George Carlin

Easton Press George Carlin books

Brain Droppings - signed first edition - 1997

 

Comedian George Carlin

George Carlin (1937-2008) was an influential American stand-up comedian, actor, author, and social critic known for his irreverent humor, sharp wit, and fearless commentary on social and political issues. Born on May 12, 1937, in New York City, Carlin grew up in the Harlem neighborhood and later the Morningside Heights area. Carlin's early career began in the late 1950s, initially as a conventional stand-up comedian. However, by the late 1960s, influenced by countercultural movements and social change, Carlin underwent a transformation in his comedic style. He became known for his edgy, thought-provoking, and often controversial material that challenged societal norms and institutions.

One of Carlin's pivotal moments came in 1972 with the release of his album Class Clown, which included his famous routine "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television." This routine, a satirical exploration of censorship and the limitations of free speech, led to legal challenges and became emblematic of Carlin's confrontational approach to societal taboos. Carlin continued to push boundaries and challenge conventional thinking throughout his career. His humor covered a wide range of topics, including language, religion, politics, and everyday life. His observational and incisive comedic style earned him widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

In addition to his stand-up career, George Carlin was a frequent guest on television shows and hosted Saturday Night Live several times. He also appeared in movies and TV specials, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Throughout the decades, Carlin released numerous comedy albums, including FM & AM (1972), Occupation: Foole (1973), and A Place for My Stuff (1981). He won four Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album. Beyond comedy, Carlin wrote books, including the best-selling memoir Last Words (2009), published posthumously. His writing showcased his intelligence, skepticism, and a deep understanding of human nature.

George Carlin passed away on June 22, 2008, at the age of 71, but his impact on comedy and his legacy as a social commentator endure. His fearless exploration of taboo subjects and his ability to use humor to provoke thought continue to influence comedians and entertainers today, solidifying his place as one of the most iconic and influential figures in American comedy.

George Carlin's cause of death

The cause of his death was reported as heart failure. Carlin had a history of heart-related issues, including a previous heart attack, and he had undergone significant health challenges in the years leading up to his death.

 

Brain Droppings

With nearly 20 albums, two Grammys, two Cable ACE awards, and more HBO specials sunder his belt than anyone else, George Carlin is more popular than ever. Now, for the first time, Carlin has produced a book of original humor pieces, Brain Droppings. Filled with thoughts, musings, questions, lists, beliefs, curiousities, monologues, assertions, assumptions, and other verbal ordeals, Brain Droppings is infectiously funny. Also included are two timeless bonus items from the past, "A Place for Your Stuff" and "Baseball-Football." Readers will get an inside look into Carlin's mind, and they won't be disappointed by what they find: I buy stamps by mail. It works OK until I run out of stamps. What year did Jesus Christ think it was? A tree: first you chop it down, then you chop it up. Have you ever noticed the lawyer is always smiling more than the client? I put a dollar in one of those change machines. Nothing changed. If you ever have chicken at lunch and chicken at dinner, do you ever wonder if the two chickens knew each other?