A History of Stand-Up Comedy
The house lights dim, leaving the stage illuminated with a single spotlight. A lone barstool sits out in the middle of the stage next to a microphone stand. The crowd waits silently as a performer walks onto the stage, waves, and says something into the microphone. The crowd erupts with laughter. Stand-up comedy is a beloved form of entertainment the world over. As the saying goes “laughter is the best medicine” and people love to go see a great comedian and enjoy a night of smiles and laughter.
Stand-up comedy in the United States had its earliest roots in several popular traditions, including vaudeville comedy acts of the late 19th century, minstrel shows, etc. Many popular comedians, often considered the fathers of modern comedy, got their start in vaudeville acts of the early 20th century, people like Bob Hope and Jack Benny. But modern stand-up as we know it today got its start in the 1950s and 60s in small folk music clubs in New York and San Francisco. However, it wasn’t until the 70s that stand-up comedians became big stars.
Comedians like George Carlin, Steve Martin, Bill Cosby, and Richard Pryor became icons of American comedy. Saturday Night Live, one of the longest running comedy shows in history, premiered in 1975. Since then it has been responsible for launching the career of numerous stand-up comedians. Stand-up comedy has become a part of the culture of America and comedians across the country will continue to make people laugh for years to come.
By: Ryan Coisson
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Filed under Arts And Entertainment by on Nov 13th, 2010. 