What would this world be like without laughter? Some comedians like, WPGC 95.5 FM's radio personality Chris Paul, believe that we would be in big trouble if we didn't have laughter as an outlet. "Stress is dangerous, it's not only dangerous to you it's dangerous to other people when you're stressed out," said Paul. "Comedians are like doctors we both make people feel better." And while it is true that many comedians now do motivational workshops for different companies, Paul still prefers the night club scene.
He had early dreams of being an actor and he has been able to move from stand up comedy to radio and television. Paul doesn't feel the need to choose any one medium over another. "You can do them all at the same time. The key to show business success is holding down as many jobs as possible. Never just do one thing," said Paul. Some of Paul's earlier comedy influences include Richard Pryor and George Carlin. But the stand up artist who inspired him the most is Franklyn Ajaye. Many may not know Ajaye by name but he was the "Fly" in that all time film classic Car Wash--the guy with the tightest afro that I've ever seen who was trying to win a radio contest so that he could take a special lady out. "He was one of the greatest stand ups of all times," said Paul.
"I love all comedians especially all the ones who are out right now like the Kings of Comedy. I admire them more than just from a stand up point of view, but also from a business point of view. The highest grossing comedians in show business are all black. White stand up comics what they seem to do is get a sitcom or a movie deal and then they abandon stand up comedy.
Paul who is serious about the business end of things owns his own comedy club. Jokes on Us, formerly the Comedy Connection, gave some of the most popular comedians their start.
Paul admitted that sex and female/male relationships are and will always be the hottest topics to talk about in stand up comedy. "That's something that has been around longer than anything and no one has figured it out yet," added Paul. He also agreed that everyday life offers much to laugh about in the comedic arena. "When you deal with it yourself traffic is stressful, but then somebody talks about it on stage and it's funny." If you'd like to get your laugh on with Chris Paul, head on over to the Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant on Tuesday Jan. 23 where Chris Paul and Chris Reid (Kid from House Party) will headline through Jan 27.
In our next issue Metro Connection will talk to Chris Reid about what he has been up to since the popular partnership on vinyl and film of Kid and Play. |