Promotional Information

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.

Table of 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

About the Author

Eddie Tafoya is associate professor of American literature and creative writing at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM.

Reviews

What a surprise to laugh while reviewing a new reference title! This one features comedy icons—those who, 1) challenge the status quo, 2) influence millions, and 3) impact history; so it includes lots of humorous material while informing the reader and reflecting on race and entertainment history. . . . This entertaining work belongs in most circulating collections.
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