 |
| The new "All Jokes Aside" book on display in a Barnes & Noble store in Chicago. |
"All Jokes Aside" chronicles Raymond's amazing life story, co-founding the famous Chicago comedy club of the same name that launched the careers of comedy superstars such as Chris Rock (who'll be hosting the Oscars next month), Oscar winner Mo'Nique, Dave Chappelle, Steve Harvey and Carlos Mencia, just to name a few.
In the book, Raymond relates how he rose from a working-class upbringing as the son of alcoholic teen parents, embarked on an exciting career as a Wall Street stock broker and eventually made his way to the Windy City to work for Chris Gardner.
Yes, that Chris Gardner, the internationally renowned African-American businessman whose life story was the basis of the blockbuster movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" starring Oscar nominee Will Smith.
Yes, that Chris Gardner, the internationally renowned African-American businessman whose life story was the basis of the blockbuster movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" starring Oscar nominee Will Smith.
Just a few of the stories that Raymond shares in "All Jokes Aside":
Despite his later success with his own Comedy Central show, Dave Chappelle bombed the first time he appeared at All Jokes Aside and had to be "rescued" by fellow comedian George Willborn, who stepped in and helped him cut his set short.
Despite his later success with his own Comedy Central show, Dave Chappelle bombed the first time he appeared at All Jokes Aside and had to be "rescued" by fellow comedian George Willborn, who stepped in and helped him cut his set short.
Steve Harvey landed his first radio-hosting gig when Raymond took him to a local radio station to promote his appearance at the comedy club. Steve refused to leave the airwaves when the segment was up and almost gave Raymond a heart attack, but the tactic worked - selling out tickets to his weekend engagement at the club.
Raymond and business partner James Alexander nearly ended up bankrupt when the comedy boom of the '90s began to wane and All Jokes Aside faced stiff competition not only from local establishments like the renowned Second City improv troupe, but also national television franchises like "Def Comedy Jam" and BET's "ComicView." It was a particularly tough reality to accept, given that All Jokes Aside had served as a talent pipeline for these and other shows.
Read about how Raymond built a nationally recognized comedy brand, lost it all and rose from the ashes to star in an award-winning documentary about All Jokes Aside, "Phunny Business," which continues to air on Showtime.
I'll post updates on this blog and on my website, Chrisbournea.com, in the coming weeks about book signings and other special events related to "All Jokes Aside."
