The counter cultural comedian that changed Comedy in the U.S.A

George Carlin, born on May 12, 1937, in New York City, was more than just a stand-up comedian. He was a social critic, actor, author, and philosopher who used his razor-sharp wit and uncompromising honesty to challenge societal norms and expose the hypocrisies of American culture. Over a career spanning five decades, Carlin evolved from a clean-cut, mainstream comic to a counterculture icon known for his acerbic commentary on politics, religion, and the human condition.

Early life and career

Carlin’s early life in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood, which he affectionately called “White Harlem,” shaped his worldview and comedic sensibilities. Raised primarily by his mother after his parents separated when he was two, Carlin developed a keen eye for observing the world around him and a penchant for questioning authority.

His career in entertainment began in the 1950s when he joined the U.S. Air Force. Stationed in Louisiana, Carlin worked as a radar technician and moonlighted as a disc jockey at a local radio station. This experience sparked his interest in broadcasting and comedy, setting the stage for his future career.

After leaving the Air Force, Carlin teamed up with Jack Burns to form a comedy duo. They performed in nightclubs and on radio shows, honing their craft and developing their unique styles. However, the partnership was short-lived, and Carlin soon embarked on a solo career that would define American comedy for generations.

The evolution of a comedic genius

Carlin’s early solo work in the 1960s was characterized by relatively tame, conventional humor. He created characters like the “Hippy Dippy Weatherman” and performed on mainstream television shows. However, as the decade progressed and societal norms began to shift, so did Carlin’s approach to comedy.

The turning point in Carlin’s career came in the early 1970s when he embraced a more countercultural persona. He grew his hair long, sported a beard, and began addressing more controversial topics in his routines. This transformation was partly inspired by the work of Lenny Bruce, a groundbreaking comedian known for his provocative material.

Carlin’s newfound edginess culminated in his most famous routine, “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television,” which he first performed in 1972. This bit not only solidified his status as a counterculture icon but also led to a landmark Supreme Court case on broadcast indecency. The routine’s mixture of linguistic analysis and taboo-breaking humor exemplified Carlin’s ability to blend intellectual insight with raw, confrontational comedy.

Comedic styles and themes

George Carlin’s comedy was characterized by several key elements that set him apart from his contemporaries:

1. Language analysis: Carlin had a fascination with words and how they shape our perception of reality. He often dissected common phrases and euphemisms to expose their absurdity or hidden meanings.
2. Social criticism: Whether tackling politics, religion, or consumer culture, Carlin fearlessly pointed out the flaws and contradictions in American society.
3. Observational humor: He had a knack for finding humor in everyday situations, often pointing out the small absurdities of daily life that most people overlook.
4. Dark humor: Carlin wasn’t afraid to delve into taboo subjects or make light of serious issues, believing that nothing should be off-limits in comedy.
5. Rapid-fire delivery: His performances were often characterized by a fast-paced, energetic delivery that kept audiences engaged and laughing.

Throughout his career, Carlin explored recurring themes in his work, including:

• The nature of language and communication
• The influence of religion on society
• The corruption of politics and big business
• Environmental issues and human impact on the planet
• The absurdities of modern life and consumer culture
• Death and the human condition

These themes evolved over time, with Carlin’s later work becoming increasingly cynical and philosophical. He often expressed a misanthropic view of humanity, critiquing what he saw as the self-destructive nature of our species.

Cultural impact and legacy

George Carlin’s influence on American comedy and popular culture cannot be overstated. He paved the way for generations of comedians to tackle controversial subjects and push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream entertainment.

Carlin recorded 20 comedy albums, wrote three best-selling books, and appeared in numerous television shows and films throughout his career. He was awarded five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums and was posthumously awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2008.

His impact extended beyond the realm of entertainment. Carlin’s work often intersected with important social and legal issues:

1. Freedom of speech: The “Seven Words” routine led to the 1978 Supreme Court case FCC v. Pacifica Foundation, which helped define the extent of government regulation of broadcast media.
2. Political activism: While Carlin insisted he was not politically aligned, his biting critiques of government and corporate power inspired many to question authority and engage more critically with political issues.
3. Religious criticism: His outspoken atheism and satirical takes on organized religion contributed to broader public discussions about the role of faith in society.
4. Environmental awareness: Carlin’s routines about environmental destruction, though often darkly humorous, helped bring attention to ecological issues.

The man behind the microphone

Despite his often cynical and confrontational stage persona, those who knew Carlin personally described him as kind, thoughtful, and deeply passionate about his craft. He struggled with drug addiction for many years, a battle he spoke about openly in his performances and interviews.

Carlin’s personal life was marked by both tragedy and enduring love. His first wife, Brenda Hosbrook, was his high school sweetheart and a constant support throughout much of his career. Her death in 1997 deeply affected Carlin, though he found love again with Sally Wade, whom he married in 1998.

Throughout his life, Carlin remained dedicated to his art, constantly writing and refining his material. He was known for his meticulous approach to crafting jokes and routines, often spending months perfecting a single bit.

Final years

In his later years, Carlin’s comedy took on an increasingly dark and philosophical tone. He tackled subjects like suicide, natural disasters, and the decline of civilization with a mixture of humor and genuine concern for the future of humanity.

Despite health issues, including several heart attacks, Carlin continued performing until shortly before his death on June 22, 2008. His final HBO special, “It’s Bad for Ya,” aired just months before his passing and showcased his undiminished ability to provoke thought and laughter.

George Carlin’s legacy continues to influence comedy, social commentary, and popular culture. Comedians across generations cite him as a major inspiration, and his routines remain relevant and widely shared in the digital age. His fearless approach to tackling controversial subjects and his commitment to free speech have made him an enduring symbol of counterculture and artistic integrity.

Articles

• How George Carlin changed comedy, by Richard Zoglin for Time Magazine. 2008
• Dying is hard, comedy is harder, by Jerry Seinfeld for New York Times, 2008

Specials

• On Location: George Carlin at USC, 1977.
• George Carlin: Again! , 1978.

Books

DVD’s

Albums

Collection of his work

Our favorite bit is the Seven dirty words bit that was mainly recorded in ‘Class Clown’.