Short Synopsis
From David and Joe Henry, a fascinating inside look at the life and career of comedian Richard Pryor.

Full Synopsis
Richard Pryor was arguably the single most influential performer of the second half of the twentieth century,and certainly he was the most successful black actor/comedian ever. Controversial and somewhat enigmatic in his lifetime, Pryor's performances opened up a new world of possibilities, merging fantasy with angry reality in a way that wasn't just new—it was heretofore unthinkable.

His childhood in Peoria, Illinois, was spent just trying to survive. Yet the culture into which Richard Pryor was born—his mother was a prostitute; his grandmother ran the whorehouse—helped him evolve into one of the most innovative and outspoken performers ever, a man who attracted admiration and anger in equal parts. Both a brilliant comedian and a very astute judge of what he could get away with, Pryor was always pushing the envelope, combining anger and pathos, outrage and humor, into an art form, laying the groundwork for the generations of comedians who followed, including such outstanding performers as Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, and Louis C.K.

Now, in this groundbreaking and revelatory work, David and Joe Henry bring him to life both as a man and as an artist, providing an in-depth appreciation of his talent and his lasting influence, as well as an insightful examination of the world he lived in and the influences that shaped both his persona and his art.

"Graham absolutely shines in his reading of this revealing portrait of comedic genius Richard Pryor. . . . Graham puts heart and soul into his reading." ---Booklist Starred Audio Review

"This work allows listeners to peek into the soul of one of the funniest, and saddest, men who ever lived. Narrator extraordinaire Dion Graham has the ability to become Pryor in all his incarnations." ---AudioFile

"The audio treatment may be better than the printed edition thanks to the excellent narration by Dion Graham, who delivers the excerpts from Pryor’s material with flawless comic timing." ---Library Journal Audio Review

"A beautifully written account of the troubled life of a manic genius." ---Booklist Starred Review

"Worth reading. Those who do will be inspired to give Pryor's concert films fresh screenings." ---Kirkus

"As raw and real and stream-of-consciousness as one of Pryor's routines." ---Patton Oswalt, comedian

"Narrator Graham provides an standout, moving performance. . . . [M]ost of Graham's impressions of Prior are so perfect that listeners may wonder whether they are listening to Graham or Pryor. This blend of narration with impersonation makes the audiobook successful." ---Publishers Weekly Audio Review

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