Journalist/Comedian Harmon Leon dives into comedy cult classics, comedic influences, and all things comedy history.
In 1961, Dick Gregory was the first African American comedian to perform at a white club.
A pioneer in the world of stand-up comedy, Gregory's material mocked the bigotry and racism of the time. Gregory is equally known for his activism as well as his comedy. He's one of the most influential comedians in comedy history; inspiring the likes of Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy, and Chris Rock.
Fred Willard was a true comedy legend. Not only did he appear in the classic Christopher Guest mockumentaries - but he also got his start at Second City in Chicago and was a member of a comedy team that was featured on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and Get Smart.
As a tribute to the great Fred Willard - we dive into his comedy history that spanned decades.
Needless to say, we are currently living through a crisis. But we know that laughter is the best medicine - and comedy will help us prevail.
It’s helped us in the past - in dealing with tragic events.
This episode, we look at comedy right directly after 9/11. They said irony was dead - but comedy help us pull through tragedy - especially with The Onion, SNL, Letterman, The Daily Show, and Gilbert Gottfried's legendary joke at the Friar's Club Roast.
