Comedian returning to Aiken 2/16/2009 4:20 PM By RACHEL JOHNSON Staff writer
Just in time for the James Gregory Cornbread and Butter Tour 2009 coming to Aiken at the Aiken Community Playhouse on Saturday, the Aiken Standard sits down for a Q&A with James Gregory, The Funniest Man in America.
âóè Aiken Standard: How did you first become involved in comedy?
Gregory: That's a long boring story. You sure you want to hear it? My story is unique. I have always been a fan of comedy, and in 1982, the first comedy club, the Punch Line, opened in Atlanta. They held amateur night regularly and my friends always thought I was funny and they kept daring me to do it. I never planned a career in comedy, but once I got into it, I realized it's in my blood.
âóè Aiken Standard: How long have you been involved in comedy?
Gregory: Twenty-six years. It pays the bills. I always get asked how much longer you gonna mess around with this comedy thing? You would never ask a plumber, so how long you gonna mess around with this plumbing thing. I enjoy what I am doing.
âóè Aiken Standard: Where did you grow up?
Gregory: I was born and raised within 20 miles of Atlanta
âóè Aiken Standard: Where do you find inspiration for your material?
Gregory: It's not like I've got to come up with something new every day. I am usually in a different city every night, so the material is not new to me but all new to the audience. But, like a singer with a new album, CD or song, you are expected to sing your new song but still perform old classics. There are certain subject matters people just want to hear, like the funeral home gossip and covered dish society. It keeps people roaring in the aisles. It's what people expect, and I don't want to disappoint. And people always expect to hear about my fear of flying.
âóè Aiken Standard: How did you get the title of The Funniest Man in America?
Gregory: It was an accident; I stumbled into it. In 1986, in Huntsvillle, Ala., a newspaper guy who had been with the paper three decades or more would go see shows and write a review for the entertainment section. He said he never heard of me but thought I was possibly the funniest man in America. Future appearances picked up the phrase and it stuck.
âóè Aiken Standard: How often and where do you tour?
Gregory: I tour most of the year. Some of my weeks are two or three nights a week, but I am home every week. I stay in the Southeast and Midwest mostly now, but, in my career, I have covered every area of the United States and all parts in between, all Canadian provinces, Europe, the Middle East and more.
âóè Aiken Standard: How many times have you performed in Aiken?
Gregory: This is my second trip to Aiken. I have always told people in my travels some of the best facilities are not where you expect them to be. You expect great venues in big cities, but not always the smaller cities. Aiken has one of the best and I said after last year that I wanted to come back.
âóè Aiken Standard: Who have been the most influential people on your life?
Gregory: Two people: my father, of course, and Irus (ID) Reese. When I was 12, I went to work for him in his country grocery store until I got my high school diploma. The things he taught me are still with me today.
âóè Aiken Standard: Do you have a favorite joke?
Gregory: I don't tell jokes. I never have. I have comedy routines and tell stories.
âóè Aiken Standard: Who is your favorite comedian?
Gregory: I loved watching stand-up comedy. It used to be different than it is now. People know sitcom stars like Bill Cosby, but I remember when these guys were stand-up comics. When I was young, I would stay up late and watch "The Tonight Show," which is where Cosby made his debut. I had all Bob Newhart's albums.
I like anyone who makes me laugh and doesn't insult my intelligence. I am not a big fan of X-rated stuff. I think in the last decade and a half, more comedians I see, especially on the road, use toilet humor for the quick, easy laugh. I think it's a sign of a lazy comedian.
âóè Aiken Standard: For those who have never seen you, how would you describe your act? And, for your loyal followers, what can they expect from your Aiken shows?
Gregory: The show is always hysterically funny from beginning to end, and it's family-oriented. Anyone 8 to 18 to 80 can come to my show and know what I am talking about. Sometimes, three generations come. I think it means a lot to the buying public. I've worked comedy clubs that are age-restricted and people couldn't bring their children or grandchildren. This way, everyone can come to the show. I want them to know it will be the funniest night of their life if they come to the show. I am going to try hard not to eat too much Bojangles' that day.
âóè Aiken Standard: Tell me about your new DVD.
Gregory: "Beef Stew for the Brain" is my funniest. It's a regular DVD comedy concert with bonus features to include John Boy and Billy and offstage things. It is the first time that the Fat Lady routine has been recorded.
Tickets to the James Gregory show may be purchased by contacting the Aiken Community Playhouse box office at 648-1438. For more information on James Gregory, visit www.funniestman.com.
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