPIFQeVCM?
A regular on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethons, Fred often showed off his musical impressions. Here's Fred's appearance on the 1981 edition. https://youtu.be/fVbPIFQeVCM?si=c3uHw7S-CMdvoWhU
We've decided to "class up" the joint today with some fine classical music. Well, not exactly -- our laughs this time out come from accomplished composer, conductor, and musician Peter Schickele -- better known to comedy fans as PDQ Bach. Peter was a musical prodigy who attended both Swarthmore College and Julliard and who started his career as a songwriter and film composer. Just for fun, Peter started a series of humorous concerts, taking on the persona of PDQ Bach -- the youngest and oddest son of the famed composer. PDQ shows and albums drew inspiration from Spike Jones, using oddball instruments and sound effects to punctuate well known classical numbers. Later in life, Peter started a well-regarded public radio program (The Schickele Mix), but he also kept releasing PDQ material -- winning four consecutive Grammy awards in the 1990s. As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more PDQ Bach?
Who doesn't like the"bunny hop" song? Well, maybe PDQ after his effort to supply a little percussion to the song. https://youtu.be/KzPtPoTgvNM?si=OM41uX5ZiW3nE0ST
PDQ Bach was known for playing shall we say "unusual instruments" and he was a favorite of the Smothers Brothers. Put the two together and you have this clip from the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. https://youtu.be/cZu3iaEPMA4?
Peter Schickele noted that his PDQ incarnation was heavily influened by musical comedy madman Spike Jones and the pedigree shows in this clip -- a version of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony -- narrated as if it were a sporting event. https://youtu.be/WR4CdKSeD-E?si=DwYiFs0mkHE7qHok
Today we salute Foster Brooks whose signature character -- "The Lovable Lush" -- was a mainstay on 1970s television shows and Las Vegas showrooms. Foster started out as a traditional standup and worked his way up in LA (along with a number of day jobs). When game show host Dennis James introduced Foster to Perry Como, the crooner tapped him to be his regular opener. Dean Martin became a fan and Foster's frequent appearances on Dino's 1970s variety show usually ended up a marinated master of malaprops and misunderstandings. Foster also was a regular at the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. Public opinion regarding alcohol shifted dramatically in the early 1980s and Foster largely shelved his drunken character. He took on a number of television guest roles including Mr. Sternhagen, Mindy's boss on Mork and Mindy as well as bits in a number of direct to video movies. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Dean Martin's reputation as a drinker was long established by the time he had a weekly television show, so when Foster was a guest the "lovable lush" character was sure to appear as in this sketch from the mid-1970s.https://youtu.be/FkW35T1jQB0?si=5G8YxlVLarbb9f5E
Foster was a frequent guest on television talk shows and he had some fun spots on Johnny Carson's Tonight show back in 1975. https://youtu.be/PrEJQNOmLEA?si=Nu234EbiKgnlfM3y
The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts were a mainstay of 1970s television and Foster was a frequent participant -- here roasting former Vice President Hubert Humphrey. https://dai.ly/x8g678c
This week out we salute Jackie Mason who took comedy from the Temple and brought it to Broadway -- with a few roadblocks thrown in his path. Jackie started out his career as a rabbi -- and when he noticed that the funnier he made his sermons the larger the crowd he would draw Jackie connected the dots and made the leap to becoming a full-time comedian. A feud based on a misunderstanding led to a ban from the Ed Sullivan Show and two decades in the comedy wilderness for Jackie, but in the mid-1980s he made a spectacular comeback with The World According to Me, a one-man Broadway show in which Jackie really let the Jewish comedy fly. More shows followed and Jackie scored the highest pop culture tribute of our age when he was featured on The Simpsons as Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky, the father of Krusty the Clown. Find additional clips below and thanks for sharing our shows
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From the start, Jackie was different from other comics, particularly in his willingness to spar a bit with a tough crowd. This clip from the Hollywood Palace back in 1964 shows his skill. https://youtu.be/hPlbXs18kDE?si=jlaYcU8Oi5f88n1N
Jackie's career hit it's peak when he returned from a long stint in comedy purgatory to create The World According to Me, a one-man Broadway Shows that in the words of The NY Times "Turn(ed) kvetching into comedy gold." https://youtu.be/5V4zYe23QLg?si=H3KT_GcO5FKisle-
Being featured on the Simpsons has become a career highlight for many entertainers and Jackie made the grade when he was featured as Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky, the father of Krusty the Clown. Whatever the name it was unmistakably Jackie. https://youtu.be/-jR2LnD3Jms?si=wgN9M1nV91JAuQIu
On your Marx, get set, and go! This time out the Marx we are honoring is Leonard -- better known to us as Chico whose playful and crafty stage persona was a perfect blend with Groucho, Harpo, and Gummo. The eldest brother of the Marx family, Chico also took on managing the brothers' film career, winning them an unprecedented at the time deal to get a percentage of the gross. Unfortunately, Chico didn't have the same magic with his personal finances as gambling losses forced him to work far longer than his kin. It was our gain, as Chico had a fine late career guesting on tv variety shows and in commercials. And why the nickname "Chico"? Turns out it was a sly tribute to his penchant for womanizing bestowed on him by his brothers. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Chico got his nickname (short for "chicken chaser") because of his penchant for womanizing. Here is Chico talking with Harpo -- who also had a thing for chasing women -- in the classic film Animal Crackers. https://youtu.be/Dbz02p90CV8?si=aIKFojpXW6XQiilU
Chico was a master of wisecracks and his back-and-forth banter with Groucho was always a highlight of a Marx Brothers film. Here's a nice compilation of some of Chico's best. https://youtu.be/F9L-iQP8O1s?si=h0j3gu08_5loUigT
Chico's gambling habit cost him a fortune and, as a result, he had to keep working after his brothers had retired. A fun show from this time was The College Bowl (not the game show) which featured Chico as a soda-shop proprietor in a small college town. https://youtu.be/iwjSaOwg57w?si=rebZjie33452pDMA
This time out we salute Craig Robinson, who might well have ended up as your high school music teacher had not the comedy bug bit him hard while in college at Illinois State University. Along with hitting the books, Craig also hit the boards at Second City and doing stand up, eventually moving to Los Angeles where he caught the eye of Jimmy Kimmel's show. As these things do, one thing led to another and Craig has carved out a fine career with guest shots in movies and on tv, a role in the hit sitcom The Office, and more. He also is a fine musician and maintains a couple of musical projects where the music is sweet soul and the comedy is sharp and a little risqué. With that combo we think Craig will be entertaining us for years to come. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Craig's comedy songs usually have a nice romantic intro, then turn a different direction for the payoff as in this clip from the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in 2008. https://youtu.be/I7BMAWwsMBs?si=CvLfOcPrLhD6ztrg
Craig gained mass attention when he took on the role of warehouse foreman Darryl Philbin in The Office. Here are some of his best bits. https://youtu.be/XrHeFFYhd1A?si=jx5UMoY0pobFe2i4
Craig Robinson is a great musical comedian, sometimes with his own band "Nasty Delicious" and sometimes with fellow comic Jerry Minor as in this sensitive ballad. https://youtu.be/pS3WQ-tqntA?si=aEN_ICdKmur1fL2e
An icon of 20th Century American humor, Jack Benny started as a violinist who would use comedy to save himself from bombing. He ended up as a legendary comedian who used the violin as one part of an indelible comic character. Vain, stingy, and eternally 39, Jack became a hit in the 1930s on the then-new medium of radio. He turned that into a stellar movie and television career -- earning himself three stars on Hollywood's Walk of Fame -- one each for movies, radio, and television. Benny was also part of Hollywood's comedy old guard with friends ranging from Bob Hope and Johnny Carson to Benny's long-time best bud George Burns. Benny is often cited as the Jedi master of comic timing -- he could bring down the house with just a glance, a shrug, or a perfectly timed "Well!" As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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This is short but worth seeing the visuals as Jack is called out on his age in a delightfully backhanded way. https://youtu.be/qCCzO-9pWls?si=RIi6-QPXUqS4J074
Jack's radio show was fun for some of the byplay between Jack and Announcer Don Wilson. This "marathon" of Benny radio shows has a nice example at the start -- then stick around for more!https://youtu.be/qCCzO-9pWls?si=RIi6-QPXUqS4J074
Jack and Johnny Carson were good friends, dating back to when Johnny was the new kid in town. This bit from Jack's tv show is great fun. https://youtu.be/mUd1-_91YTk?si=3Ob1JIItYTInlxjO
Jack received a rare honor when he was cast in his very own Looney Tunes cartoon. Here's a taste, featuring some of Jack's regular co-stars. https://youtu.be/xB6TSameuYQ?si=XUz2xQuUgOuXrQVS
Meet Hasan Minaj, one of the brightest young comedians out there -- and a man who almost became the new host of The Daily Show. Born in Davis, CA to immigrant parents, Hasan caught the comedy bug in college, commuting to San Francisco to perform. His style of sharp eyed comedy and his youthful appeal eventually caught the eye of Jon Stewart and Hasan was the last Daily Show correspondent hired by Stewart during his first run as host. Eventually Hasan left and started his own show, the award-winning "The Patriot Act" on Netflix, which won numerous awards including a Peabody. A kerfuffle over whether some of his comedy stories were embellished apparently cost him the chance to become Daily Show host after Trevor Noah departed, but Hasan continues with a busy standup career. As always find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Hasan came to most of our attentions as a Daily Show correspondent (and almost host). Here's a clip package of some of Hasan's best from that show. https://youtu.be/3-0-81q-fGo?si=JISd8ym5R-Z5Wsia
Hasan won a Peabody award for his show "The Patriot Act" on Netflix, mixing comedy with sharp takes on the issues of the day, plus a little playful crowd work. https://youtu.be/J7dqGhOPVcY?si=uoD_T1Yby9hS5mLA
Hasan continues to put out first rate stand up specials. Here's a bit from his most recent -- "Off with His Head!" https://youtu.be/15fiVq9jj8Y?si=xWmWih4ie61ypGna
Say hello to Howard Hesseman, who cut his teeth on satirical improv comedy as a founding member of San Francisco's"The Committee" back in the 1960s, then became a mainstay of television and film for the next 50 plus years. Most of us know Howard from his role as Dr. Johnny Fever on WKRP in Cincinnati, but there is so much more to his career. Later roles included a starring role in ABC's Head of the Class and even a few appearances in Johnny Fever mode in a syndicated reboot of WKRP. Find extra clips below and, as always, we thank you for sharing our shows! Want more Howard Hesseman? Howard will be forever linked with the character of Dr. Johnny Fever, the too hip for words counterculture DJ at WKRP in Cincinnati. Here are some highlights from Dr. Johnny. https://youtu.be/dTFHueUAnKs?si=zNoy7-WNny-WQPQW Howard's first big gig was a founding member of The Committee, a seminal San Francisco improv comedy group. Here's a fun tape from 1968 (and the description notes that Howard was performing under an alias because of draft issues). https://youtu.be/H8AyOtfMYf8?si=CZr-hd4N5C5n2SqE Howard's second major sitcom was Head of the Class in which he played a sharp (and somewhat sardonic) history teacher for a group of gifted students. https://youtu.be/khsDEgcgS9E?si=PesFTw5fKYycLwmE
Might want to put on the headphones for this one -- Bob "Bobcat" Goldthwait has a set of pipes (at least in the old days) that is indescribable. A perfect fit for the MTV era, Bobcat's comedy was edgy (to say the least) and he became a favorite of other edgy artists (Kurt Cobain was a big fan). Bobcat was a regular at Comic Relief fundraisers and he carved out a niche as a supporting actor in flicks such as Police Academy 2. Bobcat also was behind "The Citizen Kane of alcoholic clown movies" -- Shakes the Clown. But eventually Bobcat found himself trapped by his comic persona and that voice and he consciously sought out more behind the scenes work (including directing the Jimmy Kimmel Live show in the early 2000s). And in recent years, the comic now know as Bob Goldthwait has poked a little fun at the change -- a 2020 special is called "You Don't Look The Same Either." As always find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Time to test your speakers -- here's Bobcat in full flight at one of the Comic Relief benefit shows. As one commenter noted -- he's a real life Tasmanian Devil. https://youtu.be/O0qAfWWQJ5w?si=mT9EFIhW60N_5wnj
Bobcat was a natural for gonzo comedies and his role as Zed in the Police Academy films was a fan fave. https://youtu.be/GbURJaV_iYQ?si=QMduQa7fbzti-DSl
A bomb that has turned into a cult classic, Shakes the Clown imagines an all clown world with Bobcat as the titular character trying to beat a frame up for murder. https://youtu.be/Du71B7kEHvY?si=Cil0KZrScl3jVE-5
In his recent standup, Bob Goldthwait drops the "Bobcat" and has fun at the expense of his old image. https://youtu.be/XX2NzMnIsOg?si=EFaIdb4MfJRA8kLA
A beloved actor and part of the greatest television comedies ever, Art Carney will forever be identified as Ed Norton, blue collar pal of Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason) in The Honeymooners. First a radio star, Art started working with Jackie in the early 1950s on The Cavalcade of Stars where the Honeymooners began as a series of sketches. Those sketches earned Art five Emmy awards and an enduring legion of fans. But Art was much more than Norton -- he racked up an impressive number of leading and supporting roles on tv and in movies including that of Harry Coombes in the sweet film Harry and Tonto about a cross country trip by a man and his cat. The Academy agreed with Art winning an Oscar for the role! As always find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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The Honeymooners is a seminal bit of early television magic -- here's the full bit where Art's Ed Norton teaches a little golf to Jackie Gleason's Ralph Kramden. https://youtu.be/QNauilZRzHk?si=j7amLMQNP7NFWefw
Art was a favorite of Johnny Carson and he always managed to bring a little comic anarchy along for his guest spots. https://youtu.be/aUelHDAh1kk?si=CHj_4LZj9xPrS-Ax
Art won an Oscar for Harry and Tonto -- and it also made Art a cat person! https://youtu.be/jxInBUR2zLU?si=CXn7bSFqU4B8oXku
Say hello to Red Skelton, a favorite of comedy fans for five decades. Red considered himself more of a clown than a comedian and his routines were filled with colorful characters and sight gags. A solid draw in movies back in the 1940s, Red took the leap to television when that medium arrived and he was a smash. Red was also famous for "working clean" which made him a family favorite both on screen (large and small) and on stage. Red also had a side career as a painter, specializing in -- what else -- portraits of clowns. And, in a sweet honor, Red's hometown of Vincennes, Indiana has the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy. Not bad for a clown!! As always find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Red's skits often had a bit of mime and this one -- the Doughnut Dunkers -- was a routine he revisited throughout his career. https://youtu.be/F4NcL3U6LHU?si=MnySSB2ZG50IVZur
Red had many famous characters including boxer Cauliflower McPugg who may have stayed in the game a little too long. https://youtu.be/ID9B2i_BvFY?si=vMzQ1_yxNZt-_vj0
Red went way back with Johnny Carson and his visits to the Tonight Show were always fun! https://youtu.be/jnZwa6w0rcI?si=736Xaz3BwehKgLD9
Meet Louie Anderson, who started off writing punchlines for Henny Youngman, the King of one-liners, and ends with an Emmy-winning career that spanned television, movie roles, and best selling books. Louie had a self-deprecating style that endeared him to audiences and he was fearlessly honest about the myriad childhood issues that informed his comedy. When he passed in 2022 tributes from fellow comics were voluminous, including Dennis Miller who once said that Louie was "one of lightest on his feet comedians I know. There are very few guys I'm going to leave my dressing room early to watch." As always find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Louie got a big break when he killed in his first Tonight Show appearance back in 1984. https://youtu.be/2bRe1CeGe7g?si=Ea1HfaQ-1ll9ks8l
Louie scored a short but important "cult classic" role as Maurice, a fast food jockey who dreams of bigger things. https://youtu.be/CEnp84dgNfs?si=FoWxrUci8UIwV0Dh
Louie conquered many forms of filmed entertainment -- including the animated kind -- with Life with Louie which explored childhood issues with a big dose of humor. https://youtu.be/4IseTA__0lY?si=1TF5cJYUduMLD6de
Louie had a late career triumph in Baskets, a hit FX show that featured Louie -- in drag -- as mother to twin brother played by Zach Galifinakis. He won an Emmy for the portrayal and it's well-deserved -- Louie is great! https://youtu.be/ap4iSflYAhg?si=J7DS0EQ6AYvX1Xkm
Say hello to the King of Cleveland, the Lord of TV improvisation, and Potentate of the Price is Right game show -- Drew Carey. A regular guy, Drew's enduring and broad appeal has made him a fixture on television since the late 1980s when he competed on Star Search. His Tonight Show debut in 1991 won Johnny Carson's approval and earned Drew the fabled invite to join the guests on the couch. From there Drew became a reliable guest on talk shows and helmed cable specials, then in 1995 launched the Drew Carey Show sitcom, a smash which also featured one of his future improv co-stars Ryan Stiles. Speaking of improv, that was Drew's next conquest, hosting the American version of Whose Line is it Anyway which led to his next star turn, as the replacement for Bob Barker on the Price is Right game show. All the while, Drew has never lost the everyman touch, in whichever medium he chooses! As always find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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A successful first appearance on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show has launched many a comedy career, and when Drew got his turn at bat in 1991 he knocked it out of the park. https://youtu.be/k6Bt-q_pRh8?si=AdWSqigtOcxJW5nR
The Drew Carey show was a hit sitcom and like other hits it had a memorable supporting cast. Here's a nice set of highlights from the show. https://youtu.be/5VN1A5yab5o?si=Ok7fGP_71Ss5Xdza
Drew was the host and sometimes participant for the wildly successful improv game show Whose Line is it Anyway? Drew's back and forth with the Improv players was always sharp. https://youtu.be/2vUb8tVZoW0?si=wvk5QW4Zd6YS5hFS
There are legends and then there are LEGENDS -- and Chicago's Second City comedy troupe is the second kind. This episode we focus on Second City in the 1960s - before they became known as a talent pool for SNL and SCTV! After morphing from the Compass Players improv troupe, Second City became known for finely tuned sketches -- often deriving absurd and hilarious results from a normal setting (or vice versa). And the name itself -- The Second City -- had its own comedy meaning, having been pulled from a series of unflattering articles about Chicago in the New Yorker in 1952. The impact of Second City on the comedy world has been immense with players from Robert Klein to Joan Rivers to Harold Ramis to John and Jim Belushi to Bill and Brian Doyle-Murray gracing the stage over time. So, if you are ever in Chicago, make a pilgrimage to 1616 North Wells Street where the Second City awaits, busy at work training the next generation of sketch comedy stars! As always, find extended cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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An early classic from Second City asked the question "What would happen if the University of Chicago had a football team? Ask no longer!https://vimeo.com/195830483?fl=pl&fe=sh
Fred Willard and Robert Klein are two of our favorite comics -- and they both worked the boards at Second City early in their careers. This bit features both men in a parody of Ripley's Believe It or Not! https://youtu.be/MAB4ZIgL6j0?si=rVahywZ8OBrtpTa7&t=1115
It's always fun to go back in time and listen to future comedy stars honing their craft. This fine collection gathers sketches from throughout the years (and thanks for the time stamps!). Dip in anywhere and laughter will follow! https://youtu.be/MAB4ZIgL6j0?si=cgNkZeeM4Hk4Qqkk
When Hee Haw first debuted in 1969 many saw it as a cornpone knockoff of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In and while the show did indeed trade in cornpone comedy it also carved out it's own niche, running in syndication until 1993. Hosted by country music Hall of Famers Buck Owens and Roy Clark, the show mixed regular features with bits involving special guests -- usually another top country musician. For much of urban America Hee Haw served as a gateway to country music and the show retains a devoted following through DVD releases and streaming. As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Hosts Buck Owens and Roy Clark were spotlighted in Pickin' and Grinnin' which saw groaner jokes alternate with blazing guitar and banjo licks. https://youtu.be/2m7FifTu39I?si=mBcHZrEqinUtV4K6
Hee Haw drew the best in country comedy -- and in this case the country is Canada. Don Harron reprised his popular Charlie Farquharson character from Canadian television -- bringing you all the updates from Radio KORN.https://youtu.be/8XiOJQIEDC4?si=0TCNIjXDAQkNy0f5
One of Hee Haw's recurring bits was The Cornfield -- an homage to Laugh-In's Joke Wall. Performers would pop up alone or in small jokes and deliver a rim-shot worthy joke. https://youtu.be/pQH6Py7YmYI?si=bDVMehmKH8VDs-Il&t=419
One of the most popular film and tv comics ever (with some novelty tunes tossed in for good measure), Danny Kaye delighted audiences with his wordplay whether remembering if "the vessel with the pestle has the brew that it true," speeding through the names of dozens of Russian composers, or engaging is some good natured "faux-Swedish" dialogue on the Muppet Show. Danny was also a humanitarian, serving as the first goodwill ambassador for the United Nations' children's charity UNICEF. Danny was also a part owner of a famed Seattle recording studio (Kaye-Smith) and an initial investor in the Seattle Mariners. We would report what he did in his spare time, but it appears he didn't have any! As always find extended cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Any child of the 50s knows this bit of wordplay magic. The vessel with the pestle. . .https://youtu.be/WzmnSyqv37A?si=v6TNh8A2FZfYStpA
See if you can keep up with Danny as he rolls through Russian composers in this gem taken from the musical "Lady in the Dark". https://youtu.be/KJm1pvOyyXc?si=_Zq_e893UXJh635_
Danny was a prolific novelty song artist and one of his best was a tribute to his beloved Dodgers. Oh, really? No -- O'Malley!" https://youtu.be/zBQlbtJqjUI?si=jtCNe9wP00UZAo4M
Danny Kaye was a welcome presence on television anytime he appeared, and one of his best late career spots was on The Muppets Show. https://youtu.be/MyLTknMEiR4?si=vrftANsa7RmPx_eP
Say hello to this week's Legend Rob Reiner -- director, actor, writer, producer, activist and all-around mensch. Son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, Rob found his own path in Hollywood first as a writer for the Smothers Brothers, then with a breakout role in All in the Family, then as a movie director and actor. Rob practically invented the "mockumentary" format in the 1980s with This Is Spinal Tap (and boy are we eager for the sequel). His run of directorial credits in the 1980s is a murderer's row of classics and his periodic on-screen appearances are always welcome. And Rob still has no problem speaking his mind! As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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As we have all recently learned again the crew at South Park has no boundaries on their satire so when Rob popped up as an antismoking activist the South Park crew was there. Ouch! https://youtu.be/VvpK998H6Kk?si=1dsnRgFfKG-cR9Up
All in the Family was a stunning departure from typical sitcom fare when it debuted in 1971 and the full volume battles between Rob's uber-liberal Michael Stivic and his bigoted father-in-law Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O'Connor) were a highlight. https://youtu.be/7toc7JDoFPk?si=RSS05fOj5Ohqrh2_
This is Spinal Tap was a cult classic from the start, one of the first "mockumentary" films of that era. A sequel is about to come out (over 40 years later!) and fans are salivating. Here's a short clip of one of the classic bits from the original.https://youtu.be/uMSV4OteqBE?si=_C8dkCvCrYrbK1iN
Rob doesn't appear on camera that often but when he does it's a gem such as this clip from Sleepless in Seattle in which Rob explains to Tom Hanks the realities of dating in the 1990s.https://youtu.be/CVwwYxZzlSM?si=kVCQFe1JlKY9GoUI
This week it's across the pond to meet one of Great Britain's most beloved comedians, Frankie Howerd. After serving in WWII, Frankie launched his show business career, first gaining fame on radio and in music hall revues. When his popularity began to wane, Frankie tried different formats but it was a regular spot on David Frost's hit show That Was The Week That Was that brought him back into pubic view. After that, Frankie mixed movie roles. stage appearances, and television guest spots. He even had a key role as Mr. Mustard in the Bee Gee's ill-fated movie version of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. A recipient of the Order of the British Empire, Frankie has also been remembered with documentaries and a biopic. As always find extended cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Frankie was part of the cast of That Was the Week That Was -- a seminal slice of British satire and one that showcased his unusual delivery. https://youtu.be/oLk4g3TL6Rk?si=5_KsO6KbRpGqd_1c
After a stint on TW3 returned Frankie to the public eye he got his own variety show. Not much exists online from that show, but this episode will give you a taste. https://youtu.be/Jys5-x-Flew?si=DNCrGxx1g8oYYqs3
After Frankie starred in a smash revival of A Funny Think Happened on the Way to the Forum, which led to a fun series -- Up Pompeii! -- set in Ancient Rome. Frankie played a smart aleck slave named Lurcio who would often talk directly to the audience. Here's a full episode. https://youtu.be/SoyuS1niq6E?si=uEnsYVkiHpQ3grjo
Later in his career, Frankie was a mainstay on tv variety programs, including this bit from the Royal Variety Performance in 1982.https://youtu.be/Qw6kSF0ZLZw?si=tzdzr45Oymtdfp0j
Get your pjs on, grab a big bowl of cereal, and plant yourself in front of the TV (at least in your mind) -- its Saturday Morning Cartoon time with one of the seminal voices of animation. The name Daws Butler may not ring as many bells as Mel Blanc, but his characters sure do -- Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Quick Draw McGraw and many more. A fortuitous early partnership with Stan Freberg paid off for Daws with tons of voice work in 1950s Hollywood, and when William Hanna and Joseph Barbera started their namesake studio in the 1960s, Daws was their as a key voice talent. Along the way Daws also was a mainstay of commercials (Captain Crunch anyone?) and founded a voice workshop that trained many of the next generation(s) of voice actors. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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When the Beatle's stormed America, drummer Ringo Starr was a sensation and Daws caught the wave with Bingo Ringo -- featuring Daws as Huckleberry Hound fantasizing about being a rock and roll star. https://youtu.be/j8l-UakqV28?si=Puvt-4UbfQ67TuR9
Early in his career Daws worked with Stan Freberg on the Beany and Cecil kids who's, then on Stan's series of groundbreaking Capitol records releases including Christmas Dragnet -- a parody of the Dragnet television show -- and Daws was a perfect partner to Stan Freberg's Joe Friday parody. https://youtu.be/VUcEnZZxO9Y?si=vOtthAGBgz1Xn7wo
Daws was the king of Hanna Barbera studios which popularized "limited animation" as a way to cut costs and keep cartoons on the air. With the motion limited, solid voice work was essential. Daws says -- no problem!https://youtu.be/kT_ykjMWDGc?si=sqhJ87kitSfNp6f5
When you think of adjectives starting with 'f' that describe comedians you might think of "funny," "fast," and "fierce" -- but you may not think of "fluffy" -- not unless you are fans of Gabriel Iglesias who has ridden family-friendly and playful comedy to the top of the business. Always rotund, Gabriel was nicknamed "fluffy" by his mom -- we hope she gets a cut because it has become his trademark. From an early spot on the Nickelodeon kids show All That to a turn at Last Comic Standing Gabe kept climbing the career ladder. Along the way he also starred in a popular sitcom and has developed a fine resume of voice acting work. But Gabriel has never wandered far from the stand-up stage, hosting a Comedy Central Stand Up series and starring in numerous specials of his own. And to put the cherry on top, in 2022 Gabriel became the first comic to sell out a show at Dodger Stadium -- not bad for a kid called "fluffy"! As always find extended cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Fluffy has turned out to be a great, if unusual, nickname for Gabe and her he tells Jimmy Fallon the origin story. https://www.tiktok.com/@fallont.../video/7476524565150223662
When Gabe was on Last Comic Standing he was disqualified for using a cellphone to talk with family. Always a standup he turned that setback into instant material for his next special. https://youtu.be/A0BsqoMndz8?si=R5HM2qAt2zSwh3h7
From 2019-21 Gabe starred in a fun sitcom -- Mr. Iglesias -- which starred him as a high school history teacher. Here's the first episode. https://youtu.be/qGIPoodveZM?si=j2Y0jE03pYK7ffaV
Gabe continues to be a top standup draw and his latest Netflix special -- 2025's Legend of Fluffy -- shows him in top form. https://youtu.be/ybzJy_jdJgA?si=iBS9ZUo6Zdtcb7Lf
David Cross is one of the best of the alternative stand-up comics who emerged in the 1990s. He also co-created a legendary HBO sketch show AND was the actor behind one of the most cringe-inducing characters in a show full of them. We wonder what he does in his spare time! A self-described "misfit" in his Georgia hometown, David found his people when he moved first to New York, then to LA in search of comedy stardom. He found it -- but in an alternative way issuing a number of well-received comedy albums on the SubPop label (at that time mostly known for grunge music), then teaming with Bob Odenkirk on Mr. Show, then owning the role of Tobias Funke on Arrested Development -- a therapist who doesn't really want to be a therapist -- instead he dreams of show business success (without a lick talent to back those dreams). As always, find extended cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more David Cross?
Here's a little bonus if you are a Strokes fan -- David sets up this video for "Juicebox" with a perfect take on a bad Morning Zoo style DJ.https://youtu.be/GoltwBHXCx8?si=DUDE1CugtU1IY0j4
Mr. Show remains a favorite many years after its final episode. Created by and starring David and Bob Odenkirk, the show tied together sharp sketches on the oddest topics such as this most unusual talk show. https://youtu.be/mhVbLJvYP8s?si=JHuycsQ5XJjI8kr1
David was a hit in the alternative comedy movement of the 1990s and this 1994 appearance on Conan O'Brien is a good example of his style at the time. Nice sweater, too. https://youtu.be/CNzEK9_4Qyw?si=LIBCwnM2oir-pvPy
David was part of the cast that made Arrested Development a cult classic, playing Dr. Tobias Funke, a therapist who really wants to be as star. https://youtu.be/r52Z-GscUwU?si=E5_AKVUUkGzGjhTQ
Every great comedy troupe has a cast member who provides "glue" as well as laughs and for the brilliant cast of SCTV, that "glue" was provided by Joe Flaherty. A bit older than the rest of the cast, Joe was part of the Second City Chicago troupe who went north in the early 1970s to establish one in Toronto. Good move -- that cast attracted young comics such as Dan Ackroyd and Gilda Radner (who would be poached by SNL) and the comedic "murderers row" who joined Joe at SCTV -- Dave Thomas, Eugene Levy, John Candy, Catherine O'Hara and Andrea Martin (later joined by Rick Moranis). Joe served as a mentor, as well as creating some hilarious characters including scary movie host Count Floyd and painfully sycophantic talk show host Sammy Maudlin. After SCTV Joe's career was lower profile but filled with great supporting roles in movies and tv shows, as well as voice acting gigs. Much loved by fellow cast members and fans, later in his career Joe also helped polish future Canadian comedy stars, teaching comedy writing at Humber College in Toronto. As always find extended cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Joe Flaherty?
You can't do a Joe Flaherty episode without Count Floyd -- a loving parody of late night local tv horror movie hosts. https://youtu.be/MEjdt_n1l-4?si=sEavRmMwmg7H-geg
Joe's Sammy Maudlin was a highlight of SCTV -- a wicked parody of dying Vegas culture and "knee slapping" talk show love fests. Add in John Candy as a boot licking co-host and a host of fading stars as guests and you have a comedy classic. https://youtu.be/jBXHFjpoW3o?si=BezMRwMcJ8dmM96j
Joe had many small but key roles in movie comedies in the 1980s and 90s -- here is one with a slightly more serious vibe -- but still unmistakably Joe -- as he sets up a legendary cliff hanger in Back to the Future II. And Western Union got their money's worth from that product placement!https://youtu.be/9S3nJTnDZno?si=DtQWXZVUTW71wt0o
Joe had a juicy role in the cult-classic tv show Freaks and Geeks, playing the Dad, Mr. Weir, with the cringe observations dialed up to 11. https://youtu.be/vOrSZQs2FBU?si=evrEpLmn7-ryaKjv
Time to get your rock and roll shoes on with Tenacious D -- the musical comedy creation of Jack Black and Kyle Gass -- who turned a fun novelty act into an ever more fun worldwide recording and touring machine. When Black and Gass first met in an LA theater troupe they couldn't have known how much their futures would be intertwined. While an early HBO show didn't catch fire, their debut album was a smash -- earning airplay on traditional hard rock stations as well as on comedy shows. The secret is that their music is REALLY good. Both Jack and Kyle are fine musicians and Black is possessed of a voice that would make metal vocalists the world over envious. There is a reason that in their movie "The Pick of Destiny" Jack Black's character (in a flashback to his youth) has a picture of Ronnie James Dio on his wall that he worships (and that talks to him). From there the boys have mixed albums with concert tours and they show no signs of stopping after 30 years. Rock on! And, as always, find extra cuts below (NSFW for sure) and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Tenacious D's first breakout song was Tribute -- and it's perfect that they purport to record this version in one of those cheesy recording booths that pop up at parties and clubs. https://youtu.be/_lK4cX5xGiQ?
The movie The Pick of Destiny really catapulted The D into a new level of fame -- and it included this gem. https://youtu.be/kVbbtuJfgIc?si=qehn_vlPjJhM_S7t
Tenacious D is about nothing if not the love of METAL music. Case in point, this great live version of The METAL!
https://youtu.be/Ceo8E40vdiI?si=r-bFUKLUyRMP-jJz
Sometimes comics start down unusual career paths (at least for a comic). How about accountancy? Bob Newhart famously plied that trade early in life. And today's Legend -- Ray Romano -- figured out his comedy path after studying accountancy in college. We suspect that Ray can hire out for an accountant these days after a career that includes a wildly successful sitcom, juicy voice acting roles, frequent guest spots on television (sometimes in dramatic roles), and a little professional poker tossed in the mix. Ray's family friendly brand of humor has gone down well with audiences since he first emerged in the late 1980s. Everybody Loves Raymond debuted in 1996 and launched him to the next level, along with wining him three Emmy awards over nine seasons. Most recently Ray has started taking dramatic roles as in Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman" and he continues to be a popular draw on the standup stage. As always find extended cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson was legendary for the comics it featured early in their careers. Here's Ray from his first Tonight Show appearance in 1991. https://youtu.be/1VcdnqH0PJc?si=wuX4NQ1GyzRopK6h
Everybody Loves Raymond was a smash focusing on the day-to-day live of a large Italian family. Here are some highlights. https://youtu.be/r6uuxO-sHT0?si=JuYxQDhW_M-kP5FD
Ray is a key part of the Ice Age animated movie franchise playing Manny the Wooly Mammoth with just the right amount of sarcasm and grumpiness! https://youtu.be/mVkDXaeqkHA?si=4_YmPEmIuJ_3M1Hg
While today he is best remembered for an iconic television character, today's Legend also has deep roots as a stand-up comic -- one with a particularly biting and intelligent approach. We're talking about Richard Belzer, who surmounted a difficult childhood through comedy. After moving to New York as a young man Belzer immersed himself in a burgeoning satirical scene, cutting tracks for the National Lampoon Radio Hour, serving as the warm-up comic for SNL, and even acting as the opening act for Warren Zevon on his Excitable Boy tour. Today, Belzer has a whole different fan base who discovered him during his 23 year run as Detective John Munch in the long-running Law and Order television franchise (beginning with Homicide: Life on the Streets). As played by Belzer, Munch was sarcastic, whip-smart, cynical, prone to conspiracy theories, and highly entertaining -- just like his creator. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Belzer's first appearance on Letterman broke him with a much wider audience and is a great sample of his style. https://youtu.be/r5uK9pGIzW8?si=G-_nnBFyVuv2kCds
Belzer's character John Munch on Homicide: Life on the streets was streetwise, cynical, and very funny. Here's a cut of some of Munch's best asides. https://youtu.be/7wOxN3P0BDo?si=8vpXiMm37mLmFY3t
Sometimes wrangling comedians can seem like herding cats -- but in 1986 everyone and everything came together for Comic Relief US -- a charity originally focused on helping America's homeless population which mounted a series of comedy spectaculars right up until the early 2000s. The organization continues to do good work today -- even staging a live LA Fire benefit -- but it's those early televised events (aired on HBO) that cemented its legendary status. The Comic Relief shows were hosted for many years by Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams and they featured top stand-up, sketch, and musical comedians -- and boy was the bullpen loaded! Over time Comic Relief has raised over $50 million for charity and created a brilliant time capsule of comedy at its most generous and collaborative. Plus -- the shows were really funny! As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Comic Relief?
Here's a nice slice of the very first Comic Relief US show back in 1986. A lot of legends here!https://youtu.be/pAVpBl5YzHI?si=rPA-j8Z03iu92BKs
Comic Relief 6 was another triumph -- the whole thing is worth watching but the onstage banter among Billy, Whoopi, and Robin is great!https://youtu.be/x6npULKsfCA?si=p4WrQkSBTc6J3DPJ
Talk about legendary -- here are Peter Cook and Dudley Moore reprising their classic Beyond the Fringe sketch "One Leg Too Few."https://youtu.be/k-3Mi9A9kWA?si=rt2pSaXZO27-lWCm
Think of late 1960's television comedy shows and Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In is sure to come to mine, and you can't think of Laugh-In without thinking of today's legend -- Goldie Hawn! On Laugh-In she played a sweet but ditzy blonde who would frequently steal the show. But there was so much more to Goldie than that as she has shown over an Oscar-winning film career. Goldie radiated star-power and was a top draw in movies including Cactus Flower, Shampoo, Foul Play, and Private Benjamin. Goldie has also won the Harvard "Hasty Pudding" woman of the year award, a Golden Globe, a People's Choice award and many others -- but she may be proudest of her 40 year relationship with actor Kurt Russell -- a Hollywood pairing that has stood the test of time. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Goldie?
Goldie will always be linked with Laugh-In and here is a fun "highlight reel" of Goldie's best from that show. https://youtu.be/L5Y1lt2rqGk?si=FSuKghlgUTizBlbG
In 1978 Goldie had a hit with Foul Play, also starring Chevy Chase and Dudley Moore. Here Dudley puts his best moves on Goldie. https://youtu.be/V7rn04Tp5HY?si=6lxQDjcqnNeVNQdn
One of Goldie's best films is Private Benjamin, a fish out of water story about a sheltered high-society woman who joins the Army. The chemistry between salty drill instructor Eileen Brennan and Goldie is superb. https://youtu.be/rbH_RrOAAfA?si=QeD7V7nMWQQLg0xN
Get you best "woof woof woof" on for today's Legend, standup comic, television host, and television and movie star Arsenio Hall. From humble beginnings Arsenio graduated from Kent State University then headed west to follow his comedy dreams. After some early success, Arsenio vaulted to national prominence when he played Eddie Murphy's friend in the comedy hit Coming to America. Hall played several roles and was so popular that Fox tapped him as a late night host, first as a substitute for Joan Rivers, then with his own show -- one that opened with that "woof woof woof" chant. In later years, Arsenio has hosted a revival of Star Search, and had solid supporting roles in both tv shows and movies. A 2021 sequel to Coming to America restored Arsenio to prominence (and was a very nice surprise during the pandemic). As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Arsenio's career breakout came In 1988's Coming to America -- he played several roles including the local pastor -- and his take on a black beauty pageant was a comic highlight of the film. https://youtu.be/ExG7Ut6DJ1E?si=pvHEKqMHqTGPI11R
Arsenio was an instant smash on late night tv with his energy and appeal to a younger demographic. Here's a taste of his show from 1991. https://youtu.be/jEdlsU7s-tA?si=cKeNKoayoCMEtWlV
In 2021, Arsenio had a major career boost when he reprised several roles in Coming 2 America, a sequel to the 1988 film Coming to America. Here's some fun bits with Arsenio and Eddie Murphy. https://youtu.be/-J4cPbGP4pA?si=209n5it4eKSoawHf
Ruth Buzzi has been on our episode schedule for a few weeks now, so we were both shocked and saddened to see the news of her passing -- but pleased that the response from the public was filled with so much admiration and affection. Best known for her stint on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In -- she was the only cast member to appear in every episode, Ruth's credits are much more extensive and diverse including appearing on Broadway, being a favorite on early variety shows (Gary Moore Show, Steve Allen Comedy Hour), and after Laugh-In, keeping a full slate of sitcom, variety show, and movie appearances. She even was a semi-regular on Sesame Street! Much beloved, Ruth is a reminder of when we all bonded over television -- all three or four channels of it -- and hit characters like Gladys Ormphby could take the nation by storm overnight. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. And Ruth, thanks for the laughs and say hi to Dick and Dan for us.
Want more Ruth?
Here is Ruth in full on Gladys Ormphby having a daydream about romancing John Wayne. Yes, the handbag is deployed. https://youtu.be/srA-w9W5yeM?si=kB0lce_Dd8a6qJcP
You can't think of Laugh In without thinking of Ruth, and here is a nice cut of some of her best bits. Bonus! It also feature some of the best of a fellow legend JoAnne Worley!https://youtu.be/fTdmORyVVg0?si=XNrlmMUJ_D2xoYL1
After Laugh In, Ruth was a regular on tv variety shows and specials such as the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. Here Ruth -- as Gladys Ormphby -- gives the business to Muhammed Ali. https://youtu.be/zC0If3uP85o?si=xT5MvuHHFm8To94J
From shock jock to The Man Show -- to elder statesman of late night tv? That's the path Jimmy Kimmel has taken on his way to a legendary career. Along the way, Jimmy has also become a reliable and popular host for the Oscars and the Emmy -- as well as helping bring to the screen the Crank Yankers prank phone call show. A pretty diverse resume! As Kimmel has matured he has also developed a political voice which he deploys to great effect on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, most notably when he helped galvanize opposition to repealing Obamacare during the first Trump administration. Not to fear, Jimmy shows no signs of hanging up his microphone for a political career any time soon. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our show.
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Every comic needs a faux running "feud" and Jimmy has a great one with Matt Damon -- and here is one of the videos that made it a comedy hit. https://youtu.be/eSfoF6MhgLA?si=kpspFQK___c54SG9
Jimmy got his start in commercial radio at just 22 -- and it didn't go great as he recently told Kelly and Mark. https://youtu.be/J3mmVviKRpg?si=rBb85ZDFmZg_xW5h
This is a great bit! From the 20th anniversary show of Jimmy Kimmel Live! 2023 Jimmy chats with 2003 Jimmy.https://youtu.be/oqZvxAQRU9A?si=F0RXi8oOnCJUw5e_
You know you are a big dog in Hollywood when you get to host the Oscars -- and for Jimmy Kimmel it was a comic's dream, especially helming the show after Will Smith infamously clocked Chris Rock. Here's Jimmy's monologue highlights from that show. https://youtu.be/Ylj_Omeqg0I?si=xgIyygmXxV950kiS
OK, with golf season fully underway, it's time to salute Caddyshack, one of the classic 1980s comedy that featured the directorial debut of Harold Ramis, the big screen breakthrough for Rodney Dangerfield, some arrogant Ted Knight, some crazed Bill Murray and a lineage that drew heavily from both Saturday Night Live and the National Lampoon. Don't worry too much about the plot -- it's merely a launchpad for comedy bits galore. Whether you're a hacker, a duffer, or a scratch golfer, Caddyshack has something for you. And if you are a real big fan, you can watch it wearing your "William Murray" golf gear and finish with a pint at the "Murray Brothers Caddyshack Restaurant" (yes it's real). As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Bill Murray has had far larger roles over time, but he makes the most of his Caddyshack persona Carl Spackler, a groundskeeper who is just a little, shall we say, disturbed. https://youtu.be/X48G7Y0VWW4?si=QGiCSvUEMJQYbGRo
Chevy Chase has never been better than as Ty Webb, a pro-level golfer who smirks his way through life. Here are some of Chevy's best bits. https://youtu.be/Al3Yt5gxExY?si=CwIlxkEJFpXJIbTG
Rodney Dangerfield was the perfect choice to play Al Czervik, a loud, crass, and hilarious "slob" dropped in the middle of a bunch of country club "snobs". Here Al tries to goad the arrogant Judge Smalls (a brilliant Ted Knight) into a slice. https://youtu.be/RrOhjHC28PQ?si=MFzVjclP0mKa6fxi
Meet Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie -- known to comedy fans as Fry and Laurie -- one of the funniest and best loved British comedy duos to emerge in the 1980s. Introduced to each other by Emma Thompson when they were students at Cambridge, Stephen and Hugh got their biggest boost when BBC hosted A Bit of Fry and Laurie from 1989 to 1995. Their sketch interplay was stellar, as was their bit of breaking the fourth wall to address the audience directly. And their acting chops served them well when they were cast as Jeeves and Wooster in an adaptation of the PG Wodehouse "Jeeves stories". They also lent their wit to the Ben Elton "Black Adder" series, including some brutal satire in the final series, set in WW I. In recent years the lads have mostly performed solo, but they remain close friends and who knows, perhaps a Bit More of Fry and Laurie might be in our future -- at least we can hope. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Fry and Laurie?
As with many of their Brit contemporaries, Fry and Laurie were happy -- almost gleeful -- to smash comedy tradition including a gift for breaking the fourth wall. https://youtu.be/s4bPsGsNGi4?si=wgteHCLcf4ucTabu
Fry and Laurie were both excellent comic actors and their chemistry was put to good use when they starred in a television adaptation of the PG Wodehouse Jeeves and Wooster series. https://youtu.be/LObPaCloY8E?si=QlsCtBp0B2upTXZa The Black Adder series of English historical comedies have a devoted fan base, and Fry and Laurie were right in the mix as in this darkly comic bit from the final series, Black Adder Goes Forth. https://youtu.be/RcIV5tU_Zik?si=R2o_WtJkMXwdadWq
Be honest, how many of you majored in bong hits at college? If so, you are in good company with today's legend -- Jon Stewart -- who claims he did just that back in the day. It doesn't seem to have lowered his productivity -- after three decades in the public eye Jon is as busy as ever with his second stint on the Daily Show. Since his early days, Jon has shown his ability to mix serious factual news with razor sharp satire first as a standup, then as an MTV host, and finally at the Daily Show where he turned a late night oddity into a cultural juggernaut. And, when he is in the mood, Jon can also conjure up a little Catskills comedy vibe as well. As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Jon Stewart?
Jon's first national standup exposure was on David Letterman in 1992 -- from the start he was insightful, literate -- and very funny. https://youtu.be/wxUBJYzJrYg?si=zSUyqjkEqWIAkSXR
Jon had a much loved MTV talk show in the early 1990s and one of his guests was another tv legend -- Dick Clark! https://youtu.be/38BPMKLckVY?si=XMOA2PEzkwDnxJxj
Jon's second stint as Daily Show host was a delightful surprise that landed just before the 2024 presidential election -- and Jon's election night coverage was masterful. https://youtu.be/ZjMAfRq7V_s?si=DTiXEpJj73tg1YRa
Grab a bottle of Courvoisier and some "quiet storm" music because Leon Phelps, the Ladies' Man is in the house! Well, ok, it's actually Tim Meadows, the talent behind Leon who became an SNL favorite throughout the 1990s and who has built a solid career as a comic actor ever since. A product of Michigan, Tim learned improve there and at the Second City in Chicago where Lorne Michaels discovered him and added him to a strong cast. When Tim left he was (at that time) the longest serving SNL cast member and he turned that into a busy schedule of movie and TV appearances including Mean Girls, Inside Amy Schumer, The Goldbergs, and more. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Tim Meadows?
Tim's SNL breakout character was the always smooth Leon Phelps -- here's a full sketch. https://youtu.be/UNVn-Rpl7DI?si=MqezkJyagXSWYlNY
Tim provided SNL with a lot of impersonations over the years, but perhaps none more pointed than his take on OJ Simpson lawyer Johnnie Cochran. https://www.reddit.com/.../tim_meadows_hilarious.../...
Tim had a key role in the 2004 hit Mean Girls playing a beleaguered high school principal -- here dressing down a gymnasium full of students for circulating a "burn book". https://youtu.be/GGGBbxXgFug?si=4499G0KGo0wPOJP0
Tim can still bring the sketch comedy as a recent appearance on Stephen Colbert's Late Show demonstrates. https://youtu.be/YT1uE5x4zNw?si=Pu2rDACaLS5JpaRm
The name may not ring too many bells today, but from the 1960s through the 1990s you just had to turn on your television or (hit up your local comedy record store) and you were sure to run into the work of Sandy Baron who rose from playing the Catskills "borscht belt", to improv and satirical shows (including the US version of "That Was The Week That Was), to becoming a fixture in Vegas, in movies, and on television talk and game shows. In 1984 Sandy was introduced to a new generation of fans with his a role in Broadway Danny Rose, Woody Allen's tribute to shtickmeisters (and struggling agents), then in the 1990s he had a juicy late-career triumph on Seinfeld as Jack Klompus who was a comic antagonist of Jerry's dad. As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Sandy Baron?
We don't usually include other artists in an episode, but how can we fail to give you the whole Lou Rawls classic "A Natural Man" -- with lyrics courtesy of Sandy Baron. https://youtu.be/y9tS0loD3vQ?si=BkE-OA-wTpBUV701
Sandy had one shot at his own sitcom (Hey Landlord!) and it tanked after just one year. Being a great standup comic, Sandy was able to turn his pain to laughs in this routine from shortly after the cancellation. https://youtu.be/jdr0GcxAoQo?si=q-YB2UAcumQDJTdK
Woody Allen's Broadway Danny Rose was a love letter to the shtickmeisters of the past (and their sometimes hapless agents). Much of the story is told in flashback during a gathering of comics at the Carnegie Deli -- and Sandy was right in the middle of it. https://youtu.be/mXIM1JXWjm4?si=ZViQ3NSLjeJ4R3-g
Longtime fans were delighted when Sandy surfaced in the 1990s playing a pesky rival of Jerry Seinfeld's dad on the classic sitcom Seinfeld. Here are some of of the best "Jack Klompus" moments from the show. https://youtu.be/XLK1eqK2kEo?si=-9LZ0EwUQ1o4BDVw
OK, we're a day late but it's still a Happy St. Patrick's Day here at Laugh Tracks. And why wouldn't it be when we are featuring Irish comedy star of the small and big screen, Chris O'Dowd. From early roles in British tv, Chris got his breakout role on the classic British sitcom The IT Crowd playing Roy Trenneman, an information tech worker who is a master at avoiding work. The show's success launched Chris onto the big screen with a number of juicy supporting roles before he scored the role of Officer Nathan Rhodes in the 2011 blockbuster Bridesmaids -- a role that earned him a Screen Actor's Guild award. Chris remains busy with tv work, recently appearing in the lead role of Get Shorty, a comedy-drama loosely based on the 1990 book. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Chris O'Dowd?
Chris gained wide fame in Britain with his role as Roy Trenneman a snarky and slacking information tech worker in The IT Crowd. https://youtu.be/wXEsldiW9Xg?si=V4dkLgceu75UJ0e-
For American audiences, Chris had his breakout role in 2011's smash hit Bridesmaids. Chris played Officer Nathan Rhodes, winning a Screen Actor's Guild award for his work. https://youtu.be/6rJdK0_3BL0?si=0cy6Xpmlhiu4CYUF
Recently Chris could be seen in Apple TV's Get Shorty, a loose adaptation of the 1990 book. https://youtu.be/U-3gjXz_HJk?si=obwykf_M_XQA2EKw
Have an extra cup of coffee because you are going to need to be on your toes to keep up with this week's Legend, improv comedy superstar, as well as a a fine television actor, Ryan Stiles. Born in the US, Ryan was raised in Vancouver, BC and got his start doing standup and writing for the CBC when he was tapped for the British version of Whose Line is it Anyway. He was lured back to the US as a regular in the Drew Carey show, then what do you know -- Drew launches a US "Whose Line" with Ryan front and center in the cast. That show has also spawned successful improv tours by the cast which continue to this day. Ryan also had a long run as a regular on the Two and a Half Men sitcom, and in his spare time he founded and occasionally appears at an improv comedy theater and school in his home of Bellingham, Washington. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Ryan is known for improv but this is a fun bit -- produced by the Second City in a film noir fashion. https://youtu.be/CpSXAO-N_qQ?si=wB6qeA8Neyl0AGQB
Whose Line started in the UK and one of the fun games was Questions Only! (yes, you can speak only in questions). Here's the UK cast in action (also including Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood). https://youtu.be/JcDzy6IgIcg?si=9NZHEC3T8sLr0lFF
On the Drew Carey show, Ryan played Lewis Kinski, a buddy of Drew's, who was known for having the lamest pickup lines in town. Here's a few to avoid!https://youtu.be/mzIYmvhyyDk?si=JJ3231qEynqn-GvK
Ryan is a community-minded guy, living in Bellingham, Washington. After his Whose Line fame he set up an improv theater where he occasionally appears as in this parody of a late night talk show -- Bellingham T'nite! https://youtu.be/tEc0mBm1lRs?si=FYLKnVH6nkNabWxx
Grab your best duds, we're hopping in the Time Machine for Las Vegas in the 1950s to catch up with The Rat Pack -- or at least the comic relief -- in the form of Joey Bishop who was a presence in Vegas showrooms, in movies, and on television well into the 1980s. A product of the New York nightclub scene, where Frank Sinatra caught and liked his act, Joey was Frank's opener for years and when Sinatra took the helm of the Rat Pack, he brought Joey along for the ride. That association would end in the early 1960s, but Joey remained a celebrity and hosted his own ABC late night talk show in the mid-60s. A deadpan comic, Joey later became a frequent game show panelist, as well as a talk show guest host. Frank Sinatra's death in 1998 left Joey as the Rat Pack's "last man standing" -- as we always say, comedy keeps you young! Find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Bishop?
In the late 1990s snarky record fans started discovering records with celebrities not known for their singing having at it nonetheless. Joey weighs in here with Your Cheatin' Heart from his 1968 album Joey Bishop Sings Country and Western. It even won an award from the Academy of Country Music. https://youtu.be/_ghzOy3X1uE?si=fDIdIQWd-E07JjX8
Here's a nice sample of Joey's standup comedy from an appearance on the Dinah Shore Show back in 1960, when the Rat Pack still ruled. https://youtu.be/VR2j8nDwNbs?si=PW8wboAyjoLHz55o
Joey's 1967 late night ABC talk show didn't last long, but it's a great period piece and a chance to see his co-host -- a very young Regis Philbin. The "Nehru jacket" bit we excerpted is in the first few minutes, but this whole clip is great including a visit from Sammy Davis Jr. https://youtu.be/sM7Fzz0qjuM?si=svjee052G_5QHU4A
As with so many 50s/60s starts, in the 1970s Joey found his footing as a reliable game show panelist -- here Joey plays a bit of the Match Game. His bit is about 12:15 in, but the whole thing is a blast of 1976 nostalgia. https://youtu.be/Ad7IENuxZZw?si=rn6_XdQ-2UWprQd8
If we were playing television trivia and said "Sally Rogers" you would say "Rose Marie" -- this week's legend. But there was a whole lot more to Rose Marie than her role as a comedy writer on The Dick Van Dyke show. A child singing sensation, Rose Marie spent time on the vaudeville circuit, eventually making it to Broadway with a featured role in South Pacific. She frequently guested on early tv sitcoms before she landed the role of a lifetime and became part of television history along with Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Morey Amsterdam, Carl Reiner, and Richard Deacon. In particular, Rose Marie's Sally Rogers and Morey Amsterdam's Buddy Sorrell were fan favorites and appeared from time to time as a duo act. When Rose Marie died, Nell Scovell, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, said that Rose Marie's Sally Rogers was the "patron saint of female comedy writers." Not a bad way to be remembered! As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Rose Marie got her start as a child singing sensation (known as Baby Rose Marie) -- and here is one of her hits. https://youtu.be/XGBqxkqAvMk?si=4yB0AhtS2YppRZfW
Rose Marie landed a prime role in the Broadway production of Top Banana back in 1951 as well as the 1954 movie version. Here she is at a 1978 Johnny Mercer retrospective, singing her spotlight song from that show.https://youtu.be/NYWcwPMArXg?si=QyT0ebw4dZL_CC-2
Rose Marie and Morey Amsterdam sometime reprised their Sally and Buddy act for live audiences including this fun spot on the Hollywood Palace. You even get Groucho Marx as the host. https://youtu.be/cQik0KEpgZY?si=Qn_SQ8hT2WHEZYIP
Rose Marie and Morey Amsterdam appeared together in a sweet episode of Caroline in the City in 1996. (It also turned out to be one of Morey's final appearances).https://youtu.be/zMNHiXrGqDk?si=7VO-SABFUGUTK2An
Take a wooden puppet, a guy who can't quite keep his lips from moving, and add impeccable comic timing and you just might come up with Edgar Bergen, often considered the premiere ventriloquist of the 20th century. With his "dummies" Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd, Bergen was a hit in vaudeville, then on radio -- quite a feat for someone whose act generally requires the audience to see the artist. But Bergen's rapid verbal repartee with his puppets -- especially Charlie McCarthy -- captivated audiences and led to movie roles and tv appearances down the line. Bergen earned not one, not two, but three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to movies, radio, and television. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Edgar Bergen?
Here's a nice long sample of Edgar and Charlie in action, from their 1950 Thanksgiving special. https://youtu.be/oJVrK408nyQ?si=-nhi_PPPvj9JfsBZ
Bergen's other comic foil was Mortimer Snerd -- as slow-witted as Charlie McCarthy is quick-witted. It led to fun, as in this bit with Bing Crosby.https://youtu.be/_8YBiWU5Ok4?si=o-Dum7JIiABl9hVk
In 1939 Bergen and Charlie starred in You Can't Cheat on Honest Man with WC Fields and Charlie wasted no time in annoying his co-star. https://fb.watch/xQv-XqQbRm/
Bergen and McCarthy made their final screen appearance in 1978's The Muppet Movie -- a fitting farewell to a master puppeteer. https://youtu.be/5EDVCevIB-Q?si=sh9Nhmus0fSxWQ-P
Let's venture downunder to meet Adam Hills, a superb standup comedian and television presenter who has charmed Australians since the late 1980s with comedy that is sharp and playful -- and by the way, that often focuses on the fact that since birth he has been missing a foot. After starting as a radio host, Hills turned to standup and was a smash in Australia, the UK, and Canada. He became host of a popular Aussie game show in 20005, followed by a talk show. At the same time, Adam has become a star in the world of Paralympic sports both as a player (rugby) and a commentator. His sports journey has been covered in a fine documentary (Adam Hills: Take His Legs) and a memoir (Best Foot Forward). As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Adam Hills? Adam is a titan in the world of Paralympic sports as a participant (rugby), commentator, and advocate. Here's a fun recent interview (with comedy clips). https://youtu.be/74Ce7NH2C7o?si=NkrA4-MgK1m8l-3w Adam is first and foremost a superb standup and this is a fun clip of him at work. https://youtu.be/NxpkgqBSOPY?si=BrurhBYHHTDawHIL Adam continues as a top standup draw and this recent clip has a fun bit about the expectations of being an Aussie.https://youtu.be/z9xOIvVI1nw?si=rTQVdhQHh2oh5tJX
Talk about political comedians and people are sure to mention Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, George Carlin and the like, but don't forget Will Rogers who blended sharp political points with homespun humor to become a huge star in the 1920s and 30s. From his beginnings as a vaudeville rope trick artist, Will developed patter that made his audience both laugh and think. When the Great Depression impoverished much of America he became a much more pointed commentator, especially about the inequality of rich and poor. In 1935 a tragic plane crash claimed Will's life, but his legacy lives on with a Broadway musical about his life, a one-man show starring James Whitmore as Will, and as the namesake for Route 66 -- The Will Rogers Highway -- proclaimed by Congress after his death. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Will Rogers?
Will's most famous line is "I never met a man I didn't like" and that became the title for a Tony Award-winning musical about his life. Here's the title song. https://youtu.be/UnyHX7LqIGM?si=Ub0gnCX_0nD1xYYZ
Will's weekly broadcasts were required listening in American households and Will was a master of the craft including this talk, recorded during the Depression. https://youtu.be/kyfvamwM4Yo?si=HliLiu6zp6yzUXJz
After the Great Depression impoverished much of the country Will became more overtly political, endorsing FDR in 1932 -- but not without a sharp line or two.https://youtu.be/sKxaqK2ggcA?si=Qmp4sUCRX4hS7M1e
Each generation has their favorite SNL cast member and for those who started watching in the 1990s it wouldn't be surprising if Chris Farley topped their list. Chris' ability to match physical shtick with over the top characters was uncanny, whether Chris was doing a Chippendale's strip off with Patrick Swayze, extolling the superiority of Da' Bears, or ranting as Matt Foley, the world's most unlikely motivational speaker. A promising movie career (Tommy Boy, Black Sheep) had just begun when Chris followed his idol John Belushi (almost to the letter) and succumbed to an overdose at the age of 33. The death struck his cast members hard and they mourn him to this day with Adam Sandler providing a suitably goofy but thoughtful song about Chris when Adam hosted SNL in 2019. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. And just make sure you don't end up living in a van down by the river!
Want more Chris Farley?
Chris' most enduring character is Matt Foley, a highly unlikely motivational speaker with a great payoff line about his living situation. https://youtu.be/Xv2VIEY9-A8?si=WkmITF4d-mXk3RUQ
Chris had a promising start in the movies and his debut pairing with David Spade in Tommy Boy is a gem. https://youtu.be/S2XvxDaIwCw?si=Flg7OXRuxMDWBy-H
Adam Sandler has a way with songs, and his tribute to Chris Farley from SNL in 1989 is one of his best -- funny and touching. https://youtu.be/25IOsvWPQGQ?si=OHOd0Y3WfwJN33Xd
One of the titans of early tv sitcoms, as well as a massively successful producer, singer, and philanthropist, Danny Thomas earned his stripes as a radio comedian (especially on The Bickersons) in the 1940s, then hosted his own radio variety show, then in the early 1950s jumped to television and began his classic show "Make Room for Daddy". After that, while Danny would continue to make tv and stage appearances (including a 1970's reboot called Make Room for Granddaddy), he also conquered the tv production world with shows including The Andy Griffith Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Mod Squad, and That Girl (starring real-life daughter Marlo Thomas). Closest to Danny's heart, though, was the word he did to establish the world-famous St. Jude Children's Medical Center, the result of a promise a young and struggling Danny made to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of lost causes. As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Danny Thomas?
A signature theme song was a must for early tv stars -- think of The Honeymooners -- and Danny Thomas was no exception with this fine jazz version of the Irish classic Danny Boy. https://youtu.be/rAMrzvqU2RQ?si=RutT59t7anfOh3_J
To get a feel for Danny's comedy style, here's a great full episode of Make Room for Daddy from season six, back before tv discovered the world was in color. https://youtu.be/sJjFeM9ZvbU?si=lGXBgUiHE9RvTDI_
Late in his career Danny would take the occasional guest spot, as he did in Happy Days in 1978. https://youtu.be/qWxNS202fV4?si=vZaFGX990ROP5vF0
As with may 1960s(ish) era tv stars, Danny was happy to be a pitchman when needed and this is a great example -- a Maxwell House Coffee ad. Sorry for the video quality, but enjoy the "Brady Bunch house" vibes of the set.https://youtu.be/sJjFeM9ZvbU?si=lGXBgUiHE9RvTDI_
A chance meeting in 1950s Orange County, California led Bill Skiles and Pete Henderson to create a comedy team that lasted all the way until 2010. Henderson was a singer and pianist who played the straight man, and Skiles was a sound effects madman who could punctuate (and puncture) anything Pete was trying to say or sing. The boys got their start at Disneyland as a song and dance team, then got their first Vegas break in 1960 at the Golden Nugget. Serving as regular openers for musicians such as Andy Williams and The Carpenters, Skiles and Henderson worked clean, making them regulars on tv variety and talk shows in the 1960s and 70s. In their later years they worked the showroom and corporate circuit, including stints in Branson, Missouri. As Pete Henderson described their act, "it was ad-libbing, very visual, and Bill was like something someone had left running." As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Skiles and Henderson?
Many stars got their show business start at Disneyland -- Steve Martin worked in the magic store for example -- and Skiles and Henderson were no exception, being hired as a song and dance team back in 1958https://youtu.be/6R7HahXz1Bw?si=AA2L6v1AEur_3zFD.
kiles and Henderson were all over TV variety shows in the 70s and 80s -- here's what those spots looked like. https://youtu.be/eiF8CIqPiWo?si=drwm2pi3vvUDB7Bv
Bill Skiles was a sound effects master but he also was a superb impressionist including this bit which places John Wayne on the Mayflower.https://youtu.be/izjURzLAqKU?si=1UQPb-sFH8tLVAGp
Time for some country comedy today, courtesy of the legendary Sheb Wooley who was a fine actor and songwriter as well as comic performer. Sheb started out as a rodeo rider, as well as a guitar and fiddle man. When injuries from the rodeo kept him out of the military in WWII, Sheb pivoted to music scoring his first his with a bona-fide rock and roll novelty classic, The Purple People Eater. From there Sheb kept racking up the hits, using the name Ben Colder when contractual issues kept him from issuing new material. He also was a solid western actor with key roles in Rawhide and High Noon and Sheb's theme song for the long-running show Hee Haw became an ear worm in the 1970s (and beyond). So with his singing, songwriting, and acting all winning awards you can say Sheb was a rural renaissance man. As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Sheb?
One bit of Sheb trivia -- he was responsible for recording a scream that was subsequently used in many movies over the years. Known as the Wilhelm scream, Sheb laid it to tape back in 1951. https://youtu.be/rksd5v43zxI?si=ZiKwMhgjmzNQoLMj
Sheb's first hit was a rock and roll novelty classic -- The Purple People Eater. Here's Sheb performing the song on The Ed Sullivan Show back in 1958.https://youtu.be/67tKNEsJjTI?si=flFb593sqlzYaWwO
When legal issues prevented Sheb from releasing songs under his own name it was no problem -- Sheb simply morphed into Ben Colder -- a parody of a frequently inebriated country songwriter -- who would lampoon the country hits of the day. Sheb continued to release songs under both names for the rest of his career. https://youtu.be/NVGtxbN2yGs?si=7Ah1rXPiCxd0qKeE
If you have ever had the theme to the television show Hee Haw stuck in your brain you have Sheb to thank or curse. Besides being a frequent guest, Sheb composed the theme way back in 1969. https://youtu.be/KBEreTkQbds?si=RTvcGJfy6VZom0mr
Take a cigar, a tumbler of scotch, a twinkle in the eye. and some salty opinions and you get Ron White, a stand-up star for nearly 40 years and one of the original "Blue Collar" comedians who mounted one of the most successful comedy tours ever back in the early 2000s. Ron's most famous catch phrase is "you can't fix stupid" which fit right in with Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck," Bill Engvall's "Here's your sign" and Larry the Cable Guy's "Get R Done" delighting the audience and turning a 26 show tour into six years of shows. Since Blue Collar, Ron has continued as a top standup draw and occasional guest star in television comedies. in 2020, he announced, then abandoned plans to retire from the road, a relief to fans who like their southern-style comedy with a bit of edge. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Ron?
Ron's right on this point. https://youtu.be/UQv7Tr8HbGE?si=9LCrjh0_m1IfF69V
People who haven't seen clips of early Ron White are surprised to see a long-haired wild man in place of the nattily attired gentleman who appears today. https://youtu.be/uOQHwiiI9nU?si=66f2T7EXTd3JN9Ow
Ron has the ability to connect with every person who just wants to get a beer on a hot day. Case in point. https://youtu.be/ClQuI8ds_dg?si=0ZgAlK-sVmqQOj0R
Ron's most recent Netflix special finds him in fine form, tumbler and cigar still in hand (though more for props now). https://youtu.be/68hvA_vR-0Q?si=rn8KY4Ssk-EVCKe-
In the 1940s and 50s Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were on top of the comedy world with a smash act that dominated nightclubs, the silver screen, and that new-fangled television thing. The premise was simple -- Dean was a crooner and straight man who tried to keep the show going according to plan, while Jerry was an overactive man-child who would mug shamelessly, croon off key, walk around in the crowd, and generally cause chaos. The crowds loved it, but as you can imagine those were two large talents (and in Jerry's case ego) to contain in one act. They split after a decade with both going on to solo success but never quite recapturing the magic they had as a duo. Thanks to Frank Sinatra they reconciled though they never re-teamed -- but there is a lot of video that captures Dean and Jerry in action during their heyday. As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Dean and Jerry?
Dean and Jerry got their big nightclub break at Atlantic City's famed 500 Club. The picture quality on this one is poor, but it's fascinating -- an episode of the Today Show from 1956 featuring a number of stars from the club including Martin & Lewis who appear about 40 minutes in. https://youtu.be/x-2BHMfa5do?si=flVl7TyFSC4EPkUU
Martin & Lewis were mainstays of early television with numerous guest shot on the top shows of the day along with their own series. This bit from Milton Berle's Texaco Star Theater is from 1949. https://youtu.be/u7O3I0uww3U?si=PiWtq_-Qhfixq-Ap
Jerry and Dean were big screen sensations, eventually making 16 features. 1953's The Caddy is one of their best -- dip in anywhere to get a taste of the boys in action. https://youtu.be/qrlbr4ziDL0?si=iwQBxX8lc2z_w5sp
After splitting up Martin and Lewis famously didn't speak for 20 years, but that changed at the 1976 Jerry Lewis MDA telethon, courtesy of the Chairman of the Board. https://youtu.be/RRq2ed1fK2k?si=hj1l5xCFC_JCHoT0
This time out we have a real treat from across the pond. Neil Innes may not be the most recognizable name in comedy, but without him the Monty Python movies would be much the poorer (and we wouldn't have a Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band at all). Coming up as part of the British satire boom of the early 1960s, Neil was an artist and musician with a flair for the absurd. That certainly came to the fore in the Bonzos, where Neil often sang lead and wrote their biggest hit. He soon crossed paths with the Pythons who used his music in Monty Python and the Holy Grail (among others), and he later collaborated with Eric Idle on the faux-Beatles parody, The Rutles. An all-around good bloke, Neil remained a well-loved fixture in British comedy, including Bonzos and Rutles reunions, for the rest of his life. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Neil?
Neil was a key member of the dada-influenced rockers The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. He wrote and sang lead on their biggest hit -- I'm The Urban Spaceman. https://youtu.be/olGXtohOs7c?si=C-yLWjWHi27hxE_u
Monty Python and the Holy Grail is beloved by fans and the clever tunes by Neil are part of the reason why. Here Neil foretells the fate of his boss, the very very brave Sir Robin. https://youtu.be/ACajzIlzvH0?si=ZdJZ8X2TpQzpP1M
George Harrison was a great patron of the Pythons and was always ready to take a piss out of his old band. This clip from Eric Idle's Rutland Weekend Television finds George in fine voice singing . . .what?https://youtu.be/zJFLiW10ZrE?si=MOI5msq9MPQUaHHp
One of the most popular comics of the 2000s, Amy Schumer is gifted with a tart tongue, superb timing, and a willingness to put TMI out there in search of a laugh. Amy also has turned her comedy into television and movie gold with an Emmy winning tv show ("Inside Amy Schumer"), cable specials, and juicy roles in films such as "Trainwreck." Her memoir -- "The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo" was a New York Times bestseller and more recently she made her Broadway debut in "Meteor Shower", (written by Steve Martin) and nabbing a Tony nomination in the process. How do you follow that up? By having a kid of course -- and performing a Netflix standup special in a very pregnant condition! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Amy?
Here's a big slice of early Amy from a Comedy Central special. It's always fun to see a comic on the cusp of becoming a huge star. https://youtu.be/HlJbSzNwR9I?si=rscd_S9PFJlHcBZL
Amy's sketch show "Inside Amy Schumer" won two Emmy's and a Peabody award over it's five year run and a lot of the comedy still bites hard!https://youtu.be/m7NKKh8ocVA?si=s4TzVxFYwfGBjO5T
Amy had a starring role in the Judd Apatow film "Trainwreck" and her chemistry with Bill Hader was perfect. https://fb.watch/wocx6k-zvo/
Amy uses every bit of her life for material and when she became pregnant -- check out this Netflix special to see how she deals with it. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1257604364890190
When we say today's comic is a real scream, we mean it! For most of us, our first introduction to Sam Kinison was his scream, often played as part of a radio station's "5:20 Funny". But there was so much more to Sam -- a bad boy who conquered the world of standup comedy (and music videos) for a few years back in the 1980s. Originally starting as a pentecostal preacher -- no doubt where he acquired his lung power -- Sam set down his bible and picked up a standup microphone as part of the Texas Outlaw Comics (which also included fellow Legend Bill Hicks). Rodney Dangerfield dug his act and gave him a slot on his 1985 HBO Young Comedian's Special. From there Sam rocketed into the comedy stratosphere with best selling albums, guest roles in movies and tv shows, and even a hit song (a remake of Wild Thing). Along with the fame came struggles with addiction but he appeared to have tamed his demons when a tragic car accident claimed him in 1992. But Sam's scream lives on anywhere there is someone who has just about had it with their current situation! As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Kinison?
Sam's scream was his trademark and one of the first times he showed it off to a wide audience was on David Letterman in 1985. https://youtu.be/m_VURr6jnWQ?si=9Lo2yVqmgp6e-bFG
Sam's breakout routine came on Rodney Dangerfield's 1985 Young Comedians' Special on HBO. Here's the part that made Sam a star -- edgy humor at its peak. https://youtu.be/K44DriPrLUk?si=RMdVcvDLAfI3HsfX
Sam was a hit with the hard rock crowd and the video for his 1990 remake of The Troggs' Wild Thing featured a slew of cameos from hard rockers including Aerosmith and Billy Idol. https://youtu.be/0DbDI32y9tU?si=pt_Acjzu3_af8btN
In the 1950s Leslie Nielsen was best known as a dramatic actor in movies and on television. But in 1980, that was about to change. Leslie took a role in a new comedy movie that was looking for a solid, deadpan type to be in the center of "joke-a-minute" action. That movie was Airplane! and it launched Leslie on a comedic career that would include the Police Squad tv show and the Naked Gun movie franchise. Along the way, Leslie became a master at poking fun at his own image, hosting Saturday Night Live and being a frequent guest on game shows and talk shows. While his later movies didn't reach the artistic or commercial heights of his early comedy career it didn't matter -- his Legend was secure. And nobody gets to call him Shirley. Find extra cuts below and, as always, thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Leslie Nielsen?
Back when there were watercoolers, this bit got used a lot by office wits. https://youtu.be/ixljWVyPby0?si=fveuiJdk9qiwAShe
While Airplane! made Leslie a comedy star, the Naked Gun movies made him a box office titan. Here Leslie engages in a little old fashioned bribery with a source. https://youtu.be/uxviBxaSjyc?si=VvtVvpiiFP0_DAv9
In 1989 Leslie was tapped to host Saturday Night Live and, of course, they built on his ability to say the most outrageous things in a smooth and relaxed style. https://youtu.be/ooPJQZZ1ZCE?si=z1fcUZVRyQKktOJp
Leslie was a regular in talk shows in the 1990s including Conan O'Brien's where Leslie demonstrated his favorite prank. https://youtu.be/k1ztkOcJrNE?si=fklwI-QQC1ByzOcY
When Chelsea Handler exploded onto the standup scene in 1994 her bracingly honest style was an instant hit with fans, launching a career as a standup comic and a talk show host that is still going 30 years later. Chelsea has always embraced her flaws -- her best selling memoir is "Are You There Vodka, It's Me, Chelsea" after all. But her candor also brought that out in her talk show guests starting with the long running Chelsea Lately on the E! Network. A recent guest hosting stint on The Daily Show was a success as was her most recent Netflix standup special "Revolution". Mix in some fearless observations about the current world scene and you have a comic who was made for these times! As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Chelsea?
Chelsea's approach to standup was apparent from the start -- just talk about highly inappropriate things in a playful and snarky manner. Here's Chelsea in 2004 doing just that. https://youtu.be/yp7ep5PO7uo?si=a1KCS_kTl6eR3a-W
As part of the search to replace Trevor Noah, Chelsea guest hosted The Daily Show for a week. This little bit of banter with the audience during a break is fun. https://youtu.be/GEmTUdTkRDU?si=oC_XrRrryY2ot2XD
Chelsea remains a top draw on the standup circuit and her recent Netflix special "Revolution" finds her in top form. https://youtu.be/9vo7nJmKOSc?si=YgD48RejY2o3tKrv
Well it isn't St. Patrick's Day, but we still have the luck of the Irish with us because today's Legend is Brian Doyle-Murray. The older brother of Bill Murray, Brian has carved our a fine for career for himself with work at Second City, The National Lampoon Radio Hour, Saturday Night Live, and a slew of classic comedy flicks including Caddyshack, Wayne's World, and Groundhog Day. He even voices a great character (The Flying Dutchman) on Spongebob SquarePants. Brian -- like his brother Bill -- is also an avid golfer, co-hosting a Murray Brother golf tourney, and being part owner of two Caddyshack Restaurants, one in Illinois and one in Florida. And to all of that we say "well played"! As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Brian Doyle-Murray?
Brian joined SNL when the show was at a low ebb, but he still had some fine moments as in the SNL Newsbreak segment with Mary Gross. https://youtu.be/EyK5v_YmQrk?si=SRvrxFkWaoJBrr3U
Caddyshack is one of the great movie comedies of the 80s and Brian has a fine turn as caddy boss Lou Loomis. https://fb.watch/vPd2A27BwW/
Brian had a juicy role in Groundhog Day as Buster Green, the master of the groundhog ceremony in Punxsutawny PA! https://youtu.be/dWLA3OavSgM?si=6iQJ0JU6a6SvMD-M
In recent years Brian has become an sought after voice actor including a stint on SpongeBob SquarePants as The Flying Dutchman. https://youtu.be/lOdh2zKhufA?si=WJHU-96FBPOfe_tU
Without these guys, there may well not have been Monty Python or Firesign Theatre yet to much of the world they are just a distant (and very funny) memory. Who are these titans? It's the Goon Show which tickled British comedy fans during the 1950s with comedy that was smart, surreal, and sometimes just plain silly. The core Goons -- Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan, and Harry Secombe worked off scripts penned by Milligan, playing a variety of off the wall characters. The voice work was superb and the structure of the shows is best described as avant-garde and four dimensional. Secombe and Milligan went on to successful entertainment careers and Sellers became an international movie star. But it all started with some guys who wouldn't play by traditional comedy rules -- and aren't we glad they wouldn't. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Goons?
If you have time, crack open your favorite beverage and enjoy a complete Goon Show, this one from 1955.https://youtu.be/VuVFFNvyUT8?si=Rci_cSflpvqo7lrI
Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers provided some of the favorite character voices for the Goons and this clip from 1954 shows their chemistry. https://youtu.be/clX7FInbQ58?si=xPNBPwV5ZZkyyTh6
While the Goon Show ended it run in 1960, the Goons did reunite for one final blowout for the BBC's 50th anniversary in 1972. It delighted their fans and probably mystified everyone else -- perfection!https://youtu.be/XF745ywyvVY?si=8JxivMO8DSBOielA
An absolute titan of 20th century comedy, Carl Reiner also was one of the most beloved writers/actors/producers/directors that Hollywood has ever produced beginning with his work on Sid Caesar's Your Show of Shows, then creating The Dick Van Dyke Show, then directing Steve Martin in The Jerk and George Burns in Oh God! And, oh yeah, he also created The 2000 Year Old Man routine with his best friend Mel Brooks. It was a simply amazing comedy career and, as always, you can find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Carl Reiner?
With The Dick Van Dyke show, Carl created one of the greatest sitcoms of all time and he got in on the acting fun playing the egotistical boss Alan Brady. Here's some Alan's best. https://youtu.be/bHUfCA9EcE4?si=CJin7dTU-Ab5aG28
With Mel Brooks, Carl created one of the greatest two man bits ever, the 2000 Year Old Man. Carl supplied the questions, Mel supplied the answers, and comedy gold was spun. https://youtu.be/XOTKDgrdvdg?si=coNPQPn1iEYfteoA
Later in life, Carl was seen as a wise elder to comedy writers and performers so it's no surprise that Jerry Seinfeld featured him on his great show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. https://youtu.be/grUEiFY1XUg?si=hbEv6LReCj1OcLkj
One of the brightest stars in comedy today, Andy Samberg started out just wanting to make some funny experimental films with his buddies. When some of those films reached Lorne Michaels he recognized the talent behind the movies and signed Andy (and his Lonely Island comedy mates) up as SNL writers, also adding Andy to the cast. A couple of years later Andy (teaming with Chris Parnell) unleashed a great video sketch -- Lazy Sunday - and a new SNL megastar was born. After SNL, Andy had a long run as Jake Peralta in the Fox sitcom Brooklyn 99, and he has continued to mix sketch comedy, tv guest roles, movies, and comedy albums to the delight of fans. Most recently, Andy "stars" in a comic book series (Holy Roller) in which he plays a bowling ball wielding Jewish superhero. And he has been tapped to play another Jewish superhero -- Doug Emhoff -- on SNL as the election nears. As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Andy?
Andy's first huge breakout bit on SNL was in a digital short called Lazy Sunday, which also featured Chris Parnell. Who knew that cupcakes and Narnia were so dope?https://youtu.be/sRhTeaa_B98?si=hO9l2RIpNKkjNPKx
The Lonely Island was on fire when they released their first CD "Incredibad" in 2009, featuring this on the water, off the wall hip hop gem featuring T-Pain.https://youtu.be/k8F3UE9qFsg?si=r05EEFt5l-6LaXzW
After leaving SNL, Andy scored a great role as Jake Peralta, a wiseass cop in a precinct full of oddballs. Brooklyn 99, which just wrapped up a decade long run, also earned Andy a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Jake.https://youtu.be/ygPBddnvhwY?si=EbXVW2_pSawrfoOn
Andy has returned to SNL to play Doug Emhoff who in Andy's words is seeking to be "First Gentlemensch". It's great, as is this entire cold open for the first episode in season 50(!)https://youtu.be/pg4Z1M_GjhQ?si=3Yp1-_tRU0ORXzOm
Fans of classic Vegas lounge comics rejoice, one of your idols awaits this week and we guarantee a "slap-happy" time. We refer, of course, to Slappy White -- a legendary standup who opened for (among others) Dean Martin and Dinah Washington as well as headlining the big rooms himself. A veteran of the "chitlin' circuit" Slappy also became a frequent guest star in 1970s movies and tv shows with a particularly juicy role as Melvin White (Slappy's real name) on Sanford and Sons (courtesy of Redd Foxx, another chitlin' circuit graduate). Later in his career, Slappy teamed up with Steve Rossi when Marty Allen bowed out of that team, but he eventually returned to solo standup as well as frequent appearances on Friar's Club and Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Here's Slappy with a fun bit from Redd Foxx's variety show -- dig the hair!https://youtu.be/e0NSxAhgMqk?si=Q3sZ3CyyROU2qfEy
Slappy became friends with Redd Foxx when they both toured as comics with the Billy Eckstine band and that friendship was repaid with a key role in Sanford and Son, with Slappy playing Melvin White (his real name), a pal of Fred's. https://youtu.be/SjFcpNsC3hQ?si=4c8V_S4KX4OtBgCQ
Like the Love Boat, the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts became a "must do" show for celebs on their way up and (mostly) on their way down. The "roasting" bits could be lame in the hands of regular actors, but in the hands of a pro like Slappy they came to life. Here's a time capsule for you -- Slappy's bit starts at 25 minutes in. https://youtu.be/BJrOzV5UrTQ?si=UpA9HusPYkRIm2un
This week we meet an architect of 1960s British Satire and a titan of 20th century media, Sir David Frost. From humble beginnings, David found his true course in college where he edited the school paper, edited the literary magazine, and for our purposes most importantly joined the Cambridge Footlights Society where he dove head first into the evolving British comedy scene. A genial presenter, David's first big break came as host of That Was The Week That Was, and he followed it up with more clever series including the Frost Report. Drawing on a writing and acting staff that included (among others) Roald Dahl, The Two Ronnies, and much of the Monty Python Troupe, Frost's shows were literate, topical, and very funny. Over time, David leaned into his interviewing skills (looking at you Dick Nixon) more than comedy, but his place in the comedy firmament is secure! As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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This clip is over 60 years old -- it's a great bit from That Was the Week that Was back in 1963 -- a consumer guide to religion -- and in true British comedy fashion David and crew take the piss out of everyone! https://youtu.be/tRZWyfERiCc?si=-iX3n5lUM0wEKr-n
David followed TW3 with The Frost Report, another brilliant series. Here's a sample episode looking at "trends". https://youtu.be/dnD1WP5wt4s?si=hu2aVAVkkJk6j-oc
David specialized in satire, but he also could be silly as in this appearance by the Beatles on his show. He persuaded the lads to play a shaggy version of his theme and they oblige!https://youtu.be/bVI7UWa5K3E?si=NFRMvcDR-oPNKDBB
The 50th (!) anniversary of Saturday Night Live has spawned a "biopic" focused on the debut show and the original cast. A fond look back is certainly deserved for Garrett Morris who battled stereotypes (think Chico Escuela and "Beisbol has been bery-bery good to me") to become part of television history. A fine actor and singer, Garrett was initially hired as part of the writing staff, then added to the cast after Lorne Michaels saw his work in Cooley High. After SNL, Garrett didn't enjoy the starring movie and tv roles of some of his colleagues, but he carved out a fine career in supporting roles and he periodically makes live appearance telling jokes and showing off his vocal chops. Garrett is a member of the Television Academy Hall of Fame, but he will be forever in our minds shouting the headlines over Chevy Chase's shoulder in the bit "News for the Hearing Impaired." As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Garrett didn't get too many solo sketches tossed his way at SNL so he made the most of them, including this bit on the White Guilt Relief Fund. https://youtu.be/JxAoPcZZatY?si=oVegkbGFXtu1-OwL
When Steve Harvey welcomed Garrett to Celebrity Family Feud it was time for the master to toss a little playful crap at the student. https://youtu.be/g-H-09zdweY?si=DrihXb1pOJXFgduV
Garrett remains a playful presence on screen and in the occasional live show -- telling jokes and singing. Here's a clip from the Catalina Jazz and Blues Club in 2017. https://youtu.be/f8fturBS6xM?si=mBDopchmLgv3zu-N
Meet Margaret Cho who emerged in the 1990s from a difficult childhood in San Francico to become a quadruple threat: stand-up comedian; actress; musician; and activist. In 1994 Margaret became the first Asian American to have her own TV sitcom (All American Girl) and after that was cancelled, she endured a period of drug and alcohol addiction before resurfacing with comedy that was far more pointed and personal. Margaret has also staged a burlesque style revue (The Sensuous Woman) and been a reliable guest star on television shows including HBO hits The Flight Attendant and Hacks. A prolific creator, she has recorded nine comedy albums and hosts two successful podcasts, along with a number of well-received books. As always, find more clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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One of Margaret's earliest major appearances was as part of the Just For Laughs comedy festival. Here's a sample. https://youtu.be/34lLm_gFTEY?si=7ZMcmn0MSio-6Y0j
After some rough years following cancellation of her sitcom, Margaret remerged with an act that had much more edge, including the well-received special "The Notorious C.H.O". https://youtu.be/2EkMNnNnYFI?si=G2_4GIzWtLb94eaC
Margaret continues to be a draw on the stand-up circuit with a routine that is playful and pointed. https://youtu.be/pyTZ_LGU7QI?si=Nq461hjl0VJh7fb7
A master of improv, sketch comedy, and impressions, Phil Hartman was the "glue" that held Saturday Night Live together in the 1980s and early 90s. He also was part of the Groundlings Improv troupe, helping Paul Reubens develop his Pee Wee Herman show, he was a frequent voice actor on the Simpsons, and he had a juicy role in the hit sitcom Newsradio. And oh yeah, he also was a fine graphic designer with a speciality in designing rock album covers and band logos. We would tell you what he did in his spare time, but it doesn't appear he had any -- he was too busy leaving huge footprints across the landscape of modern American comedy and pop culture. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Phil was a member of the Groundlings Improv troupe at the same time as Paul Reubens and was a key player in helping Paul shape his Pee Wee Herman character. Here's Paul and Phil -- I mean Pee Wee and Captain Carl from the original stage show. https://youtu.be/AFyWQTtIqkk?si=fIo_1DEtryQyVeo4
Phil had many standout impressions, but none more timely than Bill Clinton during his Presidency. This classic sketch will have you looking at McDonald's in a whole new way. https://youtu.be/eYt0khR_ej0?si=IcHXNVfMs5LZBZTp
Phil's last major role was as arrogant newsman Bill McNeal on the Newsradio sitcom. Here's Phil, as Bill, issuing a rare retraction.https://youtu.be/lipkFJNcKns?si=QA9sBhGXHx1NIXEf
Nate Bargatze's career has taken a rocket ride over the last few years from small comedy clubs to selling out big arenas including the Hollywood Bowl. Nate's comedy is playful and observational, and it's clean to boot, making it easy for radio to feature a cut now and then. Nate's Dad is a performing magician and motivational speaker, so getting up on stage and making people laugh is in the family tree. But Nate has taken fame to a new level, with a number of comedy specials, sold out arena tours, and frequent appearances on late night tv to his credit. Last year he added the credit that comedians crave -- he was asked to host Saturday Night Live. As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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The comedy game show @midnight (recently revived) was a showcase for standup's who were asked for quick responses to unusual prompts. This segment on "Florida Man" gives Nate a chance to shine. https://youtu.be/JrGmDagufy8?si=qV3eU2lnbY7TQMSB
This clip from Jimmy Fallon is Nate's first big late night spot and he kills with his memories of being in the delivery room for the birth of his first child. https://youtu.be/VcY28eKMM3I?si=jb__q142QS9KB2Yf
Nate received great reviews for his hosting stint on Saturday Night Live and his monologue was among the best of the season. https://youtu.be/ED5RX-fou34?si=QznPVfeJyfib8m8O
Meet Richard Lewis, most recently of Curb Your Enthusiasm, but before that a groundbreaking comic considered a key influence on modern humor. From befriending Larry David at summer camp in the early 1960s, Richard might have been expected to have a comic career. He was "discovered" by fellow Legend David Brenner in Greenwich Village where Richard's dark sense of humor was a major hit. Later work included a television starring role (Anything But Love) and movie roles including a key role in the Mel Brooks gem Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Always bracingly honest about his flaws, Richard wrote a best selling memoir and was a frequent talk show guest, especially for David Letterman. As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Going back to 1981 for this early clip of Richard on the Young Comedian's Special (including an intro by Dick Smothers). https://youtu.be/A-AERjATaMI?si=DjVpkLxctsquSwUy
Richard had a fun role in the Mel Brooks film "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" as Prince John, here not really wanting any bad news. https://youtu.be/f_95eB4V2Jg?si=bMMb7Mb4EtxInrs6
Richard was favorite of David Letterman and this is a nice package of some of his finest moments on the show. https://youtu.be/hKqCf2ADRyA?si=laZ4kmgxGxKyI_p2
If you like your comedy with a healthy dose of snarking on celebrities, this week's Legend is right down your alley. Kathy Griffin likes to style herself as a "D-List" comic -- but one completely unafraid to share here thoughts. Coming out of the Groundlings improv company in the 1980s, Kathy rode her quick wit and self-described "potty mouth" to a stellar standup career and her own Bravo reality show (Life on the D-List), as well as several years co-hosting the CNN New Year's Eve show with Anderson Cooper. It all came to a screeching halt when she posted an inflammatory protest against then-President Trump in 2017 but over time she has rebuilt her career. That's great news for her fans, perhaps not so great news for celebrities with egos that need deflating! As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Kathy was initially a member of The Groundlings, but soon her standup comedy became her calling card. This early bit -- before her full celebrity trashing incarnation -- has a lot of fun and sharp slice of life comedy. https://youtu.be/3jZSDfYcQFE?si=aJPhIVIGfQsM1Ka7
Here's a fun sample of Kathy's standup show just before she started her Bravo show. Definitely NSFW, there is plenty of flame throwing "D-List" observations of "A-List" celebrities!https://youtu.be/JXGH1_3t4sU?si=K2_okjJnt6CDbu0E
After being shunned by networks and promoters after her Trump protest, Kathy eventually rebuilt her standup career -- though she picked up PTSD in the process. In true comic fashion she has incorporated some of the mean tweets she received into her act. https://youtu.be/TDA2NPwipgU?si=ifSdgQqIaaqYMHiz
Dave Broadfoot was a stalwart of Canadian comedy for years, from his work with the Royal Canadian Air Farce, to solo tours and well-received books. Part of the secret was that Dave was proudly Canadian in his craft -- he once said he didn't want to do "Americana" comedy -- his roots and humor were strictly north of the border. It showed in his classic characters including hockey legend Bobby Clobber, Sgt. Renfrew of the RCMP, and a clueless member of Parliament from Kicking Horse Pass (and a member of the New Apathetic Party). He did it all with a style that was affectionately irreverent and full of details only a true Canadian would know. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows, eh."
Want more Broadfoot?
Most of the clips in our show this week comes from this fine collection of the Best of Dave Broadfoot from his days on the Royal Canadian Air Farce -- all of his beloved characters are here so crack open a Molson and enjoy a master of Canadian comedy. https://fb.watch/tXbKsxCC-V/
Dave was a fine standup and a favorite at Montreal's Just For Laughs Comedy Festival. This is one of his most famous riffs -- looking at the differences between Canadians and Americans. https://youtu.be/MBxLNs1_xhY?si=4gWJmUyYUacOjLoa
Prepare to get a bit silly as we salute a Python -- Eric Idle! While best known for his stint in Monty Python's Flying Circus, Eric has carved out a fine solo career including creating a stellar Beatles parody (The Rutles), writing the Broadway version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Spamalot), penning books, and touring the world. Oh yeah, he also was the creative force behind Monty Python's Farewell Shows in 2014. Not bad work if you can get it! A Tony and Grammy award winner, Eric shows no signs of slowing down with a new book (Spamalot Diaries) on the way and an accompanying tour. See him while you can -- he's a Legend's Legend. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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One of Eric's best tunes came in Monty Python's Meaning of Life in which Eric explains the galaxy. https://youtu.be/EntOjHJvYtY?si=B0Gvvzcn3gZUSTYa
After Python, Eric's first huge project was The Rutles -- a parody of The Beatles that managed to be affectionate and snarky, all at the same time. Plus, it's pretty darned musical as seen in "Ouch" in which Eric's "Dirk McQuickly" takes the lead. https://youtu.be/6VNDZKa3ewE?si=jbHjqubWDrvlyX90
Eric hasn't made too many movies outside of Python, but Nuns on the Run (with Robbie Coltrane) is a perfect fit. Here Eric and Robbie, bank robbers trying to pass as nuns, try to explain the Holy Trinity. https://youtu.be/LBYs__VRqBs?si=-IsRmxqZfmFw7Jqu
Eric's song "Always Look on the Bright Side of Live" has become a staple at UK funerals but during this chat with Craig Ferguson, Eric pulls out a somewhat darker companion piece! https://youtu.be/AUhu1CVzYjk?si=lpCsPwZ5icOS0JI9
Bold and bawdy, for a time in the 1970's LaWanda Page was the Queen of Comedy -- at least the type featured on numerous x-rated "party records". From early days as a "Fire Dancer", LaWanda worked the "chitlin' circuit" of clubs in the south, developing her standup act and developing friendships with other comics including Redd Foxx. After issuing a number of naughty albums on the Laff label, LaWanda got a call from Redd asking her to join the cast of his new sitcom Sanford and Son". She said yes, and the producer blew a gasket because her acting skills were at best limited. Redd famously said "if she goes, I go" and the rest is sitcom history. So take yourself back to the days when you would put on certain records "after the kids go to bed" and have a laugh with LaWanda, The Queen of Comedy. As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Most of LaWanda's albums are very NSFW -- though if you want a quick primer in urban slang of the 70s they are a great source. This track is taken from the one mainstream comedy record she did and while the language was toned down, the point was still sharp. https://youtu.be/Evsd1jpiMuQ?si=MzW09WALAqYyVhBn
LaWanda's Aunt Esther was a cornerstone of Sanford and Son -- and LaWanda played it to the hilt (as did Redd Foxx as Fred Sanford). Here's some of Aunt Esther's best.https://youtu.be/0ppXVtCoA_E?si=-o_JFFQSPEYLI5fK
Here's a time capsule -- it the Dean Martin Celebrity Roast of Angie Dickinson -- featuring LaWanda as one of the roasters -- only she turned most of her fire on Dino. And dig the 1970s color scheme -- you can feel the shag carpet!https://youtu.be/WjzbQXVywk8?si=PUUwKjxqYzTHXgTV
Sometimes you know someone will be a star just because of their voice. In Carol Kane's case that's true, but she is also a superb comic actress who has been a welcome fixture on tv and movie screens since the early 1970s. While her early dramatic work in "Carnal Knowledge" and "Hester Street (for which she scored an Oscar nomination) was promising, it was" her turn to comedy in the late 1970s that made her a legend. Small but key roles in Gene Wilder's "The World's Greatest Lover" and Woody Allen's "Annie Hall" led to a long run as Andy Kaufman's wife on "Taxi" -- the somewhat ditzy and delightfully eccentric Simka. She followed that up with great roles in "The Princess Bride" and "Scrooged". Since then she has continued with juicy guest spots, most recently playing the upstairs neighbor and landlady Lillian Kaushtupper in the Netflix hit "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt". As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Carol's big tv break came on Taxi as she played Simka, wife to Andy Kaufman's Latka, and her strange ways and accent captivated audiences. https://youtu.be/tfYnJK8AbU0?si=bXQmhoNoV6S5MYKb
Carol had a central role in the Bill Murray film "Scrooged" playing the Ghost of Christmas Passed with just a little naughtiness. https://youtu.be/lKVVQiJ7gKo?si=qXB7RWTGEt6DyYXV
Most recently Carol had a juicy role as the upstairs landlady Lillian in the Netflix hit "The Unbreakable Jimmy Schmidt." This feature from CBS News has a fun interview with Carol along with a few highlights from that role. https://youtu.be/rocllq7SS3g?si=ERwuIKpmOwnZmltG
This time out we meet a man who turned a sly wit and mild disposition into a top flight comic acting career -- plus an unlikely and enduring friendship with on of Hollywood's leading tough guy actors. We speak of the great Wally Cox, a midwestern boy who got his career break, as so many did back in the day, on the old Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts show. He parlayed that break into a steady stream of supporting roles in film and on tv, then was cast as junior high school science teacher Robinson J. Peepers in "Mr. Peepers", which was a smash it in the early days of television. While the role typecast him a bit, Wally maintained a full book of roles -- including a cartoon turn as Underdog -- plus frequent appearances on talk, game, and variety shows. He died prematurely at age 48 but not before making a legendary impression. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Wally's iconic role was as junior high school science teacher Robinson J. Peepers in Mr. Peepers. He was a STEM education God long before we knew there was such a thing!https://youtu.be/9YZ5i3vf77o?si=6YmVfPj9cZtznx6K
To a generation born after his Mr. Peepers fame, Wally may be best known by voice, not sight. That's because the voice he provides is that of the cartoon superhero Underdog which Wally played in the mid 1960s. Here's a complete episode from 1964 -- grab a bowl of Sugar Frosted Choco-bombs and your footy pajamas and park yourself in front of the screen, just like old times. https://youtu.be/fhDxSrK5TWw?si=lWhG9APFvMtZkkeJ
As with so many character actors of his day, Wally found a ready home for his wit on tv game shows and one of the best was Hollywood Squares where he was a regular for years. Here's an episode from 1971. https://youtu.be/uA1ii8dF3lQ?si=bw0T-3TRwRReceQl
Set the dials of the Wayback Machine for 1973 because the National Lampoon Radio Hour is on the air. In the early 1970s the NatLamp was at the top of the magazine world with content that was outrageous, satirical, and rendered with loving detail. To expand their empire, the 'Poon hired Michael O'Donoghue to create and produce an audio version. With studios located in the Lampoon headquarters in New York, the show featured many writers and performers who would soon go on to create Saturday Night Live and SCTV. The whole thing eventually collapsed because of high production costs and low interest from national sponsored worried about the show's sometimes caustic content. A few attempted reboots have come and gone, but the original is still out there on the internet if you want a taste of the real deal. As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more National Lampoon Radio Hour?
Perhaps the most played Lampoon cut features Christopher Guest and Bill Murray in Mr. Roberts -- a spot on parody of Mr. Rogers.https://youtu.be/mLxGiXMEbEM?si=s5w5cjXTYl4MbUnz
When the Radio Hour debuted it was right smack in the middle of the Watergate scandal. Here's Chevy Chase with the Lampoon's take. https://youtu.be/QvyHl3zMOlQ?si=Fm6ZO__Dns2jhWQV
Genre spoofs were big with the Lampoon and this one skewers the then-common ads offering to teach you a valuable skill in just ten days. https://youtu.be/XDg7OI9q6LU?si=_EHMegF6r54JMTix
When Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele teamed up, both brought solid backgrounds including time with Second City and Mad TV. Together, they built a classic sketch comedy show that could make you think and make you laugh. Key & Peele ran for just four seasons, but racked up numerous awards including a Peabody Award for distinguished achievement in media. The secret to Key & Peele's comedy was taking one unusual character or occurrence and slowly, inevitably taking it to more absurd and hilarious levels. Since the show wrapped, Key has gone on to a busy and varied acting career and Peele has become an Oscar-winning director, with a gift for horror films. Citing Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor as an example, the duo may come together for the occasional project. But for now they have left us with hundreds of sharp and very funny sketches that remain favorites on YouTube and Comedy Central. As always find extra clips below and thanks for watching our shows.
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Key had a breakout moment as President Obama's anger translator Luther. He eventually did the bit with Obama at a White House Correspondent's Dinner, but here's the original with Peele doing a spot-on Obama. https://youtu.be/-qv7k2_lc0M?si=-KsEB4jwV6umR7Gn
The first episode of the show set the tone for the series, including this slyly pointed parody of an Ancestry.com commercial. (Sorry for the picture quality on this one). https://youtu.be/_RmtT2R3gIY?si=hcc6mThWpE6uZlAr
Key & Peele didn't rely on recurring characters, but they did have some great ones including the Valets, who in this case kill time between parking cars with some overly enthusiastic love for Liam Neeson. https://youtu.be/hhfHu6IHBiI?si=c3qE_-u6yns0x39l
Perhaps the show's best loved sketch featured Key as substitute teacher Mr. Garvey, a no-nonsense sort with a bit of a pronunciation problem. https://youtu.be/Dd7FixvoKBw?si=H3D3CsIl54bPJmGn
Born in Shakespeare's home of Stratford-upon-Avon, Simon Pegg found his fame first as a standup comic, then as a self-described "nerd" starring in the great British science-fiction sitcom "Spaced". From there he has acted with zombies (Shaun of the Dead), marathoners (Run Fatboy Run), Klingons (in the Star Trek reboot), and Tom Cruise (Mission Impossible). Simon also has become a voice actor of some repute with roles in the Ice Age movies and The Chronicles of Narnia. Not bad for a guy who playfully calls himself a "geek"! As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Simon's first role was in Spaced and he leaned into his "geeky" image for all it was worth.https://youtu.be/egieZjmoCV0?si=1IQ32r2SU_7gnuH2
Simon is a superb standup comic and this 1995 set was part of what led executives to cast him in Spaced. https://youtu.be/MtFNpXlwUU4?si=Qf4BMVejuC5ybKbS
Run Fatboy Run showed a softer but still very funny side of Simon as he tries to reform his slothful ways. The bit we excerpt starts about 15 min in. https://youtu.be/W_LB7Sn_HY0?si=JsliTTW2eMy086Tn
Simon Pegg has become a favorite talk show guest, especially on James Corden's show, and it's no wonder with stories like these where Simon recounts his goth youth. https://youtu.be/oPfxkQ9xscw?si=MneV_t0XcA4_jJTV
Cue the rim-shot, because Jack Carter is in the house. Best known as the purveyor of rapid fire jokes in the best Vegas tradition, Jack was also a fine singer, dancer, and actor with numerous stage and screen credits to his name. Early on he claimed a bit of television history as an early host of both the Texaco Star Theater and the Cavalcade of Stars. Those gigs earned him his own show on NBC which was the lead in to Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca's Your Show of Shows. A tireless performer, Jack was a mainstay at the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts and on game shows (Password, The Match Game), as well as continuing with stand up appearances well in to his 80s. A comedy historian once referred to Jack's style as 'slick, fast, and furious" -- an apt description and one worthy of a 21 rim shot salute! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Carter?
This is a treat -- Jack's full routine on the Ed Sullivan Show from back in the days when television was in glorious black and white. This is a good intro to Jack's style. https://dai.ly/x2w04mb
With a rapid fire style, it's no wonder that Jack was a favorite at the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts -- here he ostensibly roasts Monty Hall, but it's the other panelists who take most of the fire, https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1kx411e7aK/
Jack was a television pioneer and for a while his own variety show was the lead in to Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca's legendary "Your Show of Shows". At a school reunion Jack was called on for some memories those times and he sure delivered. https://youtu.be/DqIbXfTF708?si=Oprzg0A0MBN-D6ke
Meet one of the most charmingly eccentric of our Legends, Judy Tenuta. From a start at Chicago's Second City, Judy created an immediate sensation with her unusual style -- sort of a Far Side cartoon brought to life. In the era of early MTV, that style proved to be perfection and soon Judy could be regularly seen on the small screen. A 1986 Letterman appearance and 1987 HBO special turbocharged her career and she won the American Music Award for best female comic in 1987. Through multiple albums and books, Judy dove into her persona as the "love goddess", wearing an accordion and slinging pointed and sometimes salty jokes. And she was part of "Weird Al" Yankovic's cast for his offbeat kid's show -- you can't get more Legendary that that! As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Judy was fearless as a performer -- and sometimes it took audiences a while to catch on -- check out how the response builds to her style during her first Letterman appearance in 1986. https://youtu.be/BEqznn2kEcg?
Judy sometimes played a psychic and perhaps she was judging by this clip from the American Comedy Awards back in 1990. It's way ahead of its time!https://youtu.be/R9IigIWiqis?si=SIAJADhu8RVHWfi7
"Weird Al" Yankovic mounted a hilarious (and unfortunately short-lived") Saturday morning kids show (that was really for adults) in 1997 -- and of course Judy was there!https://youtu.be/vdaXddNyP2Q?si=uqrRzCbB47QFOk2w
What happens when two niche comedy legends meet? This clip of Judy on the Space Ghost Coast to Coast shows the results! https://youtu.be/b2XzUq3uf8s?si=OPbrzulMJJJ5zItu
Sometimes pointed, but always playful, Cedric the Entertainer first came to attention as host of BET's Def Comic Jam and Comic View programs. But it was in Spike Lee's classic "Kings of Comedy" that Cedric really got to own the stage, charming audiences with routines that mixed observational humor with some nice pokes at race relations. Cedric reached new heights as the salty Eddie the Barber in the Barbershop movie franchise and he now mixes acting (both comedic and dramatic) with his comedy career. As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Eddie broke out to the nation in Spike Lee's hilarious Kings of Comedy. Here's a fun routine on why white America supports the space shuttle (and why it won't work out). https://youtu.be/fiTC8GfBFSE?
Cedric's iconic role is bound to be that of Eddie in the Barbershop movies. Eddie is sweet and salty, and some of his opinions are just a tad controversial. Here's a fun package of some of Eddie's best. https://youtu.be/zMuRN7w3Wsc?si=KwrUVTJGLDV64VEa
Cedric remains a top standup draw some thirty years after his start and it's no wonder -- his recent Netflix special shows him still full of playful charm. https://youtu.be/Qmz5U2Txi9E?si=x2AVEY70Rov3I9L5
Meet "Lonesome" George Gobel who turned a gift for low-key stories and funny songs into a comedy career that lasted over 40 years. George was a pioneer of television comedy, starring in his own show beginning in 1954 and winning an Emmy in the process. George's playful meandering (plus completely clean material) made him a favorite on variety and talk shows, and he became a welcome guest star on sitcoms during the 60s and 70s. Later George could often be seen working the game show circuit and he became a regular on Hollywood Squares. For a guy who's nickname was "Lonesome" he sure seemed to have a lot of friends. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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George was there in the early days of television and a feature of his show was a monologue, often reference his TV wife -- "Spooky old Alice." https://youtu.be/BJoOKG-laZU?si=uMgkVa-DDw9CJyd0
Here's a real time capsule for you. Set the wayback machine for 1969, set the location for Burbank, and settle yourself in for a bit of Johnny Carson's Tonight Show with George -- PLUS Bob Hope and Dean Martin. https://youtu.be/hLIZPOvQQrE?si=tE-2CeQUMvRbv-Tu
George was an influence on other comedians who mixed music and comedy -- especially Victor Borge and Tommy Smothers (who cited George as his motivation when he got into comedy). Here's George on the Smothers Brothers' show in 1968.https://youtu.be/G_jSnpw5RIQ?si=i5cCYl4_ZXB2wIVn
His name may not be as recognizable as other modern comedy titans, but whether for screenwriting (The Graduate, Catch 22?) or tv series creation (Get Smart) or sketch comedy genius (SNL's first five time host), Buck Henry has his fingerprints all over American comedy. Buck's comedy was literate, topical, and often just a little naughty -- a perfect fit for comedy fan's tired of comedy's old-school "joke machines". And for those who like a bit of trivia, Buck got his NY theater start as the faux spokesperson for a (fictional) group advocating for clothing naked animals. Who can't get behind that? Buck remained active well into his 80s, and Tina Fey brought him to a new generation when she cast him as Liz Lemon's dad on 30 Rock. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Buck's first notable gig was as Clifford Prout, the "spokesperson" of the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals (a creation of prankster Alan Abel). Judging by this British newsreel, Buck succeeded in making the narrator have to guess just how much of a put on it all was. https://youtu.be/qMHPe576mCY?si=QYcdns9d4v38NsFm
Early on Saturday Night Live almost always came up with a word or phrase that you couldn't believe they got away with. Here's a case in point from 1980.https://youtu.be/C6XF4RxU7xQ?si=b65ejxQFQokE4Y0O
Buck got (and gave) a big boost for SNL when it debuted in 1975 and it was repaid when Tina Fey cast him as Liz Lemon's dad in 30 rock. Here's Buck and the fam meeting Liz's boss (Alec Baldwin). https://youtu.be/9_SBzb_mQOQ?si=urqBSBXJX1vP6Cai
A groundbreaking comic from the 1950s who blended standup skill with sly racial and social commentary, Dick Gregory went on to a career that mixed writing, performing, and social activism for 5 decades. As was common in the 50s, Dick's gift for comedy was discovered by his army buddies. Hugh Hefner gave him his first big career break, filling in for Professor Irwin Corey at the Playboy Club (a gesture that Dick never forgot to acknowledge). From there Dick played top clubs, becoming increasingly political in his approach. In 1968 he ran for President on a "peace" platform, and he became a frequent sight at all manner of movement events, from anti-apartheid to feminism to Native American rights. Dick also became known for his strong commitment to vegetarianism and animal welfare. As always, find extended cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Dick Gregory always credited Hugh Hefner for booking him into the Playboy Club at a time when black comics found it hard to get a gig. Here's Dick telling the story at a Hefner roast. https://youtu.be/M5vYNrtGmsk?si=N9gQufZe3fHfjQUg
Playing the Hungry I club in San Francisco was a right of passage for topical comics (Mort Sahl! The Smothers Brothers!) so it's no surprise that Dick Gregory was a frequent feature there. https://youtu.be/tg7Pnre__a8?si=ZP1nnGpybxB5SNdB
Dick managed to get booked on the top talk shows of the day without compromising his topical material. Here's a bit from the Merv Griffin Show taped during the Watts riots in 1965.https://youtu.be/xRJRMQZ9p84?si=ivyyLfDS36xqMCMo
What voice occupies the most space in your brain? For those of us it's Mel Blanc -- the man of a thousand voices -- who gave voice to dozens of characters in the classic Looney Tunes (and many others). Bugs Bunny? Check! Daffy Duck? Check! Foghorn Leghorn? Check! And after Looney Tunes ended their initial run Mel simply shifted gears, working for other animators and founding his own advertising business. When he died, Warner Brothers paid tribute with a touching poster showing all the major Looney Tunes characters standing behind a lone microphone, heads bowed, with the caption "Speechless". As always find extra clips in the comments and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Mel did so many character voices it's hard to keep track -- so we thank some intrepid YouTubers for doing some supercuts to help us along!https://youtube.com/shorts/Ret4usxxKTE?si=FmUpvhai1dOEF86n
Mel branched out in the 1950s by recording novelty songs in character voice. Daffy's Rhapsody is peak Mel.https://youtu.be/qxjU8JJEuSM?si=K0c2W3ebKDDkNwB3
Late in his career Mel made an unexpected and welcome cameo as the father of Bob and Doug McKenzie in Strange Brew. Here's Mel with the hosers. https://youtu.be/tonXBiPY93s?si=Mc0-YXllM6Jfvl0T
Pacific Northwest comedy fans will know this Legend, and others will be happy for the introduction. Almost Live! is a relic from an age when a local tv station could afford to produce its own comedy show, often besting the network offerings in terms of laughs per minute. Originating on Seattle's KING TV in the 1980s, Almost Live! originated as a talk show with comedy bits, but soon morphed into a half hour sketch show aired just before Saturday Night Live. The cast and the writing were superb, and the local flavor given to the sketches led to "water cooler" recaps throughout the next week. Eventually the show fell victim to budget cuts imposed by new out-of-state station owners, but it's a measure of Almost Live's impact that several partial reboots have been tried (with some success), there's a big YouTube library of shows and sketches, and a fun podcast tracks down the cast today. As always find extra clips in the comments, thanks for sharing our shows, and if you are driving in Ballard, keep your speed to 7 MPH.
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Part of Almost Live's charm is they could get all manner of local celebrities to get in on the fun. The Lame List featured top Seattle metal musicians proclaiming their opinion on current events. https://youtu.be/hGpBnB-jYa8?si=O9jxm7xo06IR4dPF
John Keister presided over Almost Live and his monologues and news parodies dipped deep in the well of Northwest Lore -- as in the case when WSU became a dry campus. https://youtu.be/NkaYaxRF2Dc?si=gLnbvxpS6DHvBhtF
Almost Live managed a tone of affectionate irreverence about all things Seattle -- especially the neighborhoods. Case in point -- The Ballard Driving Academy. https://youtu.be/nyz6mkvlEgA?si=8-_BQgHu8hDVU8v8
Like any good sketch troupe, Almost Live! cast members had their niches, and Pat Cashman excelled as a master of characters -- especially those commercial pitchman. Match that talent with the fact that an exotic rug store in Seattle's Pioneer Square was always "going out of business" and you get comedy gold. https://youtu.be/erCFOteg_t4?si=W2_HrYZQIEmrLxa9
OK, fans of public radio, it's time to put on your thinking cap because science class is here! Don't worry -- it's not that kind of science class because here at Laugh Tracks Legends we take our science clues from Ask Dr. Science, the creation of Dan Coffey and Duck's Breath Mystery Theater. Heard on more than 150 public radio stations in its heyday, the routine never varied. Asked a listener question by his assistant Rodney (the great Merle Kessler), Dr. Science would embark on the most tangential of explanations. Eventually the radio show spun off several books and a short-lived tv version. Why did we love him -- perhaps it's because "he knows more than you do!" Learn more about the show and it's inspirations this episode and as always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Part of the magic of Dr. Science was the vibe established by the theme, the bouncy announcer, and the interplay between Dr. Science and his assistant Rodney. Here's a full episode -- and many more are on YouTube. https://youtu.be/C4if77OAii8?si=m01rw-4Nlz7ovwau
Dr. Science scored a short-lived Fox TV series in 1987, featuring all five members of Duck's Breath. The final episode -- The National Science Test -- is classic. https://youtu.be/2YebJ6lzKpY?si=ayLSM_pjoPsWz3J7
We like to say "all comedy is derivative" and Dr. Science owes at least some of his mojo to Bob and Ray who featured a segment called Ask Mr. Science back in the 1950s. https://youtu.be/J96h5viahAA?si=dl6DY0WJlAT8r0FR
Meet Leo Bloom, The Waco Kid, Willy Wonka, Dr. "Fronk-un-steen" and so many more when you meet this week's Legend -- actor, writer, and director Gene Wilder. From a serendipitous meeting with Mel Brooks, Gene would build an astounding career with characters that always balanced the comedy with some human heart. Gene made just 37 movies over the course of his career, but for people born in the 1950s he was seemingly ubiquitous. Gene ended his most active years with a series of films with fellow Legend Richard Pryor, and he went into semi-retirement after the tragic death of his wife Gilda Radner. But occasionally, Gene would pop up on television in small but juicy role such as his guest spot on Will and Grace which earned him an Emmy for best guest actor in a comedy series. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Gene was essential to Mel Brooks' raunchiest and most provocative movie -- Blazing Saddles. Here's the full clip of Gene's Waco Kid explaining the facts to Cleavon Little's Sheriff Bart. https://youtu.be/hYTQ7__NNDI?si=qlE_g3kh6KHxZJoM
Gene's breakout film role was as nervous accountant Leo Bloom in The Producers. Paired with Zero Mostel, the duo made a irresistible comedy movie team. https://youtu.be/QgJBvEMOpWQ?si=zccr3lJNF65XnTXW
Young Frankenstein is the pinnacle of Gene's work with Mel Brooks -- it's elegant, even touching in places -- yet filled with the clever and often naughty comedy expected from the duo. https://youtu.be/2p5AG0Tqh3A?si=nSahuc1C_0Po-U6G
Gene made a series of highly successful films with Richard Pryor including Stir Crazy in which their wildly different personalities come in handy when they are sent up the river for a robbery they didn't commit!https://youtu.be/oyU6En9HN8E?si=1M4iLuToIAhjsxmr
Come on brothers and sisters, let it all hang out. So sayeth Brother Dave Gardner who built a huge following in the 1950s and early 60s by telling long and sly stories, often in the mode of a Southern preacher -- but a hip one. Originally a musician, Dave brought a jazz cadence to his work. He also was a devotee of the demon weed, and a 1960s marijuana bust sharply curtailed his career. He remained a favorite on campuses and in clubs before a sharp turn into conspiracy theories, coupled with a Lenny Bruce-like shift into dispensing such theories from the stage sent him to the sidelines. But look at any used record store and you'll still find Brother Dave albums from his glory years, a pretty good indicator of how many he sold back in the day. Find extra cuts below and, as always, thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Brother Dave? Dave's signature bit was called The Motorcycle Story. He reworked it and retold it for his entire career, but here's the original incarnation. https://youtu.be/f-PtWvQuIdk?si=LWvajJG9Y9LlGoIt Dave's stories were a wild mix of beatnik slang, southern asides, and flights of imagination. Here's one of his best and most popular, his reworking of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. https://youtu.be/QpZPqAwXWZ4?si=tKd8zOHfWlYhuEX9 Brother Dave was mostly known as a storyteller, but he could deliver a punchline as well, especially when it came to contrasting southern and northern folks. https://youtu.be/hAGgupJv0Wk?si=r2_xPQ98q0pWFACV Here's a little something extra. Dave was fond of telling his audience to just "let it all hang out". Around the same time The Hombres took that phrase and a great beat to the top of the Billboard charts, reputedly inspired by Dave's bit. Here it is in all it's one hit wonder glory!https://youtu.be/kRIr1PPz2uM?si=LSiEwuBgeWh6_zL_
"How are ya?" To fans of SCTV that can mean only one thing -- Bobby Bittman is in the house. The creation of Eugene Levy, Bobby is the epitome of a certain era of comic -- very loud, very full of himself, and very Vegas. Whether as a guest on the Sammy Maudlin show, his own special, or on other shows within the SCTV universe, a Bittman appearance would guarantee lame jokes, false sincerity, and a lot of shtick. Levy played the character throughout SCTV's six seasons and a few years after that show wrapped created a faux-documentary for Cinemax called The Enigma of Bobby Bittman. So take yourself back to the era when Johnny still ruled late night tv and the Vegas shtick masters still roamed the strip and prepare yourself for the comedy magic of Bobby Bittman. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Bobby always greeted fans with his catch phrase -- well, it was really just "How are ya?" but delivered in a way you could feel the bombast on it's way. This time out Bobby cuts a library PSA though he appears to have little familiarity with the services they provide. https://youtu.be/PDHiHIKIOFs?si=GLlLaE96kbfDYnaJ
Bobby's main hang on SCTV was on the Sammy Maudlin show, a parody of celebrity "love fest" talk shows. This is worth every minute of its run time -- it's the Sammy Maudlin 23rd anniversary special. You're welcome!https://youtu.be/eqsGIMHNNcI?si=UzDwgd9S-gv_ZKy3
Bobby (as played by Eugene Levy) had an ego that knew no bounds. The same could be said for John Candy's Orson Welles. Put them together in a show called The Mirthmakers and allow them to over-intellectualize about comedy and the result is SCTV magic. https://youtu.be/xA_xROmH-oc?si=d4ObQEELAhQKx3C4
Unlike SNL, SCTV often built entire shows around extended movie parodies and one of the best was Maudlin's Eleven, a razor sharp parody of the Rat Pack movie Ocean's Eleven. Painfully on point, and Bobby Bittman is right in the middle of it all. https://youtu.be/qbd25kYIiuQ?si=I5Ga1PRROENolfbt
How sweet it is! While we hope you say that after every episode, this week it's mandatory as we feature Jackie Gleason who ruled over variety television in the 1950s and 60s, as well as inventing iconic characters and sketches that influence pop culture to this day. Originally an MC and nightclub comic, Gleason caught the eyes of network execs who tapped him to host a variety show called The Cavalcade of Stars. The show was later moved from New York to Miami Beach and renamed the Jackie Gleason show, recognizing the star power of the host. It was on that show that Jackie invented his most enduring character, loudmouth bus driver Ralph Kramden who anchored the "Honeymooners" sketches. Not just a comedian, Gleason was a master actor, able to play both comedy and dramatic roles and he earned an Oscar nomination for his role as pool legend Minnesota Fats in The Hustler. He also could do broad comedy as his long run as Sheriff Buford T Justice in the Smokey and the Bandit movies proved. And what about those Saturday nights alone with your lover -- well Jackie had you covered there as well with a string of highly successful "romantic music" albums. It all adds up to a unique and legendary career. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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In pop culture Jackie Gleason and Ralph Kramden are joined at the hip. Through sketches on the Jackie Gleason show and a standalone sitcom, The Honeymooners were must see television and inspired another iconic show -- the animated Flintstones. Here is the full bit where Ralph decides he just won't mambo. https://youtu.be/_-FhWB1POWQ?si=sinTj3YRAqY3hbw8
While Ralph Kramden is Jackie's best known character, he had many other gems including sophisticated playboy Reginald Van Gleason who was responsible for delivering his "How Sweet It Is" catchphrase. https://youtu.be/f-aR6IoiN-Q?si=7rfepLuKmvT5fxmI
When the part called for broad comedy Jackie could deliver, as in his long run as the blustering Sheriff Buford T. Justice in the Smokey and the Bandit franchise. https://youtu.be/TjLUPXLPvKo?si=naEK5z7M86ODk8nR
What better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day -- and the 200th Episode of Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy -- than by turning the spotlight on Ardal O'Hanlon, a masterful Irish stand-up comic and television star. Launching into a late 1980s Dublin scene that didn't have much comedy, Ardal had a solution! With a couple of college mates he started a comedy club, then went on to win a "New Act of the Year" award at the Hackney Empire comedy competition in 1994. A long tv career followed with Ardal playing everything from a child-like priest to a superhero to a detective investigator in the recent "Death in Paradise". He has also dabbled in stage and voice acting, and he still finds time to work the standup stages of the UK. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Ardal's big break came in 1995 when he was tapped for a key role in the British sitcom "Father Ted". Playing the child-like Father Dougal McGuire, Ardal was a fan favorite. https://youtu.be/bZ4XdqQrT20?si=0kaD5mCDc8XXOqaE
After his initial series "Father Ted" had concluded it's run, Ardal took a left turn for his next show -- starring as George Sunday -- a simple man who in reality is Thermoman from the planet Ultron. High concept? Yes. Very funny? Absolutely. https://youtu.be/ZimdnUvfs0I?si=dhAisyQ6MKg2cV0r
While he has become a television star with many series under his belt, Ardal continues to perform standup to the delight of fans. This is a fine bit from the BBC Comedy Roadshow a few years back. https://youtu.be/8LrY-Usdc54?si=-VM-Ib19rP0Q4TUf
Might want to put on the asbestos underwear this week -- the modern king of roasting is in the house. Greg Giraldo might have started out as a corporate lawyer, but he soon found out that the stand up stage was his natural habitat. Possessed of a blazing wit and the ability to turn complex issues into sharp gags, Greg was a favorite on Comedy Central in its early days, becoming a fixture at their Celebrity Roasts. But, unlike the heavily sanitized Dean Martin versions folks were used to, the Comedy Central roasts were no holds barred. Similarly, he was a standout on the show Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, on which a panel of stand up comics shredded each other along with the day's news. As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Greg believed comedy was art -- but he knew it wasn't exactly the same as Shakespeare. This short bit from a documentary tells why. https://vimeo.com/11839333
Greg was a first rate standup and this routine, taken from an early Comedy Central special, captures why audiences loved him and why fans today wonder what he would say about our current condition! https://youtu.be/YLz1XujQlBQ?si=X6K1xv5kIAp6LIRD
Greg pretty much owned the Comedy Central roasts and this video collects his finest work. When a joke goes too far -- and one almost always does -- in true roasting fashion Greg dishes it back to the audience and plows straight ahead. Warning -- this one is NSFW! https://youtu.be/0_TrrWWkMXU?si=R9YjlVPI4NsdZOEB
No need for the "7-second delay" button this week -- Brian Regan is in the house. A comic who has built a formidable audience with observational comedy that's sharp, but clean, Brian has released eight CDs and specials worth of material, beginning with 1997's Live. That early CD was a favorite of disc jockeys pressed to find clean comedy for their local version of "The 5:20 Funny" -- with Brian you could just hit play and be guaranteed on a great punchline and no FCC fines! In 2015 Brian was the star of Netflix's first truly live special and in recent years he has begun to branch out into character acting with a particularly juicy role in Peter Farrelly's dark comedy Loudermilk. But despite the occasional acting gig, Brian remains a creature of the standup stage and a favorite of people who love a sharp punchline, but without a side of F-bombs. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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This 1999 clip shows Brian near the start of his career in front of a very enthusiastic crowd at the Just For Laughs comedy festival. Here he rewards them with some thoughts on Pop Tarts. https://youtu.be/r6GHPIwkXl0?si=at-Y7aBjXJujGndF
Brian mines a lot of comedy gold from his childhood -- and particularly his widely shared distaste for the ritual humiliation of the spelling bee!https://youtu.be/CafPNEWnDhk?si=rVKEEShxKo1PDg8F
Brian has taken some first steps into character acting and his role in Peter Farrelly's dark comedy Loudermilk is a gem. https://youtu.be/iwsVPvjV0i8?si=X9_PfNddMmg8caUr
Come back to the golden age of Vegas comics to meet Buddy Hackett who rode a quick wit, an amusing face, and an endless supply of profanity to become a major standup, film, and tv star from the 1950s through the early 2000s. Buddy had Bell's Palsy as a kid which gave him his distinctive look, but his comic persona and timing were all his. A favorite of talk show hosts, Buddy had the most guest appearances of all time on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, and was a welcome addition to motion picture comedies such as The Music Man, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, and Scrooged -- and for the little ones, he voices Scuttle in The Little Mermaid. And the best trivia of all -- Buddy turned down a shot to join The Three Stooges! As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Buddy started out as a tummler in the Catskills, then a family friendly comic. But he gained his most fame in Las Vegas after he took off the muzzle and became famous for using naughty words in bulk!! This one is just a little bit blue. https://www.tiktok.com/@clown.../video/7245747231792336171
Buddy was a wild man which is why he was such a fave on late night television. While he made the rounds, he was most at home on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show where he holds the record for most guest appearances ever. https://youtu.be/KAWvI5eZvC0?si=m8gsxGgrUk37f5Wm
In 1978, Buddy teamed with Harvey Norman to star as Abbott and Costello in the tv biopic "Bud and Lou". Of course they had to do the classic "Who's on First" routine and they did a fine job indeed!https://youtu.be/5JRB5nOFutM?si=fES0zqrJ2D-fuHgL
If you like your comedy with wit, intelligence, and more than a fair amount of savage snark, you're likely already a fan of Ricky Gervais. From his early days as new wave rock artist (really) in London, Ricky moved on to the standup stage, then radio and television. His breakthrough came when he was cast in the BBC series The Office playing the manager of a paper distributor (the role taken in the US version by Steve Carrell). Later, he was in the hit series Extras, followed by a run as Dr. McPhee in the Night at the Museum films. From then on Ricky has blended standup tours with high quality comedy series, most recently After Life. And who can forget the verbal flamethrower he brought to the Golden Globes as a five time host? As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Ricky had a great role in Extras, another BBC gem that ran from 2005 to 2007. He played an actor who could only get roles as extras -- and here's his agent telling him why!https://youtu.be/2oIHXI7ZyOU?si=sDMzLZIGp8qD9iTU
Ricky has hosted the Golden Globes five times, most recently in 2020. His opening monologues were worthy of an original, unexpurgated Friar's Club Roast! https://youtu.be/BvHXzP2SpLA?si=LnJjWLZxFSgMcEiO
Over his quarter century as a standup, Ricky has released 9 specials, most recently 2023's Armageddon which won a Golden Globe. https://youtu.be/sm9AG0TCQ9E?si=eMaVjTVOPRUuYQFX
One of America's most beloved entertainers, Jimmy Durante specialized in gentle, often self-deprecating humor delivered with and unmistakable voice (and nose). From humble starts playing ragtime piano in a family musical act, to major success in films and on the radio with the novelty tune 'Inka-Dinka-Doo", to a long run as a favored guest on television variety and talk shows. By the time he died in 1980, Jimmy's career was well over 70 years long. And, of course, he is destined to live forever as the voice of the singing narrator in the animated classic "Frosty the Snowman." As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Jimmy was a sweet man, and he closed every show saying goodbye to "Mrs. Calabash, where ever you are". Mrs. Calabash was code for his first wife and the name came from a seaside diner they favored. Truly romantic stuff indeed! https://youtu.be/yp7r0j4XrO8?si=gFo5Ln2Ww52FFGAZ
Jimmy's first big hit was a novelty song, "Inka-Dinka-Doo" which soon became his signature song. Here's a movie version with Jimmy selling it with all he's got! https://youtu.be/oV7XIw-eNUg?si=P8b0_2Q3cuW_bBAv
Jimmy's high energy style and ability to adlib made him a perfect host for tv variety shows, such as the Hollywood Palace which he hosted 14 times. Here's a representative episode featuring The Turtles -- as Jimmy says, a bunch of "rocka-rocka's" Bonus! This show also features an early appearance by a clean-cut George Carlin! https://youtu.be/vddmf2tMNSg?si=mQMimb6B-4lZcDy6
Jimmy was over 50 years into his career when he took a role that defined him for a new generation -- that of the singing narrator in the animated classic "Frosty the Snowman". Come on, you know the words -- sing along!https://youtu.be/SDNcJL90Y9A?si=fNnKFKZ6UlmiYlZ2
Meet Kyle Kinane, a comic who looks like everyman, but whose razor sharp humor has won him elite fans around the world. Since emerging as a star in the 2010s, Kyle has recorded six albums, been a globally touring workhorse, hosted podcasts, and was a voice actor as a drug-addicted, drug-sniffing police dog. You know, typical comedy stuff. Kyle's comedy is often built around the contradiction between how he looks (big beard, flannel shirt, gruff) and his style which is playful and self-deprecating. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Kyle has a distinctive look and at a recent appearance in Australia he started by clearing up a few misconceptions! https://youtu.be/cvTS7uQ09ok?si=XOLtYgsFHZbSGbKW
Kyle's comedy often probes the contradictions we face in our everyday live. For instance, why is he a vegan who still wears leather?https://youtube.com/shorts/qj_RqAn9fFI?si=AqjemldJ-0FtRVNe
Kyle's take on cryptocurrency is a great example of his style. Lead with some self-deprecation then close with a punchline you didn't quite see coming. https://youtu.be/cvTS7uQ09ok?si=XOLtYgsFHZbSGbKW&t=183
"It's 106 miles to Chicago. . ." You know the rest, especially if you are a fan of the Blues Brothers, the musical comedy invention of John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd and one of the breakout hits of the original Saturday Night Live, earning sold out concert tours, two feature films, platinum albums, and spinoffs and tributes that continue today. A serendipitous meeting of John Belushi with future blues star Curtis Salgado in Eugene during the filming of Animal House gave John the blues bug, as well as the moves. Danny Ackroyd was already a huge blues fan, even buying a blues bar to unwind in after SNL tapings. Put that together and you had some real combustible magic -- and a real boost for blues music and blues musicians at a time it was sorely needed. As Dan Ackroyd put it (in the persona of Elwood Blues) "We're on a mission from God." Mission accomplished! As always find full cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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The Blues Brothers was a fun (and funny) movie -- and a very quotable one at that. See if you or your friends quoted any of these lines after the movie came out in 1980. https://youtu.be/TrxSM_Gxtqw?si=hJq1l2i9OKtyxFJl
The Blues Brothers specialized in excavating superb blues tunes from singers who weren't household words (unless your house had it's own Jake and Elwood). And Jake learned well from his teachers, including Curtis Salgado, that a little ad=libbed naughtiness in the middle of a song always brought a big reaction. Check out this version of Willie Mabon's "I Don't Know" from a 1978 Winterland concert. And man, what a band! https://youtu.be/eBcc7PvXAHg?si=c4K9JH8m8jMUsYHw
Blues Brothers 2000 paled in comparison to the original in critical reception and box office, but that isn't really fair given the task (replacing John Belushi). There are some great bits in here and the musical numbers are over the top. https://youtu.be/2eEpcETVV3s?si=dYwZrWy6qTq1kVf1
It may be 2024 but to us it's still the Al Franken decade! One of SNL's original staff writers (and occasional on-air talent), Al Franken first announced his "decade" on SNL way back in the 1970s, but since then he has gone on to a career in movies, tv, radio, standup comedy, and a stint as the United States Senator from the state of Minnesota. He also penned a number of wickedly funny books of political analysis and satire, winning a Grammy in 1996 for the audio version of "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot". He's also collected five Emmy award for his writing and today, Al hosts his own podcast. So what if Al's is now approaching 50 years?? We say, well played, Mr. Franken!
Want more Al?
As we said in the intro, Al once pronounced it "The Al Franken Decade" -- here's Al from SNL taking stock of progress. https://youtu.be/wyoaOZW7rTo?si=hvv619eODQxNbddE
One of Al's best loved characters was his least political -- a very "new age" self help hosted named Stuart Smalley. He turned it into a book and a movie, but first it appeared as an SNL skit. https://youtu.be/HMRX-Wj2WOk?si=ZKVCg_sQLyob_kCL
Al was on top of the comedy world back in 1996 after his very funny and very pointed book about Rush Limbaugh (and his ilk) scaled the NYT best seller chart. That year Al was also tapped to host the White House Correspondent's Dinner. Here are some more highlights. https://youtu.be/Cp4vZG-PqII?si=RahZsVsFktJyRzWa
Al recently returned to the spotlight with a well-received guest hosting stint on The Daily Show and a sold out standup tour -- "The Only Former U.S. Senator on Tour Tour". Here's Al with a promo for that tour. https://youtu.be/daGrLOtkyE0?si=LfweOFzKTSeNo_9f
Meet the "Jazz Comedian" Franklyn Ajaye who is a fine jazz clarinetist along with a stellar career as a standup comic and character actor. Franklyn started in the 1970s with a series of excellent stand-up albums and roles in a number of popular movies including the iconic "Car Wash" in which he played a lovable motormouth known as "The Fly". Eventually tiring of American political life, Franklyn decamped to Australia where he has become a favorite on stage and screen. And he still takes an occasional role in an American hit such as that of Maya Rudolph's dad in Bridesmaids, or as part of HBO's Deadwood. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Franklyn?
Early in his career Franklyn made the rounds of tv talk shows and this clip from Merv Griffin is a good sample of his style. https://youtu.be/cog_NERLS6Y?si=QvxV4-U2QT052R6_
Franklyn cut three excellent standup albums in the 1970s, but he may be best remembered as Dee-Luxe Car Wash employee T.C. "The Fly" Elcott, in the classic 1976 comedy Car Wash. https://youtu.be/qE1u-W1uGz4?si=Fnyilj--PAgnjrCK
This is a fun piece from Franklyn's "Talking Vagabond Jazz" show about a bit of Star Trek lore loved by all pop culture aficionados. https://youtu.be/oM4bi3sU59w?si=ENw4W7TyLb5JyEVG
Here's a rare special that follows Franklyn on tour in Australia in 1990, and also features a bit of his clarinet at the start. https://www.reddit.com/.../jazz_comedian_franklyn.../...
Huh-huh, huh-huh-huh. Yes, it's time to meet Beavis and Butt-head, the legendary creations of Mike Judge who went on to MTV stardom, movie hits, and several revivals by providing boneheaded stupidity and lots of it, with some rock and roll thrown in for good measure. Based on a composite of middle-school morons Judge knew, Beavis and Butt-head shocked pundits and reviewers with its crude humor, but audiences begged to differ. So get out the Winger albums -- it's time for B and B! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more B&B?
This is short but fun -- Butt-head provides his all purpose verdict on music, food, people, tv, etc. that suck. https://youtu.be/UcbXCMvpmWo?si=2_20aWuoG1cEaY5n
The clear breakout star of Beavis and Butt-head was "The Great Cornholio" who appeared when Beavis had too many stimulants (candy and caffeine in his case). Here's the transformation process in action.https://youtu.be/9oPTTfNuolc?si=PLWOAsUJCUECeeWl
When Paramount rebooted Beavis and Butt-head for it's 30th Anniversary, as with most cartoons the characters were stuck in their original time frame. But not always as in this gem where a current-day B&B apply for a job with Amazon! https://youtu.be/7eU8ovtnzvw?si=FnkqxUdfoMEZctZG
Meet Bob Rivers, long-time Seattle morning disc jockey, Radio Hall of Fame inductee, and for our purposes most importantly the man behind Twisted Tunes! Over the course of a 40 year radio career Rivers wrote and produced hundreds of razor sharp parodies of popular hits. Part of Bob's genius was his ear for voice talent, so his AC/DC parodies really sounded like AC/DC and the Beatles bits sounded like the Beatles. After a "Twisted Christmas" album hit the charts, Bob began releasing more tunes and they grew to have their own life separate from the radio show. When he retired in 2014, he was recalled in the press as a morning host who didn't need to shock -- he just unleashed superior wit and musicianship to get his laughs. As alway, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Bob?
Bob was a master of stylistic satire and his take on Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" is parody perfection. https://youtu.be/9hNkfvW64VU?si=V5ypF_XYpQr4a-80
Bob once said he believed the OJ Simpson murder trial generated more Twisted Tunes than any other single event. This one, "OJ's Dirty Laundry" is a fine parody of Don Henley's then-big hit. https://youtu.be/As5swSslDVM?si=Mz8rc6IQf2JD9ocd
Perhaps the most popular Twisted Tune was Bob's parody of Joan Osborne's "What if God was One of Us?". https://youtu.be/wwnXsdCbUYI?si=BRxPbvGkxdxPmO46
It doesn't happen often, but even in retirement Bob still pops out a Twisted Tune and the one he did for Covid showed he'd lost nothing off his fastball! https://youtu.be/RgAbsDKHaW0?si=5TkunrGaWZ5OUv5b
It's Ebony and Ivory, baby, and we've got the Chairman of the Board to sing it for you today! Well, ok, we actually have Joe Piscopo with his superb Frank Sinatra impression that he frequently deployed on Saturday Night Live in the early 1980s. His SNL run also included one of the most cringe inducing (in a good way) SNL characters ever -- Doug Whiner. After a few missteps along the way after SNL (bodybuilding!), Joe developed a touring act that focuses on his musical impressions and has become a long running talk radio host in New York. As always find extended cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Joe?
Joe Piscopo has the misfortune to join SNL just after the original cast and Lorne Michaels had all departed. Lucky for him, Eddie Murphy was also along for the ride and they were the only two kept the next year when they became breakout stars and were featured in what is often voted one of SNL's best sketches ever -- take it away Stevie Wonder and The Chairman of the Board. https://youtu.be/U3-2Z2rmG0w?si=OTAogohQXoxAqq1K
While his mimicry made him a star, Joe stood out in other sketches, none more so than as Doug Whiner, half of "The Whiners", a couple who meet every minor problem with a gale force blast of -- well, whining! https://youtu.be/xH8yt71CDNU?si=9N7fFa3SAD4vW7Dd
Joe had always reveled in his New Jersey background -- in later talk radio incarnation he was known as "Jersey Joe". So is it any surprise that the centerpiece of his 1985 comedy album and special titled New Jersey would be another favorite son. https://youtu.be/otfMyWmkWfY?si=WQQwWhZzmDwToUSh
Sorry for the rough picture quality, but we had to throw in a little bonus this week -- an extended cut of Joe as Sinatra absolutely wrecking rock songs including Under My Thumb. You'll never hear it the Rolling Stones way again. https://youtu.be/U3-2Z2rmG0w?si=MYrFx2hnvRZVg5Ai
Happy Holidays from Randy and Steve! Instead of a single artist this week, we're going to dip into a little holiday comedy that will bring a smile to your face. Allan Sherman? Check! Elmo and Patsy? Check! Adam Sandler? Check! Doc Mo She (???) Check!!! You get the picture. And you also get our thanks for letting us be part of your holidays this year. As always, find extra cuts in the comments (and these are gems) and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Holiday Humor?
Jeff Foxworthy was a titan of standup comedy back in the 1990s and as all entertainers do, he adapted his shtick to the holidays and issued his version of the 12 Days of Christmas -- adding his "redneck" flavor to the proceedings. https://youtu.be/h8ISVIOgPJA?si=3yR6c1r-ARhM30UG
We love Allan Sherman here and one of his best parodies was his take on the 12 Days, featuring some of the cheesier gifts of the moment. https://youtu.be/DgrkqDJFQoo?si=P3dWLQc1XKLJil-T
Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis have created many fine comic characters, but none more beloved than those hosers from the Great White North, Bob and Doug McKenzie. Their take on 12 Days has a distinctly Canuck feel! https://youtu.be/c3aCw-RurOk?si=KQq8pBgYaZi0NDKW
If there was an all-time Christmas novelty tune, Elmo and Patsy's "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" would surely be in the mix. A folk duo from Marin County, Elmo and Patsy cut this tune for fun, but it soon found its way onto radio playlists -- it was different, it was funny, and it was FCC clean! For DJs that was a Christmas miracle! https://youtu.be/MgIwLeASnkw?si=x1M2atIIojTp3VKl
You don't usually associate Psychobilly/Roots wild man Mojo Nixon with Christmas tunes, but he weighed in with a naughty disc (Horny Holidays) back in 1992 and it had his great read on "Mr. Grinch"!https://youtu.be/A1YVehEGG6E?si=kFpqbEns4eQ0IQkJ
The Christmas Jug Band is made up of some of the finest Marin County musicians and they come together once a year for a few fun and popular holiday concerts. They can handle the traditional holiday tunes -- and they can deliver this, a fun little ditty about Santa losing a prized possession!!https://youtu.be/D9zli5IC6qE?si=lWtM5I_OIDYjtD4-
We always leave room for some Hanukkah humor, and it's getting easier to find each year as a new generation of Jewish humorists takes over. The absolute icon of the genre is Adam Sandler's Hanukkah Song and here it is in all its SNL glory. https://youtu.be/KX5Z-HpHH9g?si=_AwmyvJ0035RHGDK
Tom Lehrer wrote some of the best satirical songs ever, but his initial career was brief. So it was a delight for fans when his box set contained a few new tunes, including "I'm Spending Hanukkah in Santa Monica"! https://youtu.be/R_3FjHEbdhc?si=uUUf3gGxy7XF6bIs
Hanukkah Hip Hop? Of course we've got you covered! We saw a video of this years ago at a Dr. Demento lecture -- it's Doc Mo She, The Hanukkah Homeboy, letting you know what he's all about. https://youtu.be/Er8a7gOPe5Q?si=qNlRPZwWLLKIbtIj
Saturday Night Live has always had cringeworthy characters and none moreso than Pat Riley, the androgynous, uncomfortable, and very funny creation of Julia Sweeney, this week's legend. With deep improv roots, Julia was on SNL for four years in the early 1990s, but after life dealt her a bad hand with a cancer diagnosis, she pivoted to one-woman shows, including God Said Ha! (about her medical journey) which later had a movie version produced by Quentin Tarantino. Since then, Julia has continued with one-woman shows and juicy supporting roles including as Andy Bryant's micromanaging mother. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Julia?
Julia's most famous character was the androgynous and cringe inducing Pat Riley who she created at the Groundlings Improv Company, then took to Saturday Night Live and the big screen. Here Pat interacts with another legend -- the great Catherine O'Hara -- and the results are comedy perfection. https://youtu.be/Y6PcTOKSP0A?si=5FABnp5ebnNCJBpi
Julia turned her greatest challenge -- a cancer diagnosis -- into her greatest triumph, the one-woman show God Said Ha! It's an intimate, tender, emotional, and very funny look at an often taboo topic. This snippet will give you a flavor, but the whole film is well worth your time.https://youtu.be/NcxWc6bpA-w?si=yvpfM5nKX7j7k9iG
In recent years Julia has continued with one-woman shows, but she has also taken some great character roles such as that of Aidy Bryant's nagging mom in the Hulu Original series Shrill.https://www.metacritic.com/.../season-1/episode-2-date/
For five decades Don Knotts charmed the public from early work as an ensemble player on The Steve Allen Show to his long run as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show to more family-friendly Disney movies than you can count, Don turned his "nervous man" personal into comedy gold. Later in his career, Don found a niche in small, but juicy supporting roles on Three's Company and in movies such as Pleasantville -- and he also reunited with Andy Griffith for the Matlock series. As always find more clips below and thanks for watching our shows!
Want more Don Knotts? Don's greatest triumph came when he was cast as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife, a lovable bumbler, in The Andy Griffith Show. Here is one of Don's all time great bits as Barney gets into an argument with Jim Nabors as Gomer Pyle. https://youtu.be/A1D78Y60gvo?si=oiL3o2wJBbWfQrqP
In the 1960s Don starred in a run of family-friendly movies including The Incredible Mr. Limpet, The Love God, The Reluctant Astronaut, and our fave -- The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. Here are some highlights of Don in that film, playing the high strung Luther Heggs. https://youtu.be/fkSk-Zz9Bno?si=HHYinseQbbAZtUdn
In 1979 Don returned as a tv series regular playing the lovable landlord Ralph Furley on the comedy hit Three's Company. https://youtu.be/NEE05Egqjlo?si=3PwAyPNpQxq7IquY
Late in his career, Don appeared in a number of juicy supporting tv and film roles including a mysterious and slightly sinister tv repairman in the comedy-drama Pleasantville.https://youtu.be/Mii7EcFsGho?si=T1UFxJ0hwBphv-3U
Grab some confetti and settle in to meet Rip Taylor -- The King of Confetti! A flamboyant slinger of "rim shot" jokes, Rip initially punctuated his act with exaggerated crying when his gags bombed. Ed Sullivan was a fan (he booked him over 20 times) and dubbed Rip "The Crying Comedian". Much later when bombing on the Merv Griffin show, instead of crying Rip was moved to tear up his joke cards and toss them in the air like confetti. The audience went nuts and from then on it was confetti instead of crying -- and a career that saw long runs in Las Vegas, many game and talk show appearances, and supporting film roles including Indecent Proposal (a rare dramatic turn) and Wayne's World (a great comedic turn). As always find more clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Rip?
The New York Times once described Rip as a cross between Captain Kangaroo and Liberace, wound up to warp factor 7. Pretty good description! https://youtu.be/50pFJU99wUw
Ed Sullivan gave Rip his big TV break and had him back over 20 times. Here's an early Rip performance sans mustache and with crying, not confetti, as the shtick. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rm4g_ZGx-c
Rip was over the top, so in 1978 when producing madman Chuck Barris had an idea for another show that would do for beauty pageants what the Gong Show he tapped Rip to be the host. So back from the glory days of shlock tv -- here's a bit of the $1.98 Beauty Show! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF7yrbl_X6E
He's Chevy Chase. . .and you're not! From early work with the National Lampoon Radio Hour to his time as the first anchor of SNL's Weekend Update, to a varied (and variable) movie career, Chevy Chase has blended snark and slapstick to the delight of fans. Films such as Fletch, National Lampoon's Vacation, and Caddyshack were box office hits while other projects such as a Fox late night show were bombs. And there were many stories of Chevy and his coworkers scrapping (sometimes literally) along the way. So fans were surprised when Chevy reemerged as Pierce Hawthorne in the NBC sitcom Community. That didn't end well either, but it was a welcome callback to the time when we all stayed up late waiting for the words "Live from New York, It's Saturday Night!" As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Chevy?
Chevy's tenure at Saturday Night Live was stormy, but maybe that was inevitable as he became the breakout star of the first season with his pratfall filled opens and his Weekend Update anchor gig. Here's Chevy with one of his most notorious impressions -- that of perpetually clumsy President Gerald Ford. https://youtu.be/_bvxZgCryUE?si=nYQ8kyW-I4log8Nh
Chevy's first two films were rom-coms which confused his fans who were expecting sharper edged comedy. That came in 1980 courtesy of Caddyshack, a Lampoon production that included great work from Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, and Ted Knight. All together now -- Be The Ball! https://youtu.be/I3akC_INsFc?si=iY_iB8Msu6xrNUBk
Chevy pretty much fell off the radar in the early 2000s, so it was a surprise at the end of the decade when he was cast as older community college student Pierce Hawthorne in NBC's Community and gained a new generation of fans. https://youtu.be/srIhtTPUJ_g?si=DcgRiITlDt1j7Rzi
Meet Kate McKinnon, one of Saturday Night Live's greatest "most valuable players" in this miniprogram. From early work in a college sketch troupe, to a breakout role in The Big Gay Sketch Show, Kate next made the leap to Saturday Night Live where her versatility and mimicry made her a legend. At the same time, Kate began to establish herself in movie comedies including the all-female Ghostbusters reboot and this year's smash hit Barbie in which Kate plays -- you guessed it -- "Weird Barbie". As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Kate?
Kate was a treat as Weird Barbie in 2023's smash Barbie movie. Here's a sample. https://youtu.be/66cMkxolaHM?si=y6mZX9IgwlJwASw3
One of Kate's standout characters from SNL was Colleen Rafferty, a woman with unusual alien encounters! https://youtu.be/OuRnPvJe7C8?si=2o1PEDqMNN7ebHOM
One of Kate's best SNL impressions was Trump advisor and "fake news" inventor Kellyanne Conway, here envisioned in a therapy session with husband George. https://youtu.be/0B96ZM3C-h4?si=rmFi9lvHGxANyC7g
Kate's versatility allowed to play both female and male roles -- such as her take on Covid guru Dr. Anthony Fauci. https://youtu.be/IqgyBN0OIns?si=A4bw-XYnxjdaqOTm
This one is delightful. Kate plays the Devil who it turns out invented podcasts. And who better as a guest on the Devil's own podcast than Alan Dershowitz! https://youtu.be/3c5neBXQwf8?si=WDS_X0KZYR2Phatt
When Paul Feig recruited an all-female cast for a Ghostbusters reboot a few years ago, a key role went to Kate who played eccentric and slightly disturbing physics specialist Dr. Jillian Holtzman -- here recounting an unfortunate lab incident. https://youtu.be/X5FgreIMIQo?si=30YyVm-kU7cpAnZX
Meet Morecambe and Wise -- that's Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise -- who formed one of Britain's most illustrious and best-loved double-acts of all time. From beginnings in post-WWII Great Britain the lads soon found a home first on radio, then with television series and specials that spanned 20 years. And, for many of those years, they produced Britain's most watched Christmas special -- a real tradition. Morecambe and Wise were versatile, with both men capable of song and dance as well as either the comic or straight man role. That versatility made them a huge influence on future British comics including Ben Elton and Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. Not bad for a couple of song and dance men who just wanted to make people laugh. As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Morecambe and Wise?
Morecambe and Wise had oodles of chemistry -- perfect for two guys who could flex between the comic and straight man parts with ease. Here is some typical banter with Shakespeare the focus. https://youtu.be/WMXz2SCqtfg?si=rMO19GXNPcWZD__6
As one of Britain's top variety shows, Morecambe and Wise were the place to be for pop stars including a man who was the biggest of all back in the early 1970s -- Tom Jones! -- who shows a bit of comedic flair himself. https://youtu.be/e66z6nnWKq0?si=Siv0_Hkb0kiPECpT
One of Morecambe and Wise's secrets was the quality of their scripts, mostly written by Eddie Braben who also was the pen behind David Frost and Ronnie Corbett. It allowed them to draw top-notch guest stars including Andre Previn, here helping the boys with a classical music bit (taken from the 1971 M&W Christmas Special). https://youtu.be/R7GeKLE0x3s?si=sBr-gYcqixGc1l8j
This week we sample some classic Halloween Humor from everyone ranging from Bo Diddley and Tom Lehrer to Joe Flaherty and Bobby "Boris" Pickett. While Christmas remains the big dog among holidays for comedy records, Halloween has a more than respectable showing, particularly in the 1940s and 60s, the heyday of novelty songs reaching the Billboard Top 40 charts. So if you aren't able to sneak enough candy from you child (or grandchild's) treat bag, enjoy these comedy confections (plus no calories). As always, find complete cuts below and thanks for listening and sharing our shows.
Want more Halloween Humor?
Jerry Seinfeld is a master at observing everyday life and his Halloween routine is a brilliant look inside a kid's mind on the one day a year when the manta is "get candy!" https://www.facebook.com/nationalcomedycenter/videos/360617858385857/?mibextid=zDhOQc
If you lived on the East Coast, your faux Dracula tv host was Philly DJ John Zacherle -- known as the "Cool Ghoul" -- who scored a national hit with the tasty Dinner with Drac.https://youtu.be/vZa_kmCxflg?si=mMI9cAsU6mpcBVzx
Novelty song king Allan Sherman couldn't resist getting into the Dracula act with "My Son the Vampire." To be honest, it isn't his best, but man is he committed to a premise -- you will never hear the word "blood" the same way again! https://youtu.be/9B4HroAm78o?si=UY4V0JloLgSU6I-N'
Tune into SCTV back in the early 1980s and you might see Joe Flaherty adopt the persona of Count Floyd, lame late night tv movie host. His movies -- usually 3D stinkers -- would often feature John Candy's "Dr. Tongue" in a key role. Case in point -- this epic Monster Chiller Horror Theater -- featuring Dr. Tongue's 3D House of Cats! https://youtu.be/SMQ8qSEVFo0?si=04oWeuTwAntHIfOt
A legend in satirical song, Tom Lehrer's career was brief but stellar. This clip, taken from a 1967 Danish tour, features one of Tom's most macabre melodies -- "I Hold Your Hand in Mine". https://youtu.be/I9C2v1oLXQo?si=GcqRYbpDWqC2MJ9y
1959 saw voice actor Bob McFadden unleash a truly odd character -- Dor -- which was the backwards spelling of his recording partner, poet Rod McKuen. https://youtu.be/boMW2kVgk34?si=jSZ6AqOzF-ARHYD0
Lambert, Hendricks and Ross are legends of vocalese -- the blending of jazz, scat singing, and sound effects and nowhere did it come together better than in Halloween Spooks. https://youtu.be/7adiWXwPCqU?si=iLbaDsTAO6sAFQeZ
The 1950s and 60s being the era of dance crazes, it's no surprise that Halloween has seen its share. First up, Bo Diddley, adapting his signature style to "Bo Meets The Monster." https://youtu.be/nc6mcuQ-T0A?si=lIopmrH8VZw_oOIz
Once you've seen Ted Cassidy's Lurch character you won't forget him -- but in case you need a reminder here is a long forgotten disc in which Ted teaches us to Do the Lurch. https://youtu.be/p8w4fOBJd_s?si=Am3zRV0X9a3y8FOD
Could we forget the Big Daddy of Halloween hits -- Bobby "Boris" Pickett's Monster Mash? Nope and here it is in all its cheesy glory -- and it still brushes the Top singles charts on occasion! https://youtu.be/vNuVifA7DSU?si=scJz5lV0KXs6PblJ
Today we meet a man who is a true perspiration to both of us, the great Norm Crosby -- also known as the master of malaprop. Born out of the need for a shtick when he was a young comic, Norm's ability to mangle the language on command was a hit with audiences and led to a decades long career in comedy clubs, long runs in Las Vegas, and myriad appearances in film and on television. Norm was also a staple at the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts (and the much naughtier Friar's Club version), a regular on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, and an unlikely pitchman for beer. Not bad for a comic with Catskills material, but a gift for garbled gab that was top shelf all the way. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Norm?
If you want a nice sample of what Norm was all about this clip from the Ed Sullivan Show in 1967 is a great place to start. It's a simple riff on US History, but filled with the malaprop comedy that made his career. https://youtu.be/gshTXgcyoq4?si=Z3ZkQqqSMO4JrSkl
Norm was a Vegas stalwart with headlining gigs of his own, plus a long run opening shows for the likes of Tom Jones. Here's Norm guesting on the mother of all Vegas gigs -- the Jerry Lewis Telethon (Norm appeared 27 times). https://youtu.be/KjImNhOSDac?si=Cpo3iQkVowynKAT_
Later in his career Norm found a new audience through an unlikely source -- he became a tv pitchman, most notably for the then new Natural Light Beer. Nothing like dressing up a lousy beer with some classic comedy! https://youtu.be/teUfoBNYXrY?si=VPa6k9mjestTFyj3
Meet Alan Arkin, a sly comic actor who turned his fine eye for characters into a legendary career that spanned 50 years and won him many awards, including an Oscar at age 72 for Little Miss Sunshine. From his beginnings as a folk singer, to a stint with the Second City Improv troupe, to an iconic role in Catch-22, to late-in-life triumphs on the big and small screens, Arkin always imbued his supporting characters with first-rate humanity. As always, find more clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
Want more Alan Arkin?
Like many iconic comics before (and since), Alan spent time at the Second City Improv Troupe and was a big part of their classic early sketches. Here is Alan, as Noah, auditioning animals fo the ark. https://youtu.be/GaqaFcG0sy0?si=6R41wo-M_gDu0DEa
Little Miss Sunshine was a surprise hit back in 2006 with it's oddball family road trip capturing the public imagination. A big part of that was Alan's portrayal of the grandfather and his interaction with Abigail Breslin who played the title character. https://youtu.be/10WeBvmN0C0?si=3uAPgM2sja5kdImz
Joseph Heller's antiwar novel Catch 22 was a cultural touchstone, and Alan's portrayal of Captain John Yossarian was key to the success of the movie adaptation. Here is Yossarian discovering the meaning of Catch 22. https://youtu.be/oRIFdh0QG7A?
Alan's last major role was as Norm Newlander, longtime agent to acting coach Sandy Kominsky (played by Michael Douglas). Their scenes together were warm and witty, imbued with wisdom that comes with age. https://youtu.be/gUgxPOIkVFQ?si=TDsZYl6thZbbQKis
No, "EGOT" isn't a Tolkein or Star Wars character. In fact, EGOT status is far more rare, with fewer than a dozen winners of the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, AND Tony Awards to date, including this week's legend, the very funny, very pointed, and very bawdy Whoopi Goldberg. From an early one-woman tribute to Moms Mabley, to movies including The Color Purple, Ghost, and Sister Act, to a long run on ABC's The View, Whoopi has been a ubiquitous part of pop culture for nearly 50 years -- and she shows no signs of slowing down! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Since 2007, Whoopi has been part of the panel on ABC's daytime talk show The View. Her mouth has landed her in hot water a few times, but more often it lands on comedy gold. https://youtu.be/VRI5IMOCwnY?si=mzSde7lZU30_MewT
Whoopi won her first Oscar playing a psychic in the hit movie Ghost. As an intermediary between Patrick Swayze and his still-alive girlfriend Demi Moore, Whoopi brought a perfect balance of sensitivity and sass to the role. https://youtu.be/oAb2_-uv41Y?si=Rr2tlkK1UtVMVdz5
Whoopi had a great run of hit movies in the 80s and 90s, none more beloved than Sister Act, a fish out of water classic in which Whoopi's "lounge singer on the run" gets placed by the Witness Protection Program into a convent. Here's Whoopi "freestyling" a mealtime blessing. https://youtu.be/-5lFiIvUZ_c?si=cj9zw1-MD1P3Pfac
The Wayans family has been associated with film and television comedy since the 1980s and Keenan Ivory Wayans is the patriarch of that talented group. After almost graduating with an engineering degree, Keenan pivoted to Hollywood with his good friend Robert Townsend, starring in the superb satire about the life of black actors called "The Hollywood Shuffle". From then on Keenan would mix film triumphs ("I'm Gonna Get You Sucka'!) with groundbreaking tv work ("In Living Color"). His comedy is urban, raunchy, and very, very funny. In recent years, Keenan has worked more behind the camera, often featuring family members in his casts. Find more clips below as always, and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Keenan has spent so much time as a sketch actor, director, and producer that it's easy to forget he is a fine standup as evidenced by this 1983 set on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. https://youtu.be/OU91m_TtTTw?si=3V7_Pk2gVqRS4x22
Keenan found a kindred spirit (and early comedy writing partner) in Robert Townsend and their work bore fruit in the form of the 1987 satirical gem "Hollywood Shuffle". Here's a sample, featuring their take on the "Black Acting School". https://youtu.be/HoqmCwp95Q8?si=b9aFZqJpCI09J59C
In 1990 Keenan launched his signature show "In Living Color". Conceived of as an edgier SNL, with a multiracial cast, In Living Color launched the careers of Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx, as well as Keenan's siblings Marlon and Damon. This bit about a sketchy shopping service is one of the show's enduring classics. https://youtu.be/55aHvFD-I80?si=hbBGhkZTEHOQA5L-
If you'd like some pie with your coffee we can't help, but if it's a pie in the face you crave let us introduce you to a modern master of that slapstick art -- Soupy Sales! After starting as a teen dance television show host in Cincinatti (ala Dick Clark), Soupy switched to hosting a children's show -- a gig that on-and-off would serve him for four decades. Soupy's show was goofy, including lots of interplay with a cast of puppet co-stars and yes, lots of pies in the face for Soupy and his guests. He also scored a minor dance hit in the 1960s with "The Mouse" and later in life worked in radio and on the nostalgia circuit. And as for those pies -- once Soupy estimated he had taken 25,000 cream pies to the face and judging by the video evidence that exists we aren't doubting it. Besides it we did -- yep, we'd deserve a pie in the face as well! Find more clips below and thank for sharing our shows!
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Soupy was so associated with taking a pie in the face he included a song about it on one of his many children's albums. https://youtu.be/4js5cKeAslw?si=nIL8OxnloChQuW3-
Soupy worked with a menagerie of puppet characters and none was more beloved than Pookie, a lion who could pitch punchlines to Soupy with ease. https://youtu.be/kcb87xi8cVg?si=mjuJ_MgGfuRa8b1R
In the 1960s, Top 40 radio still had space for novelty records and Soupy scored a hit in 1965 with "The Mouse". https://youtu.be/kP1_F9zEF7o?si=m_xgQtLx2hiXgcgP
Meet a longtime favorite from North of the Border -- Rick Mercer! Over a career now over 30 years, Rick has had a hand in creating some of Canada's best loved satirical shows, including This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Made in Canada, and The Rick Mercer Report. Rick's gifts at blending news, parody, sketch comedy, and "person in the street" interviews have earned him multiple Gemini Awards (the Canadian Emmy), membership in the Order of Canada, and a Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award from The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards. Not bad, eh? As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Canadians love to poke fun at Americans and few have done it better than Rick, whose "Talking to Americans" bit from This Hour Has 22 Minutes finds him showing Americans to be a bit clueless -- using our own words for evidence. https://youtu.be/7ZE0TuKTpo4?si=YBr4h3PSjXFVfkrt
A big part of Rick's enduring popularity are his rants -- short and pointed bits of satire (in the style of the Dennis Leary MTV commercials). https://youtu.be/225Mx6ya7SQ?si=CWLSM4MwMN6ny-pZ
Rick Mercer is a master at interview work and when he is paired with a wildman such as long-time Hockey Night in Canada commentator Don Cherry it's comedy gold. The topic? Why men's suits, of course! https://youtu.be/EFPuMzza9hk?si=LCqBq0Kjc0XCDVs0
Meet Andy Kaufman whose performance-art style comedy had the power to amuse, mystify, and (sometimes) offend during a short but brilliant run in the 1970s and 80s. A master of oddball characters, Andy first gained national fame with a groundbreaking spot on SNL in 1975, then in 1978 he took on the role of Latka the foreign mechanic on the smash TV sitcom Taxi. But fans who bought a ticket for his live show found themselves in a spectacle of edgy crowd work including a long-running bit in which Andy would wrestle female audience members for the "Intergender Wrestling Championship of the World." Was it all a put on? With Andy, who ever knew exactly where the line was drawn? As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Andy's breakout tv role was as Latka, a foreign mechanic, on Taxi. To take advantage of his range of characters, writers gave Latka multiple personality syndrome. But they all came from Latka, whose indecipherable accent was a staple at office water coolers during the show's run. https://youtu.be/NRKxPrFXbO0?si=ov1HyZXabHbyMfk_
Anyone who watched SNL in its early years remembers groundbreaking sketches and appearances and Andy's 1975 spot sure qualifies! https://youtu.be/Yxp23Gkvn9g?si=k-0shn_WLRLR4OJq
Andy had a thing for pro wrestling, eventually sparking a feud with Jerry "The King" Lawler that landed in David Letterman's lap in 1982. Was it all a fake? Andy never broke character! https://youtu.be/FL9PGJslS6A?si=Xxjc_YVHni8bxoGD
Bill Dana is best known for his Jose Jimenez character which charmed television audiences in the 1950s and 60s but there was so much more. A gifted comedy writer, Dana created some classic comedy bits including Don Adams "Would You Believe?" routine from Get Smart and the superb All in the Family episode where Archie Bunker had Sammy Davis, Jr. as a guest in his house. Dana was also a civil rights advocate (he retired the Jose character because of its stereotypes) and a comedy historian, co-founding the American Comedy Archives at his alma mater, Emerson College. Find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Back when a comedy routine could break into the radio Top 40, Bill struck comedy gold in 1961 when he released "The Astronaut" a Jose Jimenez bit that capitalized on the space race and raced up to number 19 on the Billboard charts. https://youtu.be/8YXKL86H6kU?si=AwogyYmDqOXeOSwF
Bill Dana became known to a wider audience as part of Steve Allen's superb comedy troupe, first as a writer, then as an actor. He created the Jose Jimenez character specifically for the show and his banter with Steve was an instant crowd favorite. https://youtu.be/9DMQJtKaXtM?si=y0iQJtKO24ZtK6JW
Back when a comedy routine could break into the radio Top 40, Bill struck comedy gold in 1961 when he released "The Astronaut" a Jose Jimenez bit that capitalized on the space race and raced up to number 19 on the Billboard charts. https://youtu.be/8YXKL86H6kU?si=AwogyYmDqOXeOSwF
A standup stalwart who stepped into the Tonight Show hosting gig when Johnny Carson retired, Jay Leno held that spot for 20 years. So when he finally retired, then unretired, then retired again (after some Succession-worthy intrigue) did Jay pick up the fishing pole? Nope! Instead he continued with frequent standup gigs, became a game-show host (You Bet Your Life), and launched a show about his friends and their cars (Jay Leno's Garage). As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Late night television went to war after Johnny Carson retired with battles over his successor. In that scrap, Leno was often pitted against the prickly David Letterman who many felt should have succeeded Carson. That feud led to a memorable ad during the 2010 Super Bowl featuring Jay, Dave, and "mediator" Oprah Winfrey. https://youtu.be/-KSKkmypTZM?si=le0WGVwrG5Fd3FyE
When Jay moved to Los Angeles and became part of the comedy scene there in the late 1970s it was only a matter of time before he scored the Holy Grail of guest spots -- a slot on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. Here's that first appearance from 1977 (and dig the green leisure suit). https://youtu.be/qvmQZ1jQjQk?si=NkLFMQagKE2sN1Iu
One of Jay Leno's signature bits on The Tonight Show was "Headlines" in which Jay would read real headlines from local papers -- always with some bizarre or inappropriate typos. It was a hit and spawned a number of book spinoffs. https://youtu.be/L-xm_zjXFMw?si=ePezelqI_O89TRts
Jay Leno is a workhorse -- he doesn't seem comfortable unless he has several projects in the fire. After he retired from The Tonight Show, one of those irons involved his love of old cars (he has a huge collection). This episode of Jay Leno's Garage featured Martha Steward reminiscing about her old Edsel station wagon. https://youtu.be/KaGqElpspm0?si=G2tosPABBwNoLmGE
Bob Hope and Bing Crosby were both Hollywood icons, but when they teamed up to do a series of irreverent "buddy" comedies, they created another Legend -- the "Road To. . ." series. The plots were thin -- mostly an excuse to have Bob and Bing team up to break the 4th wall, unroll loads of snarky adlibs, and create some classic physical shtick. With Dorothy Lamour along for the ride, the films were a hit, and an template for decades of "buddy" pictures to follow. As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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For most of the Road movies, the lead female role was played by the great Dorothy Lamour. Here are Bob, Bing, and Dorothy in a scene from Road to Rio. https://youtu.be/gTEvHqkQZ3c
An enduring bit of physical shtick from the Road movies is "patty cake" in which Bob and Bing find an excuse to play the children's game -- starting a faux fist fight in the process and escaping whatever peril they were in. https://youtu.be/LQ-HhecZqjE
Bob and Bing were gleeful violators of the old acting code that you never "break the 4th Wall" -- meaning you don't talk to the audience. Here's a fun supercut of some of their best "4th Wall" offenses from The Road to Bali. https://youtu.be/uFOKJzKt3Iw
Whether Tina Fey is selected to follow Lorne Michaels as SNL honcho or not, her legendary status is more than secure, including a long-running stint as SNL head writer and Weekend Update anchor. But there is so much more to Tina, including work at The Second City, starring in and producing award winning hit sitcoms (30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), and teaming up with Amy Poehler to make an unbeatable awards show hosting duo. Add to that a Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and shelves full of Emmy and Golden Globe awards and you've got yourself a legendary career right there!
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Tina was SNL's first female head writer, and when she was added as Weekend Update anchor her star became even brighter. Here is some of Tina's best from the anchor desk. https://youtu.be/l3vAVhaIEIk
After leaving SNL, Tina developed and starred in the hit comedy 30 Rock, about the backstage antics at a show that looked a lot like SNL. As Producer Liz Lemon, she held it all together -- plus dropped in some snarky one liners of her own. https://youtu.be/9dYW_m5I074
When Tina and Amy Poehler signed on to host the Golden Globes they were seen as a safer choice than long-time host Ricky Gervais. Ha! They threw down with the best of them -- here is some of their best.https://youtu.be/Sy6CfQCiBUk
If you grew up watching Looney Tunes, the name Chuck Jones is sure to bring a big smile. As a director, Chuck helmed so many of the classic episodes, from Duck Amuck and Barbary Coast Bunny to What's Opera Doc and The Rabbit of Seville. Plus, if you love the animated version of How The Grinch Stole Christmas, you can thank Chuck Jones for the animation wizardry that brought that story to life. As Robin Williams said when he awarded Chuck a lifetime achievement Oscar, "we have a jones for Chuck Jones". As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Chuck Jones' Duck Amuck is often listed at the greatest Looney Tunes episode and its easy to see why. The visual comedy is inventive and relentless and coupled with Daffy's slow burn it makes a potent combo. All together now -- "All right wise guy, where's the rest of me?" https://vimeo.com/403771824
We hope that these extra clips inspire you to search out more! And here is a great starting point -- Barbary Coast Bunny -- featuring Bugs Bunny taking on Nasty Canasta as only he can -- with wit and grit! https://dai.ly/x8e0pyk
The music was as much a part of the comedy as the animation in many of the Looney Tunes shorts and nowhere was that more apparent than in the great classical music parody The Rabbit of Seville. https://vimeo.com/456078993
Because animation wasn't looked upon in Hollywood as "serious art" the Oscars ignored Looney Tunes, even though they have lasted longer than most of the movies! in 1996 they made amends by awarding an honorary Oscar, presented by a man many called a living cartoon -- Robin Williams! https://youtu.be/UZ1xZsv5t6A
Trevor Noah is on top of the comedy world and there is no wonder why. From building a career in South Africa as a disc jockey and stand up, Trevor came to America and became the first South African comic to appear on the Tonight Show, built a huge fan base with his warm and witty shows, was selected to replace Jon Stewart as host of the Daily Show, left the Daily Show to return to global stand up touring, became an in-demand awards show host, and during all of that penned a best-selling autobiography. And you get the sense he hasn't yet reached cruising altitude. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Trevor was the first South African featured on the Tonight Show, and his early standup work was full of warm, witty, and occasionally sharp edged observations. Here's a longer taste of his early US gigs. https://youtu.be/yhKBbBaMYcA
People wondered if anyone could take Jon Stewart's place hosting The Daily Show -- especially a comic from another country who was unknown to much of America. Well, Trevor more than filled the bill, reinventing the show to have a more global focus and a more diverse correspondent pool. And he had the good sense to keep the closing "moment of zen"! Here is a nice cut of some of Trevor's best from The Daily Show. https://youtu.be/IaomieIezI8
Trevor has been a popular awards show host (The Grammys!) and keynote speaker, and one of his best was his turn at the White House Correspondents' Dinner (The Nerd Prom) in 2022. Here are some of Trevor's best jokes nicely compiled.https://youtu.be/-KvCKeQfHIY
"What a country!" has turned into "What a career!" for Yakov Smirnoff who emigrated to the US from Ukraine in the 1970s and built a career out of playful but pointed jabs at Russia and great "fish out of water" bits about himself. Along the way, Yakov has also managed to become a US citizen, earn a PhD in psychology, become an in-demand keynote speaker, score a number of juicy film and tv roles, and establish a long-running comedy theater in Branson, Missouri. We're not sure where he finds time to sleep! As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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In the 1980s headlining at Dangerfield's was a mark a comic had arrived (much like getting invited to Johnny Carson's Tonight Show couch). Here's a bit of Yakov (introduced by Rodney himself) from 1984. https://youtu.be/QboXCnKpgtU
In the 1980s, Chrysler/Plymouth was fighting for its financial life and its line up of inexpensive cars helped pull them back from the brink (along with some help from the government). Were the cars good? Not really. Were they cheap? Oh, yeah! And did they have Yakov as a spokesperson? Of course! https://youtu.be/hkcImMNx3SU
Yakov was a frequent and popular guest on American tv, including this appearance on one of Dick Clark's many variety shows, this one from 1988. https://youtu.be/22VI3eN5r9k
Say the name "Ernie Kovacs" today and you may well be met with a quizzical look. But say "the video art pioneer who inspired SNL, Python, Laugh In, and MST3K among many others" and you'll be in business! Smart-ass adlibs, odd ball musical acts, and numerous (and sometimes surreal) camera tricks that we take for granted today were all part of Ernie's toolkit, and he was ubiquitous on 1950s tv. He also became a superb character actor and sketch comic, and - not surprisingly -- he was an early inductee into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. Find more clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Ernie had a gift for improv and his early talk shows take full advantage. This clip catches some of Ernie's best for NBC, including a great bit with a malfunctioning camera (it starts about 5:40 in). https://youtu.be/GSH8L2zmtaM
We like to say "all comedy is derivative" -- in the best way of course! You can see that premise in action here with Ernie's "Mr. Question Man" -- the foundation for Steve Allen's Answer Man and Johnny Carson's Carnac. https://youtu.be/Tz_C4ZEwFm4
Ernie was also a fine character actor with a standout role in Bell, Book and Candle among his highlights. But he couldn't stop being Ernie as seen in this faux trailer for his first film role in Operation Mad Ball. https://youtu.be/QuVhvH4NHNc
Meet Iliza Shlesinger, one of the breakout comics of the last decade, who has ridden sharp character voices, a prowling stage presence, and pointed observations about millennial life to the top. But there is more to Iliza than her fantastic standup including starring in her own sketch comedy show and inhabiting great character roles on film and tv. As always you can find more Iliza below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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NBC's Last Comic Standing comedy competition has launched numerous careers, including Iliza who was the first female and youngest-ever winner back in 2008. https://youtu.be/WCclz_TxY9o
Iliza has the gift of making comedy about the smallest everyday dilemma -- like what to do when you first get to a bar. Adjust your lipliner, of course!https://music.apple.com/.../plunge-that.../1520110602...
Iliza does a lot of character work on stage, so it's no wonder she has begun to make a mark with character roles in film and tv. In 2020, Netflix released Spenser Confidential, a Mark Wahlberg led take on the beloved mystery novel series. The movie wasn't great -- but Iliza was as Spenser's salty ex-girlfriend. https://youtu.be/csAReby4VF8
Meet Julia Louis Dreyfus who rose from a 21 year old SNL cast member to starring turns on Seinfeld, The New Adventures of Old Christine, and most recently Veep, earning enough awards hardware to require another room! A gifted producer as well as actor and writer, Julia has the gift of balancing world class snark with just the right amount of sweetness to make enduring and lovable characters. No wonder she won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2018! As always, find more clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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At the tender age of 21, Julia was plucked from The Second City to join the SNL cast. It was a transitional time but there were still many highlights, including this great bit with Mary Gross and Jim Belushi about a newly liberal and vegetarian daughter coming home for Thanksgiving. Bon Appetit! https://youtu.be/gsTckudUVL8
After her role on Seinfeld, Julia hit TV paydirt again with the New Adventures of Old Christine, in which she plays a single mom running a gym. Sure it's a network sitcom, but the writing is solid and the interplay between Christine and her best friend -- played by Wanda Sykes (!) -- is great fun. Here's some highlights. https://youtu.be/T8yrCzyzZ44
In Veep, Julia created the role of a lifetime -- that of Vice President Selina Meyer. With the help of a gifted supporting cast, Julia nailed the thankless and irrelevant role of a VP -- except when it's not! Here's a nice sample of some of Selina's best lines. https://youtu.be/YtRVGdT6c3E
Meet some nice guys from Canada who once on stage turn into some arrogant worms. Make that THE Arrogant Worms -- a long running musical comedy trio who blend bouncy melodies and sharp lyrics. From their humble roots on college radio, the Worms have gone on to release nearly two dozen albums and compilations and they remain a top touring act to this day. As always find extra clips below (including one that finds the true culprit behind climate change) and thanks for sharing our shows.
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One of the Worms' most popular songs takes concerns over animal welfare and extends them to the next logical place, asking the question: What if veggies have feelings? https://youtu.be/KmK0bZl4ILM
When it was revealed that methane from cow farts was harming the Ozone layer every middle school boy came up with a joke and the Worms -- well they came up with a novelty music classic. https://youtu.be/JohcbfO0OjA
Have you ever wondered the best way to make it into the history books? If so, the Worms have you covered! https://youtu.be/xgun4yFSsuU
For Decades Alfred Hawthorne Hill -- known to us as Benny Hill -- was a titan of British (and later American) television comedy with a show that blended slapstick, parody, mime, and a generous helping of double entendre. Benny presided over the show with a rascally gleam in his eye and Boots Randolph's hit "Yakety Sax" was used as the theme -- to the point people had no idea it wasn't written just for the show. Feeling Benny had run his course (after 35 years!) tv bigwigs axed the program in 1989, but the British public begged to differ, keeping it popular in reruns and DVD reissues to this day. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Benny was a high energy host and this 1965 clip catches a bit of that, along with a great take on a German English instructor.https://youtu.be/EmMZ9J-EKlQ
Benny's shows always featured a lot of double entendre and general naughtiness. That style eventually fell out of favor, though Hill noted the butt of his "hanky panky" jokes always were the guys. Here's Benny in a sketch about a reluctant bridegroom. https://youtu.be/jZMcP9SoTVc
Parodies of American television were stock in trade for Benny Hill, particularly of crime and detective shows. Hill was a fine mimic, and here he takes on three top cops -- Frank Cannon, McCloud, and Hercule Poirot. https://youtu.be/EMId43b-fWA
Meet one of the most talented and creative comics around, the legendary Tracey Ullman. A master of sketch comedy and impersonation (and a fine singer to boot), Tracey has racked up dozens of awards over a career now spanning 40 years. From her early days in West End Musicals, to her breakthrough Fox TV show (with also saw the debut of The Simpsons) to her current sketch comedy work, Tracey has built a truly global following. As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Tracey's first breakthrough in the US actually came via the radio airwaves. Signed to Stiff Records (home of Elvis Costello and many other new wave giants), Tracey hit the charts with "I Know What Boys Like" back in 1984. Get your skinny ties out for this one. https://youtu.be/ww2R2q_w7JU
Tracey isn't a standup comic. Rather, she lets the comedy flow from perfectly realized characters as in this bit in which Tracey's very drunk driver tries to talk her way out of a ticket. https://youtu.be/64mlGnEEAF8
A lot of impressionists can do the classics but how many can deliver a spot on Angela Merkel? The answer is "Tracey Ullman". In this bit from her most recent HBO series, Tracey envisions a Skype call between Merkel and then-newly elected US President Donald Trump. Needless to say, it's delicious! https://youtu.be/-rMo87P-nDc
You may never have heard the name Dickie Goodman, but no doubt you've heard his work -- at least if you have heard any comedy bit that has someone ask a question that is rapidly answered by a snippet of a popular song. It's called cut-in comedy and Dickie was the pioneer, releasing records from the 1950s into the 1980s and scoring the occasional hit along the way. From an early smash envisioning the first flying saucer landing on earth to later discs parodying Watergate, Jaws, and King Kong, Dickie was one of the pioneers of sampling (even if he didn't know it at the time). As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Dickie's first hit (with Bill Buchanan) capitalized on UFO mania, envisioning the first visit by a space alien to earth. It was a smash and launched a career that lasted 40 years. https://youtu.be/A1s8vsWP7sY
The success of Dickie's records usually was correlated to the success of his underlying topic -- so hit movies were fertile ground indeed. One of his biggest hits riffed of the smash movie Jaws. https://youtu.be/JeYCOFblZRg
When Dickie passed on it seemed that his style of comedy might fade away but examples still pop up from time to time including some from his son Jon who has kept Dickie's original recording in circulation, updating some along the way, and issuing new cut in discs including this recent take on events in Ukraine. https://youtu.be/KGRQCiylMRg
Here's a guy who has been a Pulitzer-winning columnist, a best-selling novelist, a much sought-after speaker, and guitarist in a garage band that also features Stephen King. It's Dave Barry and his one of a kind career makes him a legend of comedy. From humble beginnings as a beat reporter, Dave eventually became the king of newspaper humor columnists and his affectionately irreverent humor connect with a boomer audience from the start. While he has dialed back his output in recent years, fans still look forward to his annual year in review column and snarky holiday gift guide and he found a new outlet during the pandemic cutting short videos for the Miami Herald filled with the patented Barry wit. Find more Dave Barry below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Dave isn't a standup comic, but his popular keynote speeches are filled with humor nonetheless. Here a slice of Dave talking about one of his favorite topics -- adulthood! https://youtu.be/mlBvneYoH0E
Dave's World was a sitcom based loosely on Barry's life, starring Night Court vet Harry Anderson as Dave. This bit features costars Shadoe Stevens and Meshach Taylor on Dave's decision to get a vasectomy.https://youtu.be/iEM69OSqi3A
Dave Barry still surfaces from time to time with a special column or video and his dispatches during Covid were classic -- especially this one on America's rarest and most valuable commodity -- TP! https://www.youtube.com/live/w5IE
If that guy on the phone starts to threaten you with "opening a can of whup-ass" don't panic -- you probably just got a call from Roy D. Mercer, the king of countrified prank phone calls. The invention of two Tulsa DJs, Brent Douglas and Phil Stone, Roy was first unleashed on the public 30 years ago and he soon caught on with listeners, particularly long-distance truckers who sent album sales into gold record territory. 24 albums and a music video (with Charlie Daniels!) later, Brent and Phil "retired" Roy, but his catalog lives on anywhere a little "whup-ass" is needed. As always find more cuts below and thank you for sharing our shows!
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Roy's setups usually revolve around some minor dispute which soon escalates into Roy threatening to open a can of "whup-ass" on the other party. Part of the reasons these work is that friends of the victim usually provided Brent and Phil with some insider knowledge. Here's a bit where Roy wants his money after a fender bender. https://youtu.be/68cflgA-2wo
One of Roy's greatest bits involved a dead hamster and a guy with the most infectious laugh on the other end of the line. https://youtu.be/VA4DUYwoJWs
Back in the 80s a star-studded music video was a must for any comic (see "Rappin' Rodney"). Most weren't very good, but Brent and Phil pulled it off in style by having country star Charlie Daniels provide the music while some of Roy's greatest bits floated through.https://youtu.be/kUqMDamYMkM
Chris Rock is one of the greatest standup comics of all time, and he has parlayed that success into a career that has lasted 40 years (and counting). His standup style is edgy and NSFW, but his tv and movie work has something for all ages -- from flamethrower HBO specials to the sweet and funny sitcom "Everybody Hates Chris" to an animated role as a zebra in Madagascar to recent dramatic turns in Fargo and Spiral. And we feel safe in predicting that Chris will always have a singular accomplishment -- that of being the only person slapped by a nominee on an Oscar stage! As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Chris Rock first came to fame as a smart standup comic with a flamethrower style. No topic was off limits and a typical Rock set would have audiences both howling with laughter and squirming with discomfort. Here is an early clip of Rock taken from the Comedy Club Network. And check out the hair! https://youtu.be/bdBq-i2C4cA Chris Rock's time on Saturday Night Live was tense and he left after just three seasons. But in that time he came up with some enduring characters including talk show host Nat X -- a man "so black he's navy." https://youtu.be/vLqnKq1IsUY For a very R rated comedian, Chris has managed to weave in some family friendly projects including the animated hit Madagascar in which he plays Marty the Zebra -- here showing off his "circus afro." https://youtu.be/NQ3A7P3k8mI Chris likely wouldn't pick the "slap heard round the world" as a career highlight, but it sure got (and continues to get) people's attention! Check out this news coverage of Chris' recent standup special where he finally address just what was going through his mind. https://youtu.be/lmRJoHCu8Ts
He sings, he acts, he dances, and he shticks! It's the masterful Billy Crystal who has been a beloved presence on the standup and theater stage, on tv, and in movies since the 1970s. From a groundbreaking role on the ABC show "Soap" to joining a cast of heavy hitters to save Saturday Night Live to an amazing string of hit movies to an award winning Broadway show - - it would proably be easier to list what he hasn't done! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Even if you have never seen one of Billy's movies, tv shows, theater appearances, or stand up gigs you almost certainly know him -- from his many appearances as the host of the Oscar telecast. Known for flamboyant entrances and gentle pokes, Billy's hosting spots still are held up as a gold standard for other hosts. Here's his monologue from the 1993 telecast. https://youtu.be/CF6fpn8Ts68
Soap was a revolutionary soap opera satire and Billy was part of the revolution, playing the first unambiguously gay characters on a prime time show -- with his customary affectionate irreverence. https://youtu.be/vudJivvHWqI
After the original Saturday Night cast left in the late 70s the show floundered for a while, and it looked like it might be canceled. The call went out for a group of proven sketch comedy stars and Billy answered it. One of his breakout bits was as latin lothario Fernando Llamas hosting a talk show that had one thing on its mind -- looking Mahvelous! https://youtu.be/9NdcinOjbPI
Billy was a legit leading man after a string of romantic comedy hits, but one of his most beloved roles is a small but pivotal one in The Princess Bride. Billy plays Miracle Max, a wizard of dubious skills, who reminds us a lot of Mel Brooks! https://youtu.be/d4ftmOI5NnI
Turn the camp and snark volume to 11 -- this time out we feature the great Paul Lynde who became a gay icon in the 1960s and 70s by hiding in plain sight. From a start doing stand up, then a turn on the Broadway stage, Paul later added to his resume a character on the sitcom classic Bewitched, a LONG run as the flippant and sarcastic "center square" on The Hollywood Squares game show, and a surreal Halloween television special that is a Hall of Fame entry in the "so bad it's good" sweepstakes. As always, find full cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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You can't do a Paul Lynde episode without including a sampling of his snarky answers on the Hollywood Squares. You really can't think of one without the other -- in fact, one biography of Paul is titled "Center Square." https://youtu.be/1wCXr_6wgns
Paul's flamboyance was made for the stage, so it's fitting his first breakout role was as the father in the Broadway show (and later movie) Bye Bye Birdie. Here's Paul's big number -- talking about what's wrong with kids these days (yes, some things never change). https://youtu.be/1wCXr_6wgns
Paul's most famous sitcom role was a recurring character on Bewitched, playing the incorrigible warlock prankster Uncle Arthur. Here's some of Arthur's best. https://youtu.be/92pJ3ea-0tk
After Paul's turn on Bewitched, the networks wanted to feature him but couldn't find the right role -- one that had just enough camp but not so much it scared straight America. One result was this bizarre Halloween special featuring (among others) Margaret Hamilton from The Wizard of Oz and the first TV appearance of Kiss. We've started the clip where Kiss first appears, but by all means rewind and watch the whole thing. A true "what exactly were they thinking" enterprise! https://youtu.be/CCJ0D4pI0tI?t=2469
Meet Ruth Wallis who playfully scandalized America in the 1950s and 60s with her naughty ditties. First a cabaret singer specializing in big band jazz, Ruth found the double entendre novelty numbers she slipped in her set got the biggest response. She reworked her set around those tunes and many albums and tours followed until she was eclipsed by newer comics willing to work much more "blue". But after she retired, Ruth found a new audience courtesy of Dr. Demento and she kept reissuing her recordings for years. As always, find full cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Here's a bonus -- the full version of Davy's Dinghy -- a classic Ruth number that introduced her to a new generation of fans thanks to heavy airplay on the Dr. Demento show. https://youtu.be/bGHLCeDjH_E
Ruth had a gift for novelty tunes, and they weren't always blue. Her first effort, which reached the lower rungs of the music charts, was Dear Mr. Godfrey, based on Arthur Godfrey's firing of singer Julius LaRosa for "lacking humility." Ruth nominates herself to fill the void! https://youtu.be/-wpznMXAuG4
In the 1950s naughtiness was frowned on by the authorities in most countries, usually with the result that the targeted works became even more popular. Ruth had her tunes "banned in Boston" and her records were confiscated by Australian customs. This rare skit from an Aussie variety show features Ruth in song and a great skit about her legal travails. And as always, it only made her more famous! https://youtu.be/HPf7TRAJkSg
Ruth's songs usually were based on double entendres and there is no better example than this -- The Hawaiian Lei Song, one of her most popular. https://youtu.be/H4PnSX5Oruc
We think Kids in the Hall are one of the few sketch comedy troupes worthy of a favorable comparison with Monty Python. They specialize in surreal silliness, they link their sketches together in delightfully absurd ways, and they all dress as women when needed! And if you don't agree -- we'll crush your head! Seriously, KITH is one of Canada's finest exports from their first series in the 1980s to the recently released "Season 6". Find out more here, with additional cuts in the comments. And thanks, as always, for sharing our shows!
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Part of what made KITH special was how they placed normal human interactions into an absurd context. Here's a clip from the original series in which the idea of a "hard day at the office" is paired with an unusual line of work. https://youtu.be/e1KWyvL9ous
KITH wrapped their original series in 1995, so it was a real surprise when they returned to CBC in 2010 with "Death Comes to Town". Instead of short, separate sketches, this show was an eight episode miniseries revolving around one theme. Whatever the structure, the show was a hit and the Kids were in fine form! https://youtu.be/f0pbK5qCmS8
Fans were delighted when KITH announced they would regroup for a sixth season, which was released in May 2022. Reviews were stellar, with Rotten Tomatoes clocking in at 100%. Here's the season six trailer -- and the whole season is well worth your time! https://youtu.be/zm2rAjmH_JQ
Phil Silvers was one of the early stars of television and his Sgt. Bilko character remains a small screen classic. Never a standup comic, Phil instead graced tv, movies, and the Broadway stage (winning a Tony Award in the process). Silvers specialized in playing characters who were just a bit shady, but lovable all the same. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Phil Silvers was best known for his classic Sgt. Ernie Bilko character that he debuted on The Phil Silvers Show back in 1955. A slightly shady -- yet lovable -- character, Bilko was a master of chutzpah. https://youtu.be/yBLtqMeUCQE
Phil Silvers was old school all the way, becoming a welcome presence in movies, on tv, and on the Broadway stage for decades. Here's Phil with Jonathan Winters in the over the top comedy "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World."https://youtu.be/wCGg2dU8bSU
A master of hang dog expressions, laconic delivery, and sharp political satire, Pat Paulsen charmed America in the 1960s with his "editorials" on The Smothers Brothers variety show, eventually launching a (tongue firmly-in-cheek) Presidential campaign. He would go on the reprise the bit in 1992, actually finishing second to George H.W. Bush in the North Dakota GOP primary. And much later, Pat charmed wine lovers with a boutique winery (one that still exists today). As always, find more clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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When Pat launched his faux campaign in 1968 on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour it took the nation by storm -- and these were the days in which you couldn't rent it, tape it, or stream it -- you had to sit yourself down and watch it. Here Pat in action (and dig Tom and Dick's outfits!)https://youtu.be/0n-kMI25ZcI
Pat was best known for his work on the Smothers Brothers variety show, but he also was a fine standup. This clip is taken from his 1970 "Live at the Ice House" set. https://youtu.be/7EnOZA1dcrs
Comedy fans were delighted when Pat appeared on the 1992 Smothers Brothers 20 year reunion special. What did he do? Just what he does! https://youtu.be/qn69wP-jD2Y
Say hello to the inimitable Harvey Korman who brought his mastery of sketch comedy to the small and big screens for decades. From a humble start voicing cartoons, Harvey became a comic acting powerhouse with a long run on The Carol Burnett Show and many juicy movie roles, especially in Mel Brooks classics such as Blazing Saddles and High Anxiety. And remember -- "It's Head-LEY"! As always, find more Harvey below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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When Harvey was first getting started he did some cartoon voice work, most notably as space alien "The Great Gazoo" in the Flintstones. Here's a nice collection of some of Harvey/Gazoo's best bits on the show. https://youtu.be/ekfR6RKpfmI
Harvey's iconic tv turn came on the Carol Burnett variety show where he was featured for a decade, winning four Emmys and a Golden Globe in the process. There is so much good stuff to choose from, but this sketch stands out. It's Harvey as a nervous dental patient meeting Tim Conway's fresh out of school dentist. No nitrous needed -- these guys supply their own laughing gas. https://youtu.be/9IUSM4EKcRI
It's hard to pick just one Harvey character as his best, but in the running has to be his over the top portrayal of crooked Attorney General Headley Lamar in Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles. His scenes with Mel's corrupt Gov. William J. LePetomane (named for the French "flatulist") are masterclasses in comic timing. https://youtu.be/g2Bp8SqYrnE
Meet Bill Hicks, the "Dark Poet" of standup comedy who burned brightly, but quickly, in the 1980s and early 90s. A savage truth teller in the tradition of Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, and Richard Pryor, Bill developed an intense cult following, especially in England. His sets were unpredictable, mixing satire, history, and philosophy with impeccable timing and a whole lot of NSFW content. When he died from cancer in 1994, many comics noted he was ahead of his time. To that point, all of Bill's recordings have been reissued in recent years and many of his sharpest routines are still right on target today. As always find more cuts below, and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Bill was a chain smoker on stage so the movement to restrict indoor smoking was predictably greeted with snark. But hey, Bill, tell us how you really feel! https://youtu.be/xDbDT3Bry2g
Bill was a wild man and indulged heavily in drugs and alcohol. As his health suffered he gave them up -- but his take on the matter might not be what you expect. https://youtu.be/VCcHkR9iv7M
Bill Hicks once said that comics who do commercial should be stricken from the "artistic roll call." Some would say he simply wasn't offered any, but that's not true -- let Bill tell you himself. https://youtu.be/pRcF7t5HGhQ
Tommy Tiernan has built a career as one of Ireland's funniest -- and, at times, most inappropriate stand-up comics and comic actors. Winning the best newcomer award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the early 1990s, Tommy soon became a favorite on Irish tv, including The Late Late Show and the sitcom Father Ted. More recently, Tommy has hosted the Tommy Tiernan Show in which the guests are unknown to him until the moment they walk on stage. And for American audiences, he is perhaps best known as "Da Gerry", the perpetually beleaguered father on the hit Netflix show "Derry Girls." And did we mention he's a Guinness World Record Holder? Well, he is -- for performing standup for 36 hours and fifteen minutes straight during a 2009 Galway show! It won't be 36 hours worth, but you can find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Tommy is a comic who often finds the line between comedy that is "ok" and that which is really not by crossing it. Here Tommy tells the audience on The Late Late Show about one such case. https://youtu.be/u3MG1iIZZjQ
Tommy's bond with standup crowds is legendary -- as is the way he lets the audience in on his frustrations in ways that are always clever -- and often quite naughty! https://youtu.be/-DWc9CArliU
While he made his initial name as a standup, Tommy has built a fine career as a character actor as well. In the Netflix hit Derry Girls, Tommy plays the beleaguered father ("Da Gerry"). Here's a nice collection of Tommy's finest moments from that show. https://youtu.be/JpYol7ZP6hk
One of the greatest impressionists of all time, George Kirby was a frequent flyer on tv variety and talk shows, and on the nightclub stage from the 1950s all the way until the 1990s. One of the first black comics to fully cross over to white audiences, Kirby's gift was his uncanny ability to mimic pop culture figures singing as well as speaking. George was a favorite of Ed Sullivan, who featured him on his "Toast of the Town" show as well as his national variety program. After a run on The Kopykats -- an ABC show devoted to impressionists -- George earned his own short-run series but his career was interrupted by drug charges that sent him to prison for over three years. While his career never fully recovered, he remained active in Vegas and was a guest on Bob Hope's USO shows. As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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While George's impressions were his main calling card he was also a fine standup with an expressive style and great timing. This cute bit, about his wife's poker game, is drawn from his 1970s standup work. https://youtu.be/PACXnn0842o
George had a wonderfully versatile voice and it served him well on ABC's The Kopykats which ran in the 1970s and then his own George Kirby Half a Comedy Hour which had a 22 episode run. In his bit, from George's show, he imitates two classic caucasian blowhards -- Ralph Kramden and Archie Bunker (with an assist from another Legend, Marilyn Michaels). https://youtu.be/XJmBrefkI3Q
Back in the day, Bob Hope would make an annual USO tour to entertain US troops in a war zone or hostile environment. Along with singers and scantily-clad cheerleaders, Bob would always bring a comedian along and in 1983 George was picked to join the USO tour of Beirut. Here's George being introduced by Bob, then treating the troops to some standup and a fine impression of Humprey Bogart singing jazz. https://youtu.be/IVmzsqOuA74?t=416
Turn on some classic cartoons from the 1960s and one of the voices you're sure to hear is that of June Foray, the finest female voice actor of the 20th Century. From Stan Freberg parodies, to voicing Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, to playing Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Natasha Fatale on the classic Rocky and Bullwinkle show June was everywhere during the golden age of TV cartoons. In later life, June also became an tireless advocate for advancing the animation arts. The great Looney Tunes director Chuck Jones once said that June wasn't the female Mel Blanc - Mel was the male June Foray. High praise indeed! Find more June Foray below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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When June came to Hollywood she soon found a friend and fan in Stan Freberg, the master of parody. In one of her best roles, June plays "Little Blue Riding Hood" being interrogated by Stan's tough cop (an early take on his Joe Friday impersonation). https://youtu.be/hzDvoJWB3t4
When it comes to enthusiasm, few cartoon characters match Rocket J. Squirrel, the plucky flying rodent who is Bullwinkle's best friend. June's voice for Rocky is animation gold. In this bit Rocky and Bullwinkle stumble into the Hatfield-McCoy feud with predictable results. https://youtu.be/a4LPQEljkRE
Rocky and Bullwinkle debuted during the Cold War and that resulted in one of June's signature character -- super spy Natasha Fatale who labored (with Boris Badenov) in futility to bring down "Moose and Squirrel". https://youtu.be/4txmBNCAXg8
Prepare your ears and open your mind for the surreal sounds of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, a much loved British group whose music blended music hall stylings with dadaesque flourishes. Starting as an art-school project, the Bonzos managed to get a gig on a BBC children's program (which also featured future Pythons Eric Idle, Michael Palin, and Terry Jones). In later years, Bonzo Neil Innes became the Python's go to source for music. While the Bonzo's initial blast didn't last long, they reunited several times, including a spectacular 40th anniversary show in 2006. Find more Bonzo's below, and thanks for sharing our shows!
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A great intro (and outdo) to the Bonzos is the song called "The Intro and the Outro" which blended a bouncy tune with a long list of band members (most delivered with tongue firmly in cheek). https://youtu.be/hcrUuCDFLOQ
In 1967, the Bonzos released "Jollity Farm" a bouncy little tribute to country living. In later years, the lyrics were transformed into a children's book -- and we sure hope the little ones eventually discover the original source! This live version give a good taste for the Bonzo's visual style as well. https://youtu.be/VwksszrDYNw
There was a lot of crossover among young British comedians in the 1960s and the 1967 kids show "Do Not Adjust Your Set" is a great example. Imagine a children's show featuring Michael Palin, Eric Idle, and Terry Jones of future Python fame -- with the Bonzos supplying the music. Needless to say the was a hit with colleges students as well as little tykes. This cut -- I'm the Urban Spaceman -- was as close as the Bonzos ever got to a chart hit. https://youtu.be/mZ8bj8lcMsM
Meet one of our personal favorites this week -- the great Fred Willard. A consummate improv, sketch, and film comedian, Fred got his start in a New York comedy duo, but it was after he spent time at Second City (alongside the likes of Robert Klein and Peter Boyle) that his career blossomed. From helping found the influential Ace Trucking Company comedy troupe, to Norman Lear's Fernwood 2 Night, to a long run as part of Christopher Guest's improv repertory company, Fred was a reliable and welcome addition to any comedy project. Find more clips below and, as always, thanks for sharing our shows!
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Fred had a great long run as part of Christopher Guest's repertory company, winning an American Comedy Award for his work in Best of Show. But our favorite is this short bit in This is Spinal Tap, where Fred plays the consummate military guy trying to be hip as he meets the band. https://youtu.be/IpTNoq2np_4
Fred was always at his best in a group. His ability to play off people, honed by years at the Second City, let him make any scene funnier. As part of the Ace Trucking Company comedy troupe Fred was a frequent guest on Johnny Carson's Tonight show. Here's one of their bits from 1974. https://youtu.be/c4wL0BM1IQc
Fred had a gift for playing characters who were confidently clueless, none better than his portrayal of hack tv talk show sidekick Jerry Hubbard (to Martin Mull's smarmy Barth Gimble) on Norman Lear's "Fernwood 2 Night". Here is Fred with some prime inane banter! https://youtu.be/RJsNr0GqXMk
He is an Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated actor and writer, an entrepreneur with a classic nightclub chain and a spooky vodka to his credit, and the only SNL cast member that Eric Idle said could be a Python. Of course, it's Dan Ackroyd who has placed a BIG footprint on pop culture and comedy over the last 50 years. From early work at the Second City, to being part of the original Saturday Night Live cast, to a string of hit comedy movies Dan has an amazing comedy resume. And besides -- how many people can say they were both a Blues Brother AND a Ghostbuster? Just Dan. As always, find more clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Dan first came to national attention as part of the original cast of Saturday Night Live. This sketch firmly cemented him in our minds -- no wonder it was chosen for Dan to reprise on the SNL 40th Anniversary Special. https://youtu.be/6RLHPaZUuyc
Just a taste here of an iconic line from The Blues Brothers which took Dan and partner John Belushi to superstardom on the screen and the concert stage. https://youtu.be/gvKs2VLmVnY
1983's Trading Places paired up two of the hottest comic actors of the day - Dan Ackroyd and Eddie Murphy -- to answer the question of what would happen if two wealthy old bastards -- played brilliantly by Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche -- bet on whether switching Dan and Eddie's circumstances could change their personalities. Here, Dan -- reduced to pawning his stuff -- tries to convince a pawn shop owner (Bo Diddley!) to buy his watch. https://youtu.be/uYlOIKtYsos
One of Dan's most enduring and endearing characters is Ray Stantz, an occult expert who ends up becoming part of the Ghostbusters. Dan nails every line, capturing Ray's sweet nerdiness. Here's a clip where Ray learns the answer to a very important question. https://youtu.be/jCe5vfQx50c
There is no one hotter in standup today than Bill Burr who has turned rage comedy into an art form. Bill speaks his mind (and then some), but always leavens it with a twinkle in the eye or a bit of self deprecation. Along the way, Bill has been a podcast pioneer, founding the All Things Comedy podcast network. He also has carved out a growing niche as a character actor in shows like the Mandalorian and films like The King of Staten Island. He also found time to voice the main character -- a guy who seems a lot like Bill -- in the animated series "F is for Family." But we think that Bill -- as a guy from Boston -- would rank his greatest achievement as selling out a comedy show at Fenway Park, setting a Boston comedy crowd record. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Bill Burr? Bill has become one of Netflix's biggest standup stars and this clip gives a good sample of his style -- confessional to a fault, dancing along the edge of good taste, and zigging to a thoughtful point when you expected him to zag. In other words, a pretty wild ride! https://youtu.be/j2D4BelPffU Bill has carved out a niche as a great character actor, but his voice work in the animated hit "F is for Family" wasn't much of stretch -- one listen and it turns out the main character is pretty much a dead ringer. https://youtu.be/o6rP4eEtlsI When Bill Burr hosted SNL during the height of the Covid pandemic many wondered how well his caustic and politically incorrect style would be received. Turns out people just wanted to laugh! Here's Bill's monologue from that show. https://youtu.be/O1xgXJ5_Q34
OK fans of 1960s sitcoms, time to get out your shoe phone and deploy the cone of silence because this week we feature Don Adams, a great standup comic who scored the role of a career when he was tapped to play Maxwell Smart, Agent 86, in the Mel Brooks/Carl Reiner classic Get Smart. Before becoming the world's most confident (and least capable) secret agent, Don was a regular on tv talk shows with standup that mixed satire, snark, and great character voices. Later Don would use his voice acting skills on kids cartoons such as Tennessee Tuxedo and Inspector Gadget (an homage to his Get Smart character). Find more Don Adams below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Before (and after) Get Smart, Don was a top standup comic. He wasn't a rapid fire joke teller and he wasn't a modern observational comic. Rather he set up scenes that played to his voice acting talents. This set from the Steve Allen Show -- which Don guested on 15 times -- is a good example of his standup style. https://youtu.be/7vpkoqzd39s
Get Smart was a smash from day one, mixing great visual gags with groaners and featuring inspired parodies of the spy genre. This clip package does a good job at capturing what made the show unique. https://youtu.be/rEGA7eyWeAA
Don was typecast after Get Smart and couldn't get traction in unrelated sitcoms or periodic attempts at a reboot. One area in which he found continued success was voice acting and in Inspector Gadget he found the perfect role -- one that sounded suspiciously like one Maxwell Smart!https://youtu.be/bw1nuljvW
The New York Times once called Elayne Boosler a "comedy master who hasn't gotten her due." Well, let's correct that starting now! From her start in the 1970s, Elayne established herself as skilled practitioner of observational comedy, often centering on her life and challenges as a single woman. In 1985, she had the first cable comedy special headlined by a female comic -- and she had to pay the production costs herself. A frequent guest on tv variety and talk shows, Elayne continues to tour and shoot specials -- only now someone else pays the production costs! Find more Elayne below and thanks, as always for sharing our shows.
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Elayne participated in the Comic Relief benefits of the 1980s. In this bit, she expertly discusses some of the challenges of living in the city. https://youtu.be/DjDC6Yj2OrQ
Elayne's first big tv break was on an Evening at the Improv and it established her style -- sharp, yet playful observational comedy. https://youtu.be/RWNArzJN4Ek
Now over 70, Elayne keeps touring, now turning her sharp observational eye toward that season of life. This comes from a recent show at the Gotham Comedy Club. https://youtu.be/E5XjyH1ZieU
Meet Ben Elton, who has kept UK audiences (plus a huge worldwide fanbase) laughing with stellar standup, superb comedy writing, movies and tv shows, plays and musical theater projects, and 16 books. Busy lad! Ben was a comedy prodigy, becoming the BBC's youngest ever scriptwriter. Since then he has remained at the top of the pack, with his work on the classic "Blackadder" show, hosting Britain's late night show "Saturday Live, collaborating with Andrew Lloyd Webber, and mounting a triumphant return to the standup stage. Ben Elton always delivers comedy that is witty, erudite, and yes -- sometimes silly (as only the Brits can do). Find more Ben Elton clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Britain's "Saturday Live" is similar to Saturday Night Live in the US, so it was a BIG deal when Ben was chosen to host that program back in 1986. Here's a sample of his standup from that show. https://youtu.be/Ptx_H2XWGV8
Almost 40 years ago fellow Legend Lenny Henry founded Britain's "Comic Relief", a charity that uses humor to raise funds to fight poverty, and Ben has been a frequent and enthusiastic participant throughout. This bit from 1993 is a great slice of Ben's standup. https://youtu.be/wEmraVcf7QQ
While many know Ben best through his writing, he is also a superb standup (a skill he developed to showcase his writing). In this recent bit, Ben spends some time recounting classic British town names with special attention reserved for his hometown -- Catford. https://youtu.be/dd2s_13wDd0
Back to the 1950s to meet an all-time tummler, a man known as the "human joke machine," Morey Amsterdam. A close brush with violence at one of Al Capone's Chicago speakeasies sent Morey packing for LA and a career than included being a comedy writer, stand-up star, and sitcom icon for his portrayal of comedy writer Buddy Sorrell on the Dick Van Dyke show. Morey even copped a role in the "beach movies" of the early 1960s! As always, find more Morey below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Morey often used music in his act, delivering one-liner after one-liner in the context of a silly song. There isn't much early Morey that exists on tape, but this old clip (sorry for the quality) shows him belting his newest hit -- "Cheese and Cracker" with a host of groaning gags mixed in. https://youtu.be/JskPfuzGlVU
Morey's biggest claim to fame was his role as gag writer Buddy Sorrell on the Dick Van Dyke show. His writers room chemistry with Rose Marie (who played fellow writer Sally Rogers) was infectious and they were able to take their personas to other shows, such as this guest spot on the Hollywood Palace back in 1964 (and yes, that is Groucho hosting). https://youtu.be/cQik0KEpgZY
Morey stayed active well into his 70s, as evidenced by this spot on the "Here it is -- Burlesque!" special. Yes, he is still doing the same act he was in the 40s. And yes, the audience still loves him! https://youtu.be/qH0wjYQRm3U
What better way to celebrate the holidays than with some Allan Sherman, the master of novelty songs who burned brightly (but quickly) in the 1960s? One of the few performers of the day who embraced his Jewish heritage, Allan had a knack for putting clever lyrics to popular tunes. After President Kennedy was overheard quoting a Sherman song (Sarah Jackman), his career ignited. A later song (Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah) captured the public imagination by capturing the summer camp experience that most kids ACTUALLY have. The JFK assassination, which chilled US comedy, and the British invasion ended Sherman's fame as quickly as it began. But in recent years an excellent biography and a stage review have rekindled interest in Allan and his silly songs. As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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You can't do an Allan Sherman show without his magnum opus. "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah (A Letter from Camp) resonated with anyone who had ever been near a summer camp. Very little video evidence of his work was saved, but this appearance on the Kraft Music Hall in 1963 does a good job of capturing his appeal. https://youtu.be/4yFTOvO0utY
Allan's big break came when JFK was overheard singing his first hit -- "Sarah Jackman". It really captures his style -- clever lyrics set to familiar tunes. And it also features an excellent vocal assist from Christine Nelson. https://youtu.be/vpzLcFBv5zA
Allan embraced his Jewish roots, never mores than on this opus -- a trip through punchlines galore -- "Shticks of One, Half a Dozen of the Other". Cue the rimshot! https://youtu.be/K2Cut3XwJxM
Allan was reputed to have written many song parodies of Broadway musicals, but they never saw the light of day because of licensing issues. In recent years, though, a number of these gems have surfaced including this spot on parody of "76 Trombones" from The Music Man, except in Allan's version the sleepy town is replaced by a country club. And what does Allan find there? Why "76 Sol Cohens" of course! https://youtu.be/VjGe5kXqfQw
Some holiday cheer this week with Stan Freberg's epic Christmas Dragnet! Stan Freberg is a comedy renaissance man -- a superb writer, a great voice actor, and a comedically fearless satirist. After building his reputation voicing cartoons, Stan talked Capitol records into issuing satirical singles. He started with song parodies, then turned his eye to the then-new medium of television. After scoring a hit with a Dragnet parody (St. George and the Dragonet), Stan quickly worked up a Christmas version and it has become a classic, earning a spot on Dr. Demento's list of the all-time best Christmas comedy records. As always, find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Here's the whole cut -- and you don't even have to flip it over for side two. Happy Holidays! https://youtu.be/oUdFLyNCeI4
Stan played the lead in Christmas Dragnet but the rest of the wonderful character voices including Grudge and the elf, were the creation of voice acting legend Daws Butler. Here is a short fan-made video that samples his amazing array of voices. https://youtu.be/ssDu2SjfObo
Here's the original Dragnet parody that captivated radio listeners and that became the springboard for Christmas Dragnet. As usual, Stan plays Detective Wednesday, and voice acting MVP Daws Butler plays just about everything else. https://youtu.be/oUdFLyNCeI4
With a style that owed a lot to vaudeville -- using sheer enthusiasm to blow past limited piano and singing skills -- Mark Russell playfully roasted politics and pop culture for over 60 years. Setting up shop at Washington DC's Shoreham Hotel in the 1960s, Mark came from an era in which a politician could take a joke and he gleefully doled them out, often on one of his regular PBS television specials or as a special guest on Good Morning America or as a co-host on Real People in the 1980s. Find more Mark Russell clips below, and thanks for sharing our shows.
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Mark Russell got his comedy inspiration from the newspaper which kept his act fresh. This is a good example. When Libyan strongman Muammar Gadaffi announced he was imposing a 'line of death' it sent military strategists and international political analysts scrambling for a policy response. It sent Mark to his trusty piano for his more tuneful response. https://youtu.be/oZczL-P_5Ps
Mark's satire was often more playful than pointed which led to him being satirized by Saturday Night Live in this clip from 1986.https://youtu.be/Pk5AAHvb71Y
Mark Russell tried retiring in 2013 -- but he couldn't resist being a musical smartass and unretired shortly thereafter. This clip, from 2018, has Mark giving his patented "Old McDonald" treatment to the then-current White House occupant. And we can add Mark to our "comedy keeps you young" list -- this show was recorded when he was 86! https://youtu.be/hGXp-xkpfIg
Meet standup stalwart Paula Poundstone this time out. Since emerging as a comedy star in the 1980s (including an American Comedy Award win), Paula has remained a favorite on tv talk shows, game shows, and the standup stage. Her comedy is thoughtful but pointed, calling out the absurdities of daily life and popular culture. As always, find additional cuts below. Want an easily searchable archive of past shows? Check out our YouTube Channel (Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy). And thanks for sharing our shows!
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Paula had great chemistry with Craig Ferguson, so it was no surprise that she was among is final guests as he wound down his late night show. This clip is vintage Paula, pulling big laughs from everyday life -- such as her son's first efforts at filling out a job application. https://youtu.be/G6WnBZ5G6fc
In recent years Paula may be best known as a regular panelist on the NPR news quiz "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me" where her brand of plain spoken snark is right at home. Here is Paula riffing on Suze Orman. And yes, we know "Wait Wait" is a radio show -- this footage was taken from BBC's attempt to create a video version. https://youtu.be/gR47v_2a8Lw
Paula remains a top standup draw both here and in Canada where this clip was filmed. It has Paula musing a little with her audience about the differences in tolerance between the two countries. https://youtu.be/AYHzVxhhSZA
Set the snark phasers to stun -- Dennis Miller is in the house. A Pittsburgh lad, Miller was a smart standup comic, full of obscure (yet perfect) pop culture references when Lorne Michaels spotted him and offered him Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update anchor chair. He followed that with an Emmy-winning HBO show, radio talk shows, several best-selling books, and the occasional standup gig. Find extended cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Dennis Miller's breakout standup special came in 1988, while he was still on SNL. Called the "Off White Album" it holds up as one of the most quotable (at least by us) bit of snarky standup ever set to tape.https://youtu.be/N5xmmybtEDg
While Dennis Miller became famous at the Weekend Update anchor desk, his best work was his HBO show (Dennis Miller Live) which opened each week featuring a Miller "rant" (which led to a series of books based on the concept). Here is Dennis ranting away in 1996. https://youtu.be/uhHiPaJB1_0
While Dennis Miller's sharp turn into conservative politics cost him some fans, he still has plenty left judging by this clip from his most recent standup special -- which is vintage Miller, full of razor sharp observations about the foibles of pop culture. https://youtu.be/ejrxhNC7jRU
A master of observational comedy, David Brenner was much more over a career lasting nearly 50 years. Starting as a documentary filmmaker, Brenner took a left turn into standup and never looked back. Along the way he penned several best-selling books, hosted his own talk show(s), and set the record for most appearances on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. Find more cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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David Brenner holds the record for most appearances on Johnny Carson's version of the Tonight Show (158!!). Here's Davids memorable debut from 1971. https://youtu.be/ZV2RxtVIZQY
David Brenner was a favorite on college campuses -- his observational style had just the right blend of snark and satire. This clip from the Midnight Special, captures David at the top of his career in 1975. https://youtu.be/lAx3_mEXxz4
David Brenner stayed active well into is 70s -- this fun late-career profile fills in a lot of his biography, plus it contains some excellent riffs from his standup act. https://youtu.be/7hRkyZChzjA
For those of us of a certain age (ok, our age), Adam West was our first Batman and the legendary Frank Gorshin was our first Riddler. A gifted comic impressionist, Gorshin built a long career as a standup comic and character actor. And while his maniacal Riddler is best known, you couldn't have watched television in the 1960s and 70s without catching Frank in a sitcom, on a talk show, or logging time on The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. As always, find longer clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. To find an easy to search archive of our past shows find us on YouTube at "Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy." And thanks for sharing our shows!
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While Frank is best remembered for his Batman work, he was first a fine comic impressionist with a long list of credits. Here is a bit of Frank's act from 1964 on Ed Sullivan -- the time he "opened" for the Beatles. https://dai.ly/x4wd08m
Frank Gorshin's Riddler was the breakout villain of the Adam West version of Batman. Frank played the role 10 times, plus he took the character to other shows and even issued a single in character that scraped the Billboard Top 40. Here is a nice fan-made supercut of some of the Riddler's best bits from 1966.https://youtu.be/C9aCdP83eAw
Frank Gorshin did an uncanny Burt Lancaster and an even better Dean Martin -- so what better time to deploy them both than on a Dean Martin Celebrity Roast!https://youtu.be/mJzcU8z2U14
Meet Jimmie Walker, who turned an "explosive" catch phrase into comedy gold back in the 1970s. When Jimmie was hired to play the son of Esther Rolle and John Amos on Norman Lear's Good Times he was intended to be a a supporting actor who would periodically lighten the mood. Instead, driven by his infectious enthusiasm, he became THE breakout star (much to the consternation of Amos and Rolle). Jimmie still is a road warrior over 40 years into a career that began with a bit of "Dyn-o-mite"! As always, look for extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Before landing the Good Times gig, Jimmie was an up and coming standup. This short set from NBC's Midnight Special (remember that?) is a good taste of Jimmie's early standup style. https://youtu.be/KBV70C0skC8
Jimmie Walker's breakout role was as J.J. on the groundbreaking Good Times sitcom. The show was the first to feature a two parent African American household and Jimmie's infectious style (and way with the word "Dyn-o-mite" stole the show. https://youtu.be/HlbygyToHXc
Jimmie Walker continues to be a road dawg, touring top comedy clubs around the nation. This recent set from the Gotham Comedy Club shows he hasn't lost his audience connection. https://youtu.be/rbi3YQCsyFM
This week we serve up a "changeup" and focus on a legendary comedy routine instead of a comedian. And with the World Series going on, what better choice than Bud Abbott and Lou Costello's classic wordplay routine "Who's on First?" Bud and Lou borrowed the basic concept from a number of wordplay routines making the vaudeville circuit, but their all-American spin using a baseball team as the focus made it an instant hit. It also was a masterclass in slow burn comedy, with Lou becoming more and more frustrated until he explodes. As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Bud and Lou first performed the routine to a wide audience on the Kate Smith Radio Hour in 1938. This clip is taken from a later appearance on the show, but it's a fun listen as the boys have fully inhabited their characters. https://youtu.be/Y91PmP9AXbI
There are a number of video versions of the routine available, but this version -- taken from their early 1950s tv show -- is among the very best. https://youtu.be/2ve20PVNZ18
All great comedy inspires great comedy homages and this one by the Credibility Gap is a gem. Instead of baseball we have a rock concert, but the bit translates perfectly. https://youtu.be/ludCVowT-DE
Richard Ayoade is one of the modern masters of UK comedy, honing his craft at Cambridge (where he was President of the Footlights Society performing group -- which also include John Oliver). Since then he has become a staple on British tv with great roles in classic sitcoms such as The Mighty Boosh and The IT Crowd. He now hosts a clever travel show called "Travel Man" in which he explores a different city each episode with a celebrity guest. Find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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The Brits have a gift for comedy television shows that are very funny AND very surreal. Case in point -- The Mighty Boosh. It's so hard to describe in print, so just feast your eyes. https://youtu.be/ngXzLcWGMTY
While a long-rumored US version has yet to materialize, the UK show The IT Crowd remains a cult favorite. In the show, Ayoade plays Moss -- a socially awkward and painfully shy computer tech. Here's a fan clip of the Best of Moss. https://youtu.be/o0gH_omVWIg
Richard Ayoade may seem an unlikely choice to host a travel show, but he makes the show like his humor -- full of dry wit and wry observations. The premise of Travel Man is simple. Ayoade and a celebrity guest explore a foreign city for 48 hours. In the hands of Ayoade and a fine guest such as Jon Hamm, it's a delight to watch. https://youtu.be/q2C0EO0zzAY
It's "Business Time" here at Laugh Tracks Legends -- and by that we mean it's time to salute Flight of the Conchords, a musical comedy duo from New Zealand who took a song with that title to the top of the charts in the mid-2000s. Bret McKenzie and Jermaine Clements met in college where they honed a "folk duo" act, blending sharp satire with great musical chops. They won raves at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Competition which launched a career that includes (to date) several studio albums (including a Grammy winner), sold out concert tours, a BBC radio series, and a beloved HBO comedy series. Not bad for a couple of lads who bill themselves as "the almost award-winning fourth-most-popular folk duo in New Zealand”! As always, find extra cuts at laughtracksradio.com -- or check out our YouTube channel (Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy) where you can get new episodes as well as a complete archive. As always, thanks for sharing our shows!
If you've watched comedy, even casually, over the last 40 years you know Catherine O'Hara. An icon of contemporary comic acting, Catherine was a founding cast member of SCTV, a frequent guest star in hit movies (Beetlejuice, Waiting for Guffman), and a co-star (with Eugene Levy) on the Schitt's Creek series. No wonder Canada honored her with her own postage stamp in 2014. As always, find extra cuts at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Dom DeLuise, a fixture on tv variety and talk shows during the 1970s and 80s and a frequent comic costar in the movies, particularly in a string of (first) Mel Brooks' and (then) Burt Reynolds' flicks including classics such as Blazing Saddles and Smokey and the Bandit. Whether goofing with Dean Martin as floundering magician "Dominick the Great", trying to get down from a mountain as Father Fyodor in The Twelve Chairs, or even teaching you how to make great Italian dishes in his warm and funny series of cooking videos, Dom never wore out his welcome in a career that spanned 40 years. As always, look for full cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Norm MacDonald was never afraid to make an audience VERY uncomfortable as he worked to a punchline. Beginning as a standup star in Canada, Norm eventually became a cast member of Saturday Night Live. At SNL he helmed Weekend Update until getting unceremoniously dumped by network executives for telling one too many OJ Simpson jokes! Much later he penned a highly entertaining "autobiography" that knitted his real life struggles into an epic "Fear and Loathing" -- style road trip. As always, find extra clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Alan King, an icon of old-school comedy who was a fixture on nightclub stages, tv variety and talk shows, and the big screen from the 1960s through the 90s. While King started off as a rapid fire punchline machine, he developed into a fine storyteller, often drawing on his Jewish background for inspiration. He also became a sought after character actor, but his true calling was as the Abbot of the New York Friar's Club where he had a big hand in their legendary and legendarily profane "roasts." As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com, and thanks for sharing our shows.
Rusty Warren never made it on big variety shows or nightclubs because her bawdy material was too strong for the prudish 50s. A quick tour of any Goodwill store used record section, however, will show that everyone in America must have owned at least one of her albums. In Rusty's world women not only liked sex, they ran the show. Her songs were naughty and her crowd work superb. Catherine O'Hara's spot-on impression on SCTV (in the character of "Dusty Towne") was an affectionate sendup, and in later life Rusty became an icon for young female comics who wanted to tell it like it really is! As always find extra cuts in the comments and thanks for sharing our shows. Miss an episode? We now have a full archive on YouTube along with themed playlists. Check it out!
Were back with new shows! This time out meet George Lopez who has turned a playful (and sometimes pointed) eye toward his challenging childhood and his beloved Mexican-American community into a stellar career on tv, in movies, and on the stand-up stage. As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Prepare for some musical comedy salvation this episode with the Rev. Billy C. Wirtz who has blended rollicking piano with sharp comedy for four decades. His lyrics run the gamut from laments about aging to praise for pro wrestling to revival tent exhortations about the afterlife (Will There Be A Shopping Mall in Heaven?). He's a one of a kind act and we're glad to say that after a few years off to deal with health issues, the Rev is back and on the road taking his "First Church of Polyester Worship and Horizontal Throbbing Teenage Desire" to the masses. Say Amen -- and look for extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com!
Meet Richard Nixon in this week's episode. OK, actually meet David Frye -- widely acclaimed as the best Nixon impersonator ever -- who rode his brilliant impression to a series of hit albums in the 1970s. Frye was a struggling impressionist when he hit on lampooning politicians rather than the Hollywood stars favored by most comics. He did a great Bobby Kennedy and LBJ, but his Nixon is transcendent and Frye captured it all -- not just the voice but Tricky Dick's unique mannerisms and facial expressions. As always, look for full clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Wayland Flowers and Madame, a top draw in nightclubs and on tv during the 1970s and 80s. Wayland was a fine ventriloquist and his puppet Madame -- who he styled as a saucy southern lady -- was a great character, full of sass and snark. From frequent variety show gigs, to a faux talk show (Madame's Place), to a short run as center square on the Hollywood Squares, Wayland and Madame were all over the entertainment map during their decade long run. Find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Here's a treat -- one of the funniest women ever to grace the Broadway stage and the silver screen. Madeline Kahn started out as a singing waitress and worked her way onto Broadway, but it was her movies with Mel Brooks -- especially Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein -- that made her a comedy icon. Look fo extra clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Colin Quinn who has risen from game-show sidekick (MTV's Remote Control) to become a comedian's comedian by blending history, politics, and culture -- with just the right amount of Brooklyn snark. From SNL (where he hosted Weekend Update for a spell) to a long run as host of the scathing Comedy Central talk show Tough Crowd, to a series of one-man shows focusing on American history, to a number of juicy character roles on movies and tv, Colin is a thinking person's comic. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Stu Gilliam, a fine standup and character actor in this week's episode. From humble beginnings, Stu found his comedy groove in the military during the Korean War, entertaining his fellow soldiers with ventriloquism and quick one liners. After serving, Stu began a slow climb up the comedy ladder, catching a career break when Hugh Hefner began to book him in Playboy Clubs around the country. Those gigs led to many tv appearances, both as a standup and a sitcom actor, as well as some fun projects as a voice talent (Scooby Doo!) As always, look for extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Reading Harold Ramis' resume is like reading a history of classic comedy from the 1970s to the 2000s. The National Lampoon Radio Hour, Animal House, Meatballs, Caddy Shack, Stripes, Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and SCTV -- Harold was a driving force in all of them as a writer, producer, actor, and/or director. He once said he liked to channel the wit of Groucho and the charm of Harpo and boy did he ever succeed. Plus he left us with one of the all time great safety tips (in the guise of Egon Spengler): "Don't cross the streams -- it would be bad." As always, look for extended cuts in the comments and thanks for sharing our shows. #HaroldRamis, #Ghostbusters,#SCTV
This time out we visit the birth of modern British satire with Beyond the Fringe. Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Jonathan Miller, and Alan Bennett were University students who joined forces in 1960 to produce a stage revue that still is timely today. The Fringe is everything great about British satire -- irreverant, political, snarky, and even a bit silly at times. All four went on to distinguished careers (both inside and outside of comedy), but their early work truly stands the test of time (even if sometimes on one leg). As always find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows. #Beyondthefringe, #britishcomedy, #satire.
Meet Yogi Yorgesson, the creation of Harry Stewart, who delighted audiences in the 1940s and 50s with parody songs delivered in a comically thick Scandinavian accent. A product of Tacoma, WA, Stewart developed his "Yogi" persona for a local radio station, then took it national when a series of holiday song parodies clicked with listeners. A long run of novelty tunes followed including the immortal "Who Hid The Halibut On The Poopdeck?" As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Charlie Callas, a rubber-faced wildman who was a ubiquitous figure on nightclub stages and tv talk and variety shows in the 1960s and 70s. Callas had a gift for punctuating his routines with wild sound effects which made him an audience favorite as well as a long-time opener for Frank Sinatra. He later became a frequent sitcom guest star -- and his voice graced many cartoons, including the classic "Pete's Dragon." As always find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Paul Reubens -- better known as Pee-Wee Herman -- who came out of left field in the 1980s with a character for the ages. Paul was an improv player in Los Angeles when a failed audition for Saturday Night Live led him to create a stage show that was essentially an adult version of a kids tv show. There were cartoonish sets, wild supporting characters, and corny gags galore -- and presiding over it all was a man-child with an indescribable voice named Pee-Wee. That first success led to movies, tv, and Broadway (with a few bumps along the way). As always find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Albert Brooks, one of the titans of the alternative comedy movement of the 1970s (and beyond). Whether you choose one of his Grammy winning comedy albums (Comedy Minus One, A Star is Bought), one of his classic motion pictures (Defending Your Life, Lost In America), or one of his voice acting gigs (Finding Nemo, The Simpsons), you will soon find that Brooks has a rare gift for making comedy that is smart, carefully crafted, and very funny. As always, look for extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
This time out go north to Canada with us to meet The Frantics, a great comedy troupe who blend sharp sketches with witty songs that have earned them a loyal following for over 40 years. From their birth in the fertile Toronto comedy scene circa 1979, to a long-running CBC radio show, to a late-career reunion that spawned from an old sketch gaining new fame on the Dr. Demento show -- the Frantics keep serving up great characters along with a catch phrase that will stick with you like a "boot to the head!" As always find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
From the improv stage to a long run on SNL to a burgeoning movie career, Maya Rudolph has built a legendary career since first appearing on the scene in the 1990s. A gifted impressionist and musician, Maya's humor is sharp but playful and she is taking her talents to a new audience with her ongoing role as Judge Gen in the NBC hit fantasy/comedy series The Good Place. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
This time out we enjoy some musical mayhem courtesy of Mickey Katz whose Yiddish-themed song parodies assaulted eardrums from the 1940s to the 1980s. A musical prodigy, Mickey got his show business start in amateur talent shows in his hometown of Cleveland and he served his country by playing in USO bands during WW2. While a short-lived pairing with another novelty master (Spike Jones) didn't take, Mickey soon built a formidable solo career by taking popular tunes and recasting the lyrics into enthusiastically delivered if sometimes incomprehesible yiddish. Fun fact: In addition to his solo career, Mickey also conducted the band at Beverly Hills Friars Club events for over 25 years! As always find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
This time we tip our Laugh Tracks caps to Jim Jefferies, a fearless comic who is one of Australia's finest exports. From the standup stage to a highly-regarded FX series to a politically oriented comedy talk show, Jim has never really strayed from who he is -- a very smart and sarcastic observer of the modern condition who is always willing to point out his own foibles in the process. As always find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Travel with us back in time to a Catskills resort in the 1950s. You're having a great time and notice that the featured stand-up comic is also the emcee, the game leader, and the campfire host. That was the mark of a "tummler" -- Yiddish for an all around entertainer who kept the energy high. And, if you were lucky, your tummler might have been the great Jan Murray who became a fixture on television variety, talk, and game shows as well as the standup stage from the 1950s through the 1980s. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Sir Lenworth Henry -- better know to us commoners as Lenny Henry -- is one of Britain's true comedy treasures. From an early stint in the Comic Strip comedy troupe, to his own highly rated BBC comedy series, to appearances in shows ranging from Broadchurch to Dr. Who, Lenny continues to delight the Brits to this day. But perhaps his most important and enduring contribution is cofounding the UK's Comic Relief charity and its annual "Red Nose Day" telethon. Now that's something to cheer! As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows! #lennyhenry,#comicrelief,#rednoseday,#chef
Meet Jeff Foxworthy, who rode a signature bit (You Might Be a Redneck If. . .) to a legendary comedy career. From his early testing of the standup waters -- while keeping a day job of maintaining mainframe computers -- to a multimedia comedy empire built on playful observational humor, Jeff is the rare comic with broad and enduring appeal. And radio disc jockeys looking for the next "5:20" funny loved Jeff -- he never went blue! As always find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Janeane Garafolo, standup star for three decades, accomplished film and tv actor, and one of the pioneers of Air America Radio. An early win as "Funniest Person in Rhode Island" (hey, it's a start) led to gaining fame as a fearless and funny commentator on sexism in society. That led to a run of classic indie films ("Reality Bites", "The Truth About Cats and Dogs") and eventually a role on The Larry Sanders Show. In 2004, she became one of the first voices on Air America Radio, a liberal talk radio network, and today she continues with film and tv roles as well as standup tours. As always, find extra clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
At age 71, Martin Short is the Energizer Bunny of comedy with a hit tv show ("Only Murders in the Building"), solo stage shows, a long-running show with Steve Martin, plus variety and talk show guest slots. Of course, the fact that his is building on a career that includes The Second City, SCTV, Saturday Night Live, movie and tv roles, Tony-winning stage appearances, and a best selling memoir helps! As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows, we must say! #MartinShort, #SCTV, #SNL,#edgrimley
From the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to stages around the world Ireland's Dylan Moran has charmed audiences with a style that is pointed but playful. But standup isn't all there is to Dylan, who has been featured in movies such as "Notting Hill" and "Shaun of the Dead" and starred in "Black Books", a wickedly funny BBC series about a sardonic and constantly inebrieated London bookseller that twice won the BAFTA award for Best Situation Comedy. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
So there are legends and then there are LEGENDS! This time we meet one of the latter -- Lucille Ball, the first lady of American television comedy. From early stage and movie appearances, Lucy worked her way up the show business ladder. When she was offered the chance to adapt a comedy radio show about an "odd couple" marriage for television she jumped at the chance, provided that her real life husband Desi Arnaz played her spouse. "I Love Lucy" was born and her place in the show business pantheon was secure. But there was so much more, not the least being here role as the first female head of a television production company (Desilu productions). No wonder the National Comedy Center Museum is located in her hometown of Jamestown, NY. As always, find extended clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Grab your roll of duct tape and come with us to the Possum Lodge to meet Red Green, handyman extraordinaire and the creation of Canadian comedian Steve Smith. A loose parody of a Canadian outdoors show, the Red Green Show won a huge following with its low-key, but completely relatable humor. With over 300 original episodes, a book and DVD collection, plus frequent tours by Smith (in the Red Green character), duct tape fans don't have far to look to see their hero in action. As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Please bow or curtsy as appropriate to the Fifth Lord Baron Haden-Guest, true British AND comedy royalty better known to us as Christopher Guest. From his start with the National Lampoon to a year spent helping save Saturday Night Live to a series of heavily improvised and archly hilarious films, Christopher Guest's style is that rare comic who is loved by audiences AND admired by his fellow comics as a trailblazer. As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Tim Conway, comedy star for over 50 years and one of the truly nice guys of show business. From humble beginnings in Cleveland televsion to a spot on the Steve Allen show to McHale's Navy and ultimately to a long award-winning run on the Carol Burnett show -- Tim's brand of gentle, self-deprecating humor won fans of all ages. Throw in some films, a highly successful comedy video franchise ("Dorf"), and a voice acting role on SpongeBob SquarePants and you have a legendary career. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
This time out we feature a master at standup, sketch comedy, AND the one-woman comedy show, Sandra Bernhard. From an early role on the Richard Pryor Show to an award winning turn in The King of Comedy to a series of edgy shows that blended performance art, comedy, and rock music. Still active on television and Sirius satellite radio, Sandra Bernhard continues to amuse and amaze. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Martin Mull, actor, writer, musician, and purveyor of sly snark for over 50 years. Martin started out in life wanting to be a painter. He succeeded, but lucky for us he also took a long detour into comedy. From his earliest musical comedy albums, to his breakout roles in "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" and "Fernwood Tonight" to his classic "HIstory of White People in America", Mull always turned a sharp eye onto American schlock. As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Art Garfunkel and John Oates seem destined to live in the shadows of Paul Simon and Daryl Hall, but Riki Lindholme and Kate Miccuci -- known to comedy fans as "Garfunkel and Oates" -- are well on their way to building a legendary comedy career. This dynamic duo blends upbeat music and superb vocals with gleefully snarky and profane lyrics that nail what it's like to be young and navigating a big city. As always, find additional cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Put the espresso on and grab your shades and beret -- this week we are going back to the beat era and the coolest cat of all, Lord Buckley. His unique style blending hipster word play, jazz inflected music, and cosmic retellings of classic stories would be groundbreaking today, much less in the 1940s and 50s. From recasting Jesus as a hipster ("The Nazz") to a surreal appearance with Groucho on "You Bet Your Life," Lord Buckley always left a smile and a playful sense of "just what exactly WAS that?" As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Say "Hi Ho Steverino" to Steve Allen, comedian, writer, compser, and creator of the OG of late night talk shows -- "Tonight" -- way back in 1954. Through several talk shows, 8000 musical compositions, over 50 books, and a Peabody-award winning PBS show ("Meeting of Minds"), Steve was a thinking person's comic and one of the earliest inductees into the Television Hall of Fame. As always find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Johnny Yune, godfather of Korean stand-up comedy in this miniprogram. The name may not ring an immediate bell, but if you watched the Tonight Show in the late 70s and early 1980s, caught any of a number of variety shows from that era, or had a thing for Kung Fu parody flicks, you know his comedy. An extended first set on the Tonight Show back in 1979 (Charlton Heston was late!) was Yune's big break and he made the most of it, eventually hosting his own Americanized talk show in Korea and a local talk fest in LA. As always find extended cuts in the comments at laughtrackscomedy.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Henry "Homer" Haynes and Kenneth "Jethro" Burns ruled the country comedy world for decades with parody versions of hit songs (paging "Weird Al") and a stage act that showcased their superb musicianship as well as their comedy chops. An early takedown of Johnny Horton's "Battle of New Orleans" called "The Battle of Kookamonga" topped the Billboard charts, won a Grammy award, and remains a favorite on the Dr. Demento radio show. From there, Homer & Jethro went on to variety shows and the nightclub circuit, eventually being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As always, find additional cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
This time out we have a masterpiece of "found comedy" courtesy of film icon and gloriously overstuffed ego Orson Welles. Welles' place in the comedy pantheon was secured by material he never released -- outtakes from different commercial recording sessions (which he had undertaken to replenish his perpetually depleted funds). Leaked by long-suffering crews, these audio gems were passed around among aficionados but thanks to the internet Orson's rants are now part of the permanent record. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Dana Carvey, master of standup comedy and impressions, and a stalwart of one of Saturday Night Live's best casts. From his youthful win at the San Francisco International Standup Comedy Competiton, to his long run at SNL, to a late career return to the standup stage, Dana has charmed audiences with his impish wit. And his razor sharp takes on everyone from dim Austrian weightlifters to a cable access second banana to a rather scoldy church lady continue to earn big laughs today. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Jack Burns and Avery Schreiber, better known as Burns and Schreiber were mainstays of tv and nightclub comedy throughout the 1970s with an act that drew from their Second City training to create memorable and hilarious sketches. Their best known bit, which they updated frequently, had Jack's annoying conventioneer climb into Avery's cab, commenting on everything and anything along the way. Both men also had very visible post-team careers including Jack's run as producer of ABC's Fridays and Avery's crunchy run as the spokesperson for Doritos! As always find extended cuts in the comments at laughtrackscomedy.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Mix surreal and offbeat one liners with an indelible stage presence and you get Mitch Hedberg, an icon of alternative comedy. Mitch's cadence was low-key and jazzlike while his subject matter took on the absurdities of everyday live. The result was like bringing the best Far Side cartoons to life. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Gabe Kaplan, standup star, sitcom legend, and world-class professional poker player (!) in this miniprogram. Gabe mined his real-life high school experience for laughs early in his standup career and good thing because it led to the comedy classic "Welcome Back Kotter" in which Gabe returns as a teacher to his alma mater. It was a sweet gig and when it ended Gabe returned to standup and launched a new passion -- playing professional poker. With over $2 million in lifetime winnings we'd say he might have a future with the cards! As always, extended cuts are in the comments at laughtrackscomedy.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Jane Curtin, an original SNL cast member who went on to more fame on tv and the big screen in a career now nearing 50 years. Jane could play both funny and straight and she created some indelible characters in the process from tough consumer reporter Joan Face to Conehead matriarch Prymaat to Allie Lowell in the hit sitcom Kate and Allie, Kate's cool and cerebral approach to comedy provided a strong center around which other comedy could build. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet The Rutles -- the comic creation of Eric Idle and Neil Innes who took a short Beatles parody on BBC's "Rutland Weekend Television" and turned it into a full length mockumentary, several excellent albums, and sold out worldwide tours. Dirk, Barry, Stig, and Nasty -- the "Prefab Four" -- managed the rarest of feats in making a mockumentary that had just the right amount of snark and sweetness (it also helped that Neil Innes wrote some great tunes). As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Lewis Black, master of tightly wrapped comedic rage in this miniprogram. Lewis Black went from local theater to a legendary standup career when a pal who saw his backstage rants suggested that he take the stage and "start yelling up there." Through multiple comedy specials, sold out worldwide tours, and even a role in a Pixar flick (as "Anger", naturally), Lewis expertly channels the frustration we all feel and gets us to laugh in the process. As always find extended cuts in the comments at laughtrackscomedy.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Amy Poehler who has turned lightning fast improv chops, superb satirical skills, and an engaging personality into a legendary career. From the Second City to the Upright Citizens Brigade to Saturday Night Live/Parks and Recreation/The Golden Globes and beyond, Amy has left a big imprint on the modern comedy world. As always, find extend clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Let's go back to television's early days to meet Milton Berle whose madcap vaudeville style captivated early viewers and earned him the nickname "Mr. Television." "Uncle Miltie" also was a staple on tv variety and talk shows and on the Vegas strip, but it is as a founder and roastmaster of the Beverly Hills Friars Club where Berle was truly in his element. As always look for extended clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Robert Klein, master of observational comedy and versatile star of tv, film, and the Broadway stage. From early work as part of the Second City improv troupe to a series of classic HBO comedy specials to a late career run on "Will and Grace", Klein has charmed audiences with his always playful yet often pointed observations. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Prepare to have your mind roasted by Professor Irwin Corey, "The World's Foremost Authority" whose improvisational ranting was a fixture on variety shows and standup stages for over 70 years. Dressed in his signature string tie, black swallowtail coat, and hair that looked like it has been styled by a blender, Prof. Corey could effortless spin a string of obscurities, philosophical musings, corny one-liner, and madcap malapropisms on any subject of your choosing. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Great googly moogly -- it's Mojo Nixon, master of mirthful psychobilly music and this week's Legend of Comedy. Whether as a roots rocker singing "Elvis is Everywhere," as an MTV star in its glory days, or in his current incarnation as a Sirius XM DJ, Mojo has always specialized in comedy that rocks. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Stan Laurel was born in England and Oliver Hardy in Georgia. Thank goodness they both found their way to Hollywood where they became Laurel and Hardy, one of the best-loved film duos of all time. In over 100 movies and short subjects they developed characters that are iconic -- the sweet, bumbling, and easily frustrated Stan and the more forceful but still comically hapless Ollie. As always find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thank you for sharing our shows!
Meet Andrea Martin whose legendary career began in Toronto's fertile 1970s comedy scene, moved on to be a mainstay of the cast of SCTV, then segued to being a Tony-award winning Broadway actress. As her great character Edith Prickley would say: "Mama's Cookin' Now!" As always find additional cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara -- "Stiller and Meara" -- in this miniprogram. From their debut with Chicago's Compass Players (the predecessor to the Second City) back in 1961, Stiller and Meara racked up several hit albums, countless appearances on tv talk and variety shows, fine individual roles on top sitcoms, and late career reunion projects. And they did it while staying happily married for over 60 years -- not too shabby! As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Rich Little, "The Man of A Thousand Voices" in this miniprogram. As a young man Rich would sneak a tape recorder into movie theaters so he could learn to impersonate movie stars. Good move -- Rich's gift for mimicry would see him become a star of tv variety and talks shows, and a top draw in Vegas and in theatres around the world. As always, find full clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Henny Youngman, the undisputed "King of the One Liners", who turned the simplest comic style into a career spanning 70 years. From early days writing punchlines for comic postcards to decades as a fixture in clubs and on television talk and variety shows, Henny's style was timeless -- and fast! (He could fit 50 jokes into an eight-minute set.) Plus, Henny coined one of the most recognizable catch phrases in comedy history. As always, find complete cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Michael Flanders and Donald Swann were masters of playful musical comedy, blending Swann's melodies with Flanders' lyrics and monologues into witty revues that won appreciative audiences around the world. Less caustic than Tom Lehrer and more modern than Gilbert and Sullivan, Flanders and Swann wrote songs that were a gentle poke rather than a cudgel -- and they sure had a thing for songs about odd animals (Gnu, anyone?). As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Totie Fields, a ubiquitous presence on 1960s and 70s variety, game, and talk shows -- as well as a Vegas headliner for over 20 years. A veteran of the Borscht Belt, Totie's warm and personal style connected with a wide swath of the public and her long struggle with illness -- while continuing to perform -- only endeared her even more to her fans. As always, find extra clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Father Guido Sarducci, the comic creation of Don Novello, in this miniprogram. A chance find of a monsignor's outfit at a San Francisco Goodwill Store back in 1973 was the start of a legendary 50-year career playing Father Sarducci, a slyly hip correspondent for the Vatican. Find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Redd Foxx, king of "Party Records" and star of "Sanford and Son" in this miniprogram. From humble beginnings telling dirty jokes to audiences in South Central LA, Redd took a flyer and recorded a comedy album. He was concerned recording his act might dilute ticket sales. Not to worry -- soon Redd was selling raunchy records by the truckload and entertaining sellout crowds in Las Vegas. His role as Fred Sanford brought Redd to a wider audience, but he never strayed far from his brand of in-your-face standup. As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Sarah Silverman, a comedian whose blunt yet playful commentary on life, love, politics and more has earned her worldwide fame. From an early spot as part of the cast of HBO's classic "Mr. Show" to several well-received solo specials, to a long-running bit pretending to have an affair with Matt Damon behind the back of (ok, actually completely in front of) then-boyfrieend Jimmy Kimmel -- Sarah has used her tart tongue to build a legendary career. As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet John Candy, Canadian superstar of tv and film in this miniprogram. From his start in Toronto's Second City troupe, to his long run as a mainstay on SCTV, to his many memorable movie roles, Candy truly earned his iconic status. As always find extra clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Don Rickles turned a gift for putting hecklers in their place into a 60-plus year career as the nation's premier insult comic. From a fortuitous roasting of Frank Sinatra (fortuitous in that Frank laughed), Don went on to be a fixture in Las Vegas and in tv variety shows, sitcoms, and films from Casino to Toy Story! As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Bob Hudson and Ron Landry, each highly successful top-40 DJs in the early 1970s who teamed up as Hudson and Landry and climbed the Billboard charts. The formula was simple -- take well-crafted radio sketches, get an audience highly liquored up (at the Pomona National Golf Club), and hit "record." As always find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com -- audio only this time because nothing of their few tv spots exists (if you find some let us know). And thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Gilda Radner, comedy icon and America's sweetheart. From early days with Second City and the National Lampoon, to her groundbreaking work as part of the original SNL cast, to her humanitarian work for cancer patients, Gilda left a comedy legacy that endures -- and makes us laugh -- to this day. Find more clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Hannah Gadsby, storyteller, actress, standup comedian, and breakout comedy star in this miniprogram. Born in Tasmania, Hannah mines her unique cultural and personal background, including her LGBTQ identity and her struggles with ADHD and autism, for award-winning comedy that is both raw and personal. As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Freddie Prinze in this week's episode. His career was short but spectacular, spawning a national catch phrase, a hit television show, and a chart-topping album all in a few years. Plus, he was the first comedian ever to be invited by Johnny Carson to the couch after his first spot. "Looking Good" indeed! As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Is something bothering you Bunkie? Well, we have the cure in the persona of Eddie Lawrence -- better known as "The Old Philosopher" who stormed the comedy world in the late 1950s mixing music, pathos, and bombast in a routine that is hard to describe and completely unforgettable. As always, find complete cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders -- better known as French and Saunders -- in this miniprogram. One of the funniest comedy teams of any gender, French and Saunders made it big when female comedy teams were largely unheard of. Their expert timing, playful style, and sly naughtiness endeared them to legions of fans in Britain and around the world who continue to cheer their periodic reunions. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Say hello to The Credibility Gap, a 1970s LA-based radio sketch troupe whose pointed and sonically dense satire served a launch pad for its members (Harry Shearer, Michael McKean, David Lander) to go on to greater fame in This is Spinal Tap, Laverne and Shirley, Best in Show, The Simpsons, and many more. As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Andy Griffith, television icon and purveyor of sly Southern humor for decades. Loved by millions for his comedy stories, Andy moved into the realm of comedy icon when he took the role of Sheriff Andy Taylor of Mayberry, North Carolina. 7 seasons and a gazillion reruns later, Andy still charms (and even inspires a few great parodies). As always, find extra clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Steve Martin -- standup star, movie icon, superb writer, and all around wild and crazy guy in this miniprogram. From his humble beginning doing magic tricks at Knotts Berry Farm to his latest sellout tour with pal Martin Short, Steve Martin has captivated audiences for over 50 years. As always, find extended clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com. This is the first episode of year two and we thank you immensely for sharing our shows!
William Shatner boldly went where no one had before -- both in Star Trek and in the recording studio where he uncorked over the top renditions of popular songs that landed him squarely in the novelty music hall of fame. Was it intentional? Does it matter? It's Captain Kirk -- and he's still assaulting our eardrums at the age of 90! As always find more cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com. Thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Roseanne Barr, "Domestic Goddess" in this miniprogram. When Roseanne took the comedy world by storm in the 1980s, she really came out of left field with a self-deprecating attitude (and "chalk on fingernails" voice) that took her to the top of the sitcom and standup world. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet David Steinberg, a true comedians's comedian, in this week's miniprogram. From humble roots in Winnipeg, David rose to comedy legend with many memorable (and sometimes controversial) appearances on the Smothers Brothers' Comedy Hour and the Tonight Show, not to mention his award-winning accomplishments as a comedy director and interviewer. No wonder he is a winner of the Order of Canada! As always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Dave Allen whose relaxed demeanor (sitting down, nursing a whiskey) was the perfect contrast to his comedy -- which was pointed, satirical, and a tad bit profane. Dave presided over the comedy stage for over 30 years, even gaining some recognition in America when PBS picked up his long-running BBC show. If you know him you are smiling already, and if you don't know him we think you'll be glad for the introduction. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Carol Burnett, television comedy legend, in this miniprogram. Few comedians have had as strong a hold on the public as Carol Burnett and its no wonder. From her early days on Broadway, to frequent guest spots with Lucille Ball, to her pioneering TV variety show, Carol Burnett has built a career that is truly legendary. As always, find extra clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Dan Rowan and Dick Martin were a classic nightclub comedy duo in the 1950s and 60s which made them the perfect glue to hold together the comedy mayhem that was Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. Laugh-In ruled the airwaves in the late 1960s and early 1970s, spawning stars such as Lily Tomlin and Goldie Hawn, and catch phrases galore. Meet Dan and Dick in this week's mini program and, as always, find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
This week's miniprogram features "The Big Yin" -- Scottish comedian Billy Connolly. A lovable rogue with a gift for being hilariously offensive, Billy overcame a tough childhood with humor -- first as part of Scotland's folk music scene, then as a star of concert tours, tv, and movies. Find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and a heads up -- at least a couple may be NSFW -- but funny! And, as always, thanks for sharing our shows!
In this miniprogram we meet Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong -- better known as Cheech and Chong -- who took their stoner comedy act to the top of the charts in the 1970s and beyond. From the never-home "Dave" to "Pedro and Man" to "Sister Mary Elephant", Cheech and Chong's characters were a staple of FM airwaves, assuming you could get off the couch to turn on the stereo! As always find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
In this mini program, we meet the delightful Maria Bamford, who blends phenomenal voice skills, performance art chops, and a fearless willingness to talk on stage about her personal struggles into a singular and hilarious comedy act. As always, find extended clips in the comments at laughtrackscomedy.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Ray Stevens, titan of comedy music for over 50 years, in this miniprogram. Starting as a teen rocker back in the 1950s, Ray's gift for witty novelty tunes soon became apparent -- and he rode that talent to top 40 radio with Gitarzan and The Streak, to his own wildly successful nightclub in Branson, and to a huge recording, publishing, performing and songwriting empire in Nashville. And he's still at it! As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtrackscomedy.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
This time out we show some respect to Rodney Dangerfield, he of the bug eyes, wild hair, and weapons-grade self deprecation. Following a failed first attempt at a comedy career, and a detour into selling aluminum siding, Rodney's second shot at fame paid off like gangbusters. From sold out theater shows, to movies, to a namesake comedy club, to 70 appearances on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show -- Rodney was a force of nature from the 1970s through the 1990s. As always, find a video version with extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet a truly great Dane -- the clown prince of Denmark, Victor Borge in this miniprogram. A musical prodigy, Victor had one of the most unusual and beloved comedy acts of all time, mixing superb classical piano with very clever comedy bits. A fixture for decades on stages and television shows around the world, Borge also invented "phonetic punctuation" in which he would substitute exaggerated sound effects for all the punctuation in a story. As always, find additional clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thank you for sharing our shows.
You may not know Julius Russell, but if we use his more famous nickname -- "Nipsey" -- it's sure to bring a smile. A veteran of party records, game shows, variety programs, and films, Nipsey specialized in witty wordplay (not to mention song and dance). As always, find additional clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Young Lindley Jones was so thin his father, a railroad worker, nicknamed him "Spike". The nickname stuck, as did his twisted take on popular music. Spike would demolish pop hits with sound effects, wild comic voices, and frantic chord changes. His music became a staple of the early Dr. Demento radio show as new ears found big laughs in Spike's musical mayhem. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Lenny Bruce, the original "dark angel" of controversial standup comedy in this miniprogram. Intellectual, pointed riffs, delivered at a mile-a-minute and sprinkled liberally with profanity were Lenny's stock in trade. Along the way it netted him numerous obscenity arrests -- as well a permanent place in the DNA of every irreverent comic to follow. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com. And thanks for sharing our shows!
Life feeling a little surreal right now? Well you are in luck, because this time out we feature Steven Wright, legendary standup comic whose stock in trade is philosophical and gently surreal one liners delivered in a laconic and ever so dry style. From his start at the Ding Ho club in Boston to college arenas to HBO specials and movie roles, Steven Wright has forged a unique and very funny career. As always, find more clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Stellar pipes and saucy wit propelled Bette Midler from small roles off, off , off Broadway to entertaining at NYC bathhouses to headlining gigs around the world -- with a first rate acting career to boot. Meet her in this week's episode. As always, find additional cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Mike Nichols and Elaine May -- better known as Nichols and May -- pioneers of ironic, improvised comedy in this miniprogram. After meeting at the University of Chicago and helping form the Compass Players (a precursor of the famed Second City troupe), Mike and Elaine split off to with a duo act that conquered the comedy world and influenced a generation of comics. Said Steve Martin: "Never had I heard irony delivered just in the tone of a voice." As always, look for extended clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Patton Oswalt knows more about movies, comic-cons, science fiction, and KFC bowls than any man alive. From the funniest kid in class, to a writer for Mad TV, to a standup star, to a voice acting and sitcom stalwart, Patton has had a legendary comedy career -- with some intriguing side projects along the way. As always, find extended clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Say a hearty "Howdee" to Sarah Colley -- known to comedy fans worldwide as country comedy superstar Minnie Pearl. From humble beginnings to the Grand Old Opry stage to film and tv stardom, Minnie Pearl never changed the basics of her act -- tall tales from the fictitious town of "Grinderswitch" told with a twinkle in her eye and just a tad of naughtiness. As always, look for extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet the Royal Canadian Air Farce, provider of north of the border laughs for nearly 50 years. Starting on CBC radio back in 1973, the original cast of Luba Goy, Dave Broadfoot, John Morgan, Roger Abbott, and Don Ferguson delivered a mix of sharp satire and silliness, eventually moving to tv where they (and new Farce members) stayed until finally signing off with a 2019 NYE special. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
His friends know him as Barrett Hansen, but radio listeners know him as Dr. Demento, and for over 40 years he has delivered good medicine to fans of novelty music worldwide. Meet him and some of the twisted tunesmiths he favors in this miniprogram. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
From the Devil, to the devilish schemer Blackadder, to the hilarious manchild Bean, Rowan Atkinson is one of the most distinctive and versatile comedians the UK has ever gifted the world. Find out more in this miniprogram and, as always, extra clips are in the comment section at laughtracksradio.com. And thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Robin Williams, whose comedy act resembled a one man improv troupe and whose films -- whether comedies such as Mrs. Doubtfire, serious fare such as Good Will Hunting, or in-between such as Good Morning Vietnam -- made his a global star. And in his spare time, he helped launch Comic Relief which brought help to the homeless. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Wanda Sykes, sharp of wit and tart of tongue, in this miniprogram. Over the last 30 years, Wanda has worked her way up from comedy writer, to sold out club and theater tours, to award-winning standup specials, to hosting the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner! Not bad for a woman whose first job was reviewing contracts for the National Security Agency! Find extended cuts at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet the Capitol Steps, who rose from an impromptu group convened to entertain at an office holiday party into a nationally touring political comedy juggernaut. Mixing sharp song parodies, witty wordplay, and far better than needed musical chops, Capitol Steps albums (and shows) are a fast and funny snapshot of the current political mood. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Richard Pryor, the person Rolling Stone magazine ranked top standup comic of all time, in this miniprogram. Pryor's comedy was personal, political, and highly profane -- traits that endeared him to millions through his standup specials and popular movies. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows!
Meet Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner -- and their classic creation, The 2,000 Year Old Man, in this miniprogram. From a writer's room gag, to a party gag, to an iconic routine Mel and Carl's 2,000 Year Old Man act never varied. Carl would toss Mel a question and Mel would improv an answer, the wilder the better.
Meet Ellen DeGeneres who rose from humble beginnings in Metarie, Louisiana to becoome a 21 time Daytime Emmy winner, sitcom pioneer, and standup superstar in this miniprogram. As always, find extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com.
Meet Tom and Dick -- the Smothers Brothers -- in this miniprogram. Comedy favorites for over 50 years, the Smothers Brothers mixed a classic "brother" comedy act with sharp and controversial political satire -- and tossed in some fine folk music to boot. Look for additional cuts at laughtracksradio.com. Thanks for listening!
Meet one of comedy's iconic wildmen in this miniprogram. Jonathan Winters was a master of improv comedy, inventing classic characters and situations on the fly and inspiring legions of future comedians such as Robin Williams. Find extended clips at laughtracksradio.com!
Meet Godfrey Cambridge, purveyor of smart standup comedy, insightful social commentator. and star of groundbreaking movies in this miniprogram. As always, find additional clips in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Phyllis Diller who made an improbable journey from midwestern housewife to comedy superstar. With wild dresses, outlandish hair, and an unmistakable cackle, Phyllis was one of a kind. More at laughtracksradio.com
Meet the Three Stooges, masters of mayhem and mirth, in this miniprogram. From vaudeville to television, the Howard brothers (Moe, Curly, and Shemp) teamed with Larry Fine to create a brand of comedy that was hated by critics and loved by anyone who has ever laughed at slapstick. As always, find extended clips at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Bill Engvall, blue collar comedian extraordinaire who has a keen eye for dumb people. From the "Here's Your Sign" album to the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, to a popular sitcom, Bill Engvall has built a legendary career. Find extended cuts at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Jerry Seinfeld, master of observational comedy in this miniprogram. From a breakthrough appearance on the Tonight Show, Jerry Seinfeld ruled comedy during the 1980s and 1990s with sold out tours and a classic sitcom -- and now he is back with great new standup. Find additional cuts at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Allen and Rossi, quintessential Vegas comedy team, in this miniprogram. From 1957 to 1968 wild-haired and bug-eyed Marty Allen and smooth straightman Steve Rossi were fixtures on variety shows and in Vegas showrooms. The routine was simple "Q and A" but the results -- comedy gold. As always find extra cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Starting with open-mic nights near St. Louis, Kathleen Madigan has built an amazing audience rapport with clever observations on religion, family and -- yes -- Sarah McLachlan's famous public service announcement for animal welfare. As always, look for extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com.
Meet Bob Newhart who started as an accountant and became an icon through classic comedy albums; countless live appearances and talk show spots; and two classic sitcoms. As always, look for extended cuts in the comments at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Dressed in a sweater and open collared shirt, Mort Sahl announced to 1950's comedy audiences that he was different. And indeed he was, armed with nothing but the day's newspaper, Sahl riffed pointedly about political folly, being named by Time Magazine (in 1960) as the best political satirist since Will Rogers. As always, extended cuts at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet the Firesign Theatre, purveyors of surreal and very funny long-form comedy for almost 50 years. Starting in the 1960s Firesign quickly recorded a series of classic albums that kept fans listening to (and memorizing) their routines for decades. Extended cuts (a must with Firesign) at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Stan Freberg, a comedy renaissance man who conquered radio, recordings, television, and more in this miniprogram. From early work as a voice actor, to a series of groundbreaking comedy albums, to two decades of funny, award-winning ads -- Stan Freberg left an indelible mark on comedy and pop culture. As always look for extended cuts at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing these shows!
Meet Johnny Wayne and Frank Shuster -- better known as Wayne & Shuster, Canada's top comedy duo for decades, in this miniprogram. Wayne & Shuster specialized in sharp, literate comedy and they hold the record for most appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show. As always, look for additional clips at laughtracksradio.com and thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Tom Lehrer, master of sharp (and sometimes slightly sick) ditties -- and a Harvard professor to boot -- in this miniprogram. From the late 1950s to the early 1960s, Tom unleashed a series of classic satirical tunes that have stood the test of time. As always, find extra clips at laughtracksradio.com. And thanks for listening and sharing these shows.
Meet Joan Rivers, she of the verbal flamethrower, in this miniprogram. From standup, to talk shows, to the Oscar Red Carpet, Joan turned a sharp tongue and quick wit into comedy gold. Find extra clips at laughtracksradio.com. And thanks for sharing our shows.
Meet Peter Sellers, man of a thousand characters and star of stage, screen, and recordings in this miniprogram. From The Goon Show to the Pink Panther to Dr. Strangelove -- Peter Sellers has left an influential (and hilarious) comic legacy. Find extra clips at laughtracksradio.com (and thanks so much for sharing our shows).
In a career spanning nearly 50 years, George Carlin practically invented the HBO comedy standup special, was an award winning author and film/tv star, and unleashed verbal firepower as a fierce advocate for free speech. Find extra clips at laughtracksradio.com and, as always, we appreciate you sharing these shows.
Take a diminutive, hilarious Brit (Ronnie Corbett) and a rotund, hilarious Brit (Ronnie Barker) and put them together -- comic genius. Meet The Two Ronnies, Britain's beloved comedy duo, in this miniprogram. Find extra clips at laughtracksradio.com and, as always, thanks for listening and sharing our shows.
Meet Jim Gaffigan, a likeable everyman who made junk food his muse and became a star, in this miniprogram. Find extended cuts at laughtracksradio.com. And thanks for liking our page and sharing these shows.
Take a young man with a gift for wordplay and a fierce desire to rock out on the accordion and what do you get? The legendary "Weird Al" Yankovic of course! Meet him on this week's episode and as always, look for extra clips at laughtracksradio.com. And thanks for sharing these episodes and your kind comments -- we really appreciate it!
Meet the great Lily Tomlin, star of stage, screen, and records and one of the true legends of comedy in this miniprogram. Visit us at laughtracksradio.com for extended cuts.
Meet Flip Wilson, groundbreaking purveyor of sly social satire, shaggy dog stories, with a bit of gender bending thrown in to boot. Flip was the first Black entertainer to host a network variety show and he was a fixture on variety and talk shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Extended cuts at laughtracksradio.com.