George Carlin, A Tribute

"I don't have pet peeves - I have major psychotic hatreds" -- George Carlin 5/12/1937 - 6/22/2008

     George Carlin was, simply put, a master comedian, and prolific writer.  When it came to delivering raw, in your face, relevant, and hilarious stand-up routines, George Carlin never let you down.  And, like with all the greats, you know right away when you see a great comedian.  And, anyone could clearly see that George Carlin was a true master.  I knew immediately that Carlin was among the greats as soon as I first saw him perform when I was a child.  His performance was just so special, and recognizably honest, and sincere that you felt as though he was speaking directly to you. 
     George possessed the type of stage presence, courage, and perfect timing that made you feel as though you knew him and, not only that but, he thought just like you, only a lot more bitter and angry.  His comedy was always thought provoking, and relevant as well as hilariously crafted, and well delivered.  Carlin owned the stage and your attention.  He demanded it, and he was a clear, and undeniable master of the art of Stand-Up comedy.  A prolific, and masterful storyteller, hilarious and relate able performer, and downright brilliant humorist, George Carlin and his unique brand of comedy truly was a gift to society.

Bill Hicks - Comedy Legend, Comic Genius

     I consider Bill Hicks to be the greatest stand up comedian of all time.

     I have been a student of stand up for a very long time and have studied all of the greats but when I first saw Hicks' special 'Sane Man' I knew I had found the master. As I watched that special I knew I was watching something magical. Never before had I seen stand up comedy performed so perfectly. Bill Hicks was an amazing writer and comedic performer and it is a real shame he was taken from us so early but I will always hold on to and cherish his work. As a comedian he is my hero.

     William Melvin Hicks was born December 16th, 1961 in Valdosta, Georgia, the youngest of three children. He began preforming comedy at a young age with his childhood friend Dwight Slade sending comedy packages to agents which even earned them a spot on the Jerry Lewis telethon but they couldn't perform on the show however because they were underage. Bill continued to pursue his love of comedy and once he graduated high school he moved to LA and began working at The Comedy Store alongside Gary Shandling, Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno.

     Hicks went on to have a successful career as a stand up comic. Preforming 250-300 times a year all over the country. During his career he appeared 12 times on the Letterman show and released multiple comedy albums, and stand up comedy specials for HBO. Bill Hicks was very near breaking into superstar status here in the states, a level of fame which he had already achieved over seas, but unfortunately he died of cancer before achieving that success here in his home country.