Liken to three men who believed in equality, peace and respect for human life, three men brought joy, comic relief and hope to millions of people. Three men assassinated for being committed to their beliefs will forever have their place in history, for living up to a standard that they believed everybody deserved.
Three men who made people laugh and take time out from the hardships they have to endure day to day, took their own lives, because they were unable to give themselves, what they gave to so many. Although Freddie Prinze and Richard Jeni did not attain the level of “success” that Robin Williams did, all three men suffered from depression. Given this much acknowledged and spoken about fact, there needs to be an initiative created in Robin’s name.
That being said, I’m starting the dialogue, consider the seed planted. Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy were murdered because they dedicated their lives to broadening the perspective of small minds and uplifting a nation of people. No more comedians need die, for their efforts to in their own way, the same thing. Granted – You can’t help a person, let alone a luminary, unless they want to be helped that suffers from depression or drug abuse. Knowing that, we as a community, as a nation, have to create a place where those that bring happiness to so many, can confide in people that value their lives.
The link below is for the song “Abraham, Martin & John.” A song written by Dick Holler in 1968, it’s a tribute to the memory of all leaders that stood tall, for civil rights and social change. Specifically recognizing Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, it was written after the assassinations of King and R.F. Kennedy. First performed by Dion, musical social activist Marvin Gaye also recorded a version, in addition to giving the world his “What’s Going On” masterpiece. Show biz’s first female stand-up comedian, as we recognize the stand-up comic today, also did a version of the song.
Jackie “Moms” Mabley – born Loretta Mary Aiken, started out essentially in vaudeville in the’20s, taking her persona into the ’70s until she passed away in 1975. Given the parallel of these six men, this blog is a tribute to these eight outstanding and miraculous people, whose contributions will stand the test of time. We have to let those we love KNOW, that there’s a person or a place they can turn to, when they’re tormented. My prayer is that this message goes viral, if YOU believe as I do, spread the word and tag a friend. Tweet a celebrity, or if your a friend of one, share this on their page or give them a call. THIS IS A CRY FOR LOVE, SPREAD IT!!! This is “Moms” singing “Abraham, Martin & John.” http://youtu.be/WoLQXcbqufE
UPDATE 8/14/14: I wanted a certain sentiment to be reflected when I first posted this before adding this additional paragraph and video links. Before Paul Rodriguez, George Lopez, Anjelah Johnson and Carlos Mencia, Cheech Marin and Freddie Prinze were representing the Latin community in the world of comedy. Richard Pryor and George Carlin are my All Time Favorite stand-up comics. Although I never got to see either of them live on stage, there’s tons of footage and video displaying their work. I disobeyed my mother when “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert” hit theaters in ’79. I was 16 and told her I was going to the movies to see something else, but after that feature was over, I snuck into the neighboring auditorium next to it to see my comic hero. In the midst of laugher during the early days of the “multiplex,” my mom tapped me on the shoulder from behind, after an initial gasp Pryor told another joke and we both laughed hysterically finishing the movie together. I did get to see Eddie Murphy’s “Delirious” tour and even saw him perform at Radio City; caught Richard Belzer, Damon Wayans, and Paul Mooney numerous times at Caroline’s (went to all three Caroline’s NYC locations); saw Dave Chappelle at Caroline’s and Carnegie Hall; Chris Rock at various places — I always had a great time and laughed all night. All these comics integrate dynamics of social consciousness in their routines, giving one a moment to reflect amidst the jokes, Richard Jeni did the same — only with him I was buckling over and slapping my knee from the moment he hit the stage to the moment he left it. Robin Williams was a comedic genius! The day after he died a multitude of his movies were the top sellers on Amazon. I’ve seen the majority of his work and just watched him in “The Fisher King” a few weeks ago. His performance in that film earned him his third Oscar nomination, following nods for “Good Morning Vietnam” and “Dead Poet’s Society,” before he won in a supporting role for “Good Will Hunting.” Williams, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg, teamed up and raised millions for the homeless via HBO’s “Comic Relief.” The link below is Goldberg interviewing Williams at Sirius Radio… http://popwatch.ew.com/2014/08/12/listen-robin-williams-whoopi-goldberg-sirius-town-hall/
footage on Robin via a Rolling Stone tribute… http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/features/robin-williams-a-history-in-15-jokes-20140813
on depression… http://www.upworthy.com/in-response-to-robin-williams-death-the-most-powerful-description-of-depression-ive-ever-heard?g=3&c=bl3
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