The Great George C.

People who read BRT know how much I respect and admire George Carlin, who, IMHO, is the greatest comedian this country has ever produced, Richard Prior not withstanding as Carlin was also a philospher king who would make you laugh and cry at the same time when issuing forth his singular take on humanity and the chaos of reality in which we all live. In this vein, his daughter is donating his work to the new National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY in hopes that it will become a premier destination for fans, artists and historians. What's so interesting about the NY Times piece is the measured way Carlin conducted his life, something contrary to the on stage persona of a brilliant but seemingly unhinged personality doing a number on everything from filth to greed and all things residing in-between these two "serious" subjects that were mercilessly parodied to the nth degree.

Onstage, George Carlin was a rebellious performer who delighted in reminding audiences that as much as we try to keep our lives organized, the universe is ultimately a chaotic place.

Behind the scenes, however, Mr. Carlin was a surprisingly methodical person. Over a career that spanned almost a half-century, this pioneering stand-up saved countless artifacts, including notes, set lists, scrapbooks, tickets and clothing — even the signs he liked to steal from the theaters where he played.

Check out the pix below to see how G.C. assembled his material as the subject matter written on the tabs revealed just how innately curious this guy truly was. Awesome says it all. :)

Without question, he spoke the truth, something all too rare in this age of bloviation 

and avoidance of personal responsibility.  R.I.P. G. C.