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Tim and Tom tells the story of that pioneering duo, the first interracial comedy team in the history of show business—and the last. Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen polished their act in the nightclubs of Chicago, then took it on the road, not only in the North, but in the still-simmering South as well, developing routines that even today remain surprisingly frank—and remarkably funny—about race. Most nights, the shock of seeing an integrated comedy team quickly dissipated in uproarious laughter, but on some occasions the audience's confusion and discomfort led to racist heckling, threats, and even violence. Though Tim and Tom perpetually seemed on the verge of making it big throughout their five years together, they grudgingly came to realize that they were ahead of their time: America was not yet ready to laugh at its own failed promise.
Eventually, the grind of the road took its toll, as bitter arguments led to an acrimonious breakup. But the underlying bond of friendship Reid and Dreesen had forged with each groundbreaking joke has endured for decades, while their solo careers delivered the success that had eluded them as a team. By turns revealing, shocking, and riotously funny, Tim and Tom unearths a largely forgotten chapter in the history of comedy.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
February 15, 2009 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9780226709024
- File size: 2628 KB
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9780226709024
- File size: 2628 KB
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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August 15, 2008
In this eye-opening duel biography of the first and only interracial American comedy team, Reid and Dreesen share their own unique upbringingsovercoming the stigmas of poverty and prejudice and through sheer determination making a difference in many people's lives through a shared talent to entertain and educate. For five years, the duo dared to address the controversial, discriminatory realities of the 1960s and taught audiences to laugh at their troubles instead of joining the violence and destruction surrounding them. They were ahead of their time and paid the price for their efforts. After they split up as a comedy team, Reid was best known as Venus Flytrap on television's WKRP in Cincinnati and as the genius behind the highly respected but short-lived "Frank's Place". Dreesen perfected his stand-up talents and was the opening act for Frank Sinatra for many years until his retirement from performing live concerts. A heartfelt memoir and a nice capsule history of growing up different, fighting the odds, and becoming successful on one's own terms, this is recommended for all libraries.Richard A. Dickey, Washington, DCCopyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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