BEFORE RICHARD PRYOR BECAME A COMEDY ICON
Long before Richard Pryor became one of the most influential comedians in American entertainment, he was already developing the unique style that would eventually make him famous.
This very early appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson offers a fascinating look at Pryor near the beginning of his career.
The original broadcast aired on July 29, 1968.
For comedy fans, performances like this are more than old television clips.
They are snapshots of a comedian discovering his voice and showing an audience what he could do.
A YOUNG RICHARD PRYOR ON TELEVISION
Seeing Pryor during this earlier period is especially interesting because his later reputation is so enormous.
Modern audiences know him as a legendary stand-up performer.
But every legendary comedian has a beginning.
This appearance captures Pryor at an important stage of his career.
He was still developing the performance style that would later become instantly recognizable.
THE JOHNNY CARSON CONNECTION
Appearing on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show was a major opportunity for comedians.
The program was one of the most important television stages for entertainers in America.
A strong...
