In one of my favorite books, Absolute Magic by Derren Brown, Brown defined art as "a set of historical narratives." In other words, art is created in dialogue with that which comes before it. As a result, I - as an artist - am forever indebted to all those great masters who came before me and created great art, comedians like George Carlin and Lenny Bruce.
Last Tuesday, I got the opportunity to meet one of these great masters, Lewis Black, an inspiration not only because of the great art he has and continues to create, but because of the decades-long commitment he has made to reaching the point he has and because of the great kindness he shows to everyone (I think it speaks volumes that everyone I met last Tuesday who knew Lewis personally commented on the incredible kindness Lewis Black shows everyone).
Meeting Mr. Black was an energizing, inspiring experience. I was amazed to find that he had read my MAD Magazine article ("If Stand-Up Comedians Told the Same Joke"), which includes my rendition of what his version of the chicken-crossing-the-road joke might sound like, and even more amazed to find out that he really liked it. It was a rare privilege to be able to meet someone who was such a large influence on my decision to dedicate myself to becoming a comedian and comedy writer and one that I will cherish.
(Special thanks to Russell, John, and everyone who helped make it possible for me to meet Mr. Black - I don't know what I did to deserve such generosity, but you all certainly have my tremendous gratitude.)
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