Comedy Sketches For The Ages
Comedy is one of those things a person can relate to, sometimes even when they don't know what they are talking about. Today, foul language is all too often used to create a sense of discomfort, thereby creating an uncomfortable laughter from the crowd. Others join in, and the comedian is in charge, creating more laughter out of what should be a situation that used to be taboo. I just do not like that type of humor, based on making others feel badly. I prefer laughter based on humor, intelligence, and funny situations. I hope you enjoy my brand of humor, outdated though it may be.
The original Mouth of Mississippi, Jerry Clower is my all time, absolute, no question favorite comedian. He had so many great routines, and it isn't fair to list only one. But I will hold myself to just one. But which one? Marcelle's Talkin' Chainsaw? Coon Huntin' Story? Hot Steel Balls? Great routines, all. But I will have to say that my favorite is the one where we are introduced to the Ledbetter clan, all of 'em. Arnelle, Burnelle, Raynelle, W.L., Lidell, Odell, Eudell, Marcelle, Claude, Newgene and Clovis. Oh, and Uncle Versie and Aunt Pat. Here is the story of The Burning Building. Enjoy, and pay close attention to that last line.
While most comedians today use foul language and such to get a laugh, every now and again you find a true diamond in the rough. Such is this young gentleman. Sittin' up with the dead is such a wonderful routine, originally done by Jerry Clower, and this young man just nails it. Graham Hildebran can't be but around 11 years old or so here, but he is spot on. The facial expressions kill me, and he is wonderful. Enjoy this home movie.
Niagra Falls! S-l-o-w-l-y I turned! Step by step! I cannot help but laugh at this masterpiece. It has been performed by Abbott and Costello, The Three Stooges, and on I Love Lucy among countless others. Who would think that a simple thing like "Hello, pal!" could lead to such a crazy situation.
Justin Wilson, the Cajun Cook had some wonderful stories. Oh, he was also a heck of a cook, and may well be the reason everyone today loves Louisiana Hot Sauce. Here is a portion of his album The Humorous World of Justin Wilson. He tells stories with a laconic, easy way, except for the way he massacres the English language. Listen in and try real hard to understand the words he uses. You just might find you begin using some of his words, I gar-on-tee! And pay attention to his cooking shows where he puts a little sherry in the sauce and a little sherry in the cook! Hooo-Weee!
I would never forgive myself if I left out the man who gave us an insight into the life of a redneck, and has even made it popular to be one. Jeff Foxworthy has sold more records than any other comedian in history, and it would be hard to find someone who has not heard of either him or some of his routines. Here you go, the great Jeff Foxworthy. By the way, to give ya'll a thought to the way I talk, when I was out of town training to be a manager in 2005, my own son who was only just a year and a half old, walked up to the TV which had Jeff on, placed his hands on the screen, and said "Dada!" I happened to be on the phone with my wife at that exact moment, and while she thought it was cute, I felt horrible! Do I really sound that redneck?!?!
This routine is special because A) I had to go through this a couple of years ago and B) It's true!! For those of you have yet to enjoy this day, buddy it's coming! On my day, as I was waking up from the procedure evidently I "broke wind" at the exact moment the nurse came into my room, holding the clipboard just like Jeff says and as she approached my bed. From behind. My wife was sitting beside me (on the good side, near my head) when I let 'er go. The nurse never broke stride according to my wife and turned on her heel and strode purposefully out of the room. I don't remember this, but damn I wish I did!
Abbott and Costello. Are they the greatest comedy team ever? Timing, smart, incredibly gifted actors and comedians who graced us with untold laughs. Here is, to me, the single greatest comedy sketch of all time. Who's On First showcases their impeccable timing at its finest. I have read that they are the only members of the Baseball Hall Of Fame who never played the game, or coached. Elected in to it simply on the strength of this one sketch. I have also heard, although not able to confirm, that it was loosely based on some baseball players by the name of Honus Hoehe (Who), Allie Watt (What), and Isaiah Donough (I Dunno). If it ain't true, it oughta be!
