Vinyl records have been one of the most popular forms of entertainment since their invention. People have enjoyed albums filled with amazing music for over 80 years, but music isn’t the only thing pressed to vinyl. One of the most popular genres of albums is the comedy album. For the longest time, if you wanted to laugh, and couldn’t make your way out to a comedy club, a comedy album was your best bet. At Bonjongles, we have a great many of the 20th century’s funniest people’s albums on vinyl. We wanted to take some time today to talk about some of the most popular funny men and women ever pressed on vinyl.
Bill Cosby, America’s Dad
Being one of the most popular comedians of all time, Bill Cosby saw more than his fair share of success making and selling his comedy albums. He is well known for his brand of clean comedy, as well as the many funny voices he makes. Over the years, America’s Dad put out 23 comedy stand up albums, his first releasing in 1963. He later found success with his show, The Cosby Show, which ran for 8 seasons starting in 1984.
George Carlin, King of Counter Culture
Picking up where people like Lenny Bruce left off, George Carlin was a massive figure in the counterculture movement of his era, and one of the most popular comedians on vinyl. Carlin was a huge proponent of recreational marijuana usage, and constantly railed against the FCC and all of those who policed the usage of speech. While he always brought politics into his act, he did so more and more the older he got, almost becoming more of a cultural critic than a comedian, though his later stand up specials and albums are still hilariously funny.
Moms Mabley, A Hilarious Icon
Born Jackie Mabley, but known more by her stage name “Moms”, Mabley was a pioneer in the comedy world. Coming out as a lesbian in 1921, she was one of the first comediennes to do so. She was also the first female comic ever to perform at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. She made a number of albums in her career, and was widely respected.
Steve Martin, One Funny Guy
His career has been going on for so long, some people may know him more for his work as an actor, but Steve Martin had quite the standup comedy career as well. Martin released his first comedy album, Let’s Get Small, in 1977 and was a popular cast member on Saturday Night Live.
Find Some Laughs at Bonjongles
Are you looking for something to spin that is sure to make you laugh? There have been so many great comedians over the years, and we have many of their albums in our record room. At Bonjongles, we eat, sleep, and breathe vinyl, stop by and find your next favorite comedy album today. We are located in the Winchester Exchange Building in downtown Westminster, MD.
