In this new age of technology, we have more variety in programs to watch than ever before. However, I do find that there is one art form that has somehow become less celebrated than it once was — poetry. Before even the radio, poetry was a very big form of entertainment for many centuries all over the world. In fact, poetry predates written text! During ancient times, people used to amuse themselves by singing or reciting long poems, which often told stories. Now, most folks consider a poem a short paragraph that rhymes together; however, it’s a much broader medium. You see, not every poem necessarily has to rhyme.
One of the last great American comedian poets was Julius “Nipsey” Russell, who was a pioneer back in the late ’50s as among the few African Americans on TV. He first made his TV debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1957, which lead to a couple of guest spots alongside Jack Paar on The Tonight Show. Now, this is just my opinion, and it’s very difficult to confirm, but I believe that Russell was perhaps the first black police officer to be portrayed on a TV show when in 1963,, he played Officer Anderson on “Car 54 Where Are You?” In this video, we take a look at some of Nipsey Russell’s best poetry, some of which was pretty envelope-pushing even by today’s standards!
Image via YouTube
Okay, we have to admit, many of his poems have not exactly “aged-well” during these more politically correct times. For example, the first one about Hurricanes in this video would end his career if he recited that on TV today. But, the last poem featuring Betty White’s response killed me dead!
Image via YouTube
If you’re up for some extremely politically incorrect humor, check out the best of Nipsey Russell in the video below.
