Icons of African American Comedy (Greenwood Icons)

This in-depth compilation of the lives, works, and contributions of 12 icons of African-American comedy explores their impact on American entertainment and the way America thinks about race. Despite the popularity of comedic superstars like Bill Cosby and Whoopi Goldberg, few books have looked at the work of African-American comedians, especially those who, like Godfrey Cambridge and Moms Mabley, dramatically impacted American humor. Icons of African American Comedy remedies that oversight. Beginning with an introduction that explores the history and impact of black comedians, the book offers in-depth discussions of 12 of the most important African-American comedians of the past 100-plus years: Bert Williams, Moms Mabley, Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, Godfrey Cambridge, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Damon Wayans, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle. Each essay discusses the comedian's early life and offers an analysis of his or her contributions to American entertainment. Providing a variety of viewpoints on African-American comedy, the book shows how these comedians changed American comedy and American society. A chronology of the major events of more than 100 years of comedic history 24 photographs showing the 12 featured comedians at various stages in their careers A list of resources at the end of each chapter, including books, articles, movies, recordings, and stand-up performances Suggestions for further reading This in-depth compilation of the lives, works, and contributions of 12 icons of African-American comedy explores their impact on American entertainment and the way America thinks about race. Beginning with an introduction that explores the history and impact of black comedians, the book offers in-depth discussions of 12 of the most important African-American comedians of the past 100-plus years: Bert Williams, Moms Mabley, Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, Godfrey Cambridge, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Damon Wayans, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle. Each essay discusses the comedian's early life and offers an analysis of his or her contributions to American entertainment. Providing a variety of viewpoints on African-American comedy, the book shows how these comedians changed American comedy and American society. * * A chronology of the major events of more than 100 years of comedic history * * 24 photographs showing the 12 featured comedians at various stages in their careers * * A list of resources at the end of each chapter, including books, articles, movies, recordings, and stand-up performances * * Suggestions for further reading * Cover Contents Series Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction: Behind the Blackface Bert Williams Early Life The Williams and Walker Years Williams’s Solo Career Influence Moms Mabley Early Life The Early Movies On Television Amazing Grace Stand-up Career Influence Redd Foxx Early Life Stand-up Career Sanford and Son Influence Dick Gregory Early Life Comedy Career Activism Influence Godfrey Cambridge Early Life Stand-up Career Film and Television Influence Flip Wilson Early Life On Television Stand-up Career Influence Bill Cosby Early Life On Vinyl On Television The Cosby Show Influence Richard Pryor Early Life Early Career On Vinyl The Concert Films Richard Pryor on Film The Richard Pryor Show Influence Whoopi Goldberg Early Life The Performance Films On Film On Television Influence Damon Wayans Early Life In Living Color On Film Other Television Shows Books Influence Chris Rock Early Life Stand-up Career On Television and Film Influence Dave Chappelle Early Life Early Work Chappelle’s Show The African Hiatus The Performance Films Influence Timeline Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z Bert Williams -- Moms Mabley -- Redd Foxx -- Dick Gregory -- Godfrey Cambridge -- Flip Wilson -- Bill Cosby -- Richard Pryor -- Whoopi Goldberg -- Damon Wayans -- Chris Rock -- Dave Chappelle. Eddie Tafoya. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Profiles twelve iconic African American comedians throughout history, from Bert Williams to Dave Chappelle, and discusses how each comedian impacted American humor.