With the New York City Comedy Festival just wrapping up, it is a better time than any to reflect on some of the greatest stand-up comedians to grace the stage. Some of these individuals pushed the envelope when it came to what could be said in front of a live audience. Others have been able to take any subject matter and turn it into comic gold. And of course, there are also those who are just plain funny, and their jokes resonate with many. Here are five stand-up comedians that are seriously worth giving a listen:
Chris Rock
Chris Rock easily falls into the category of pushing the envelope in the world of comedy. He has managed to take racial issues to the forefront, diving into issues that many famous comedians wouldn’t dare touch. Even if he can offend some, he’s always managed to keep it real in the process.
Lewis Black
Anger is a serious thing, but Lewis Black has managed to harvest it in his own special comedic way. He can represent the stereotypical aging male that is frustrated with the ways in which times have changed. At the same time, he has a speciality of calling people out when they need to be.
Jerry Seinfeld
Outside of his classic self-titled sitcom, Jerry Seinfeld is arguably the most successful ‘clean’ comedian out there. His humor relates with many the same way his show did, focusing on the small things in life. If you’re not one for strong language and suggestive topics, Jerry Seinfeld is the perfect comedian for you!
Richard Pryor
There would be no Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, or Dave Chapelle without this legend. The first to push the barriers of poking fun at racial issues, Pryor’s comedic style still resonates with many young fans of comedy to this very day. When discussing the history of stand-up comedy, it’s impossible to not mention Pryor, who also went on to have a successful film career.
George Carlin
Like Richard Pryor, George Carlin can arguably be considered the most legendary stand-up comic of all time. Some of you may have never heard of him, but he has broken through comedic restrictions since he first reached mainstream success in the 1970s. His classic ‘7 Dirty Words’ bit even got him into legal trouble when it first aired. All the way until his death in 2008, Carlin brought issues of religion, abortion, homosexuality, politics, among many other topics in the most raunchy fashion, while still allowing audiences to walk away with a serious message once the curtain closed.
While there are still many other stand-up comedians worth your attention, these are the essentials if you’re a novice to the scene. If you’re looking for more comedians sure to make you laugh, take a look at Amy Schumer, Gabriel Iglesias, Robin Williams, Ellen Degeneres, Louis CK, & Kevin Hart. And remember: whether times are great, or not so much, there is always room for laughter!
