All Jokes Journal - August 25 '14

Raymond Lambert and I continue to work steadily toward meeting the quickly approaching deadline for the book we are collaborating on that will tell his story and chronicle the history of All Jokes Aside. 

The groundbreaking Chicago establishment was known as the "Motown of comedy clubs" - a first-rate, black-owned enterprise that helped give a start to superstars like Steve Harvey, Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle, Mo'Nique, D.L. Hughley, Bernie Mac,  Adele Givens, Cedric the Engerainer, JB Smoove and other kings and queens of comedy.

On Monday evening, Aug. 25, I spoke for nearly an hour with former All Jokes manager Ben Ross. Ben gave fascinating insights about being the white manager of a black-owned business and the behind-the-scenes scoop on performers like Chris Rock and Craig Robinson (most recently seen as Maceo Parker in the James Brown biopic "Get On Up"). 

Ben's dish is sure to keep readers turning the pages...