😂 BEFORE THE LEGEND BECAME EVEN BIGGER!
A SPECIAL MOMENT FROM 1973.
Richard Pryor's appearance on The Midnight Special captures an important period in his development as a performer.
The episode originally aired on August 17, 1973, with Pryor serving as the guest host.
The program was a unique combination of music, comedy, and television variety.
For Pryor, it provided another opportunity to bring his stand-up style to a national television audience.
THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL WAS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SHOWS
A MIX OF MUSIC AND COMEDY.
The Midnight Special was an NBC late-night variety program.
The show was built primarily around music.
But comedy performers also appeared throughout its run.
Different celebrities were invited to host individual episodes.
Richard Pryor became the guest host for the August 17, 1973 episode.
That episode also featured performers including Electric Light Orchestra, Albert King, Joe Walsh, Melissa Manchester, Doug Kershaw, and Joe Hicks.
RICHARD PRYOR WAS ALREADY DEVELOPING HIS OWN STYLE
THE VOICE WAS BECOMING DISTINCTIVE.
Even in the early 1970s, Pryor had a recognizable approach to comedy.
He was not simply delivering traditional one-liners.
He was becoming a...
