When I was growing up, there were many heroes in humor but none could make me laugh, even all alone without anyone to laugh with, like Moms Mabley. She's been gone nearly 40 years but, as these two clips show, she can still make me laugh and, although I turned 20 in 1969, she can still make me cry. Please watch the following two clips: my guest humorist --with all the love and pain it entails-- Moms Mabley:
August is an awful month, but it contains the birthdays of both my own mother and my mother-in-law. I believe also that a person's true relatives are scattered across space and time and I could not let August, on its closing day, go by without some mention of Moms Mabley. Yes, she was born in the springtime but was the enigmatic embodiment of a nation's strength at a time --Griffin show aired 8-16-69-- when this country desperately needed a Mom.
Funny lady. Great song. I'd never heard her performance of it before. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSquid, she was an amazing lady who could stub out her cigarette, grab a microphone and become a force of nature. Not politically correct, just correct.
DeleteShe was dang funny ...I laughed
ReplyDeleteHappy Labor Day weekend , Geo ...
Beautiful Margie, happy weekend to you too!
DeleteI can't hide laughing. Interesting video. Thanks for share.
ReplyDeleteYes, Sangay, some humor --the best humor-- is timeless.
DeleteI remember the humor of Moms Mabley, but I never saw her serious side. It is extremely touching - and can indeed induce tears. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteWow, one of my favorite cousins was married on August 16, 1969. That was a memorable summer for me, but - - my God - - so very long ago......
Indeed, such unwieldy amounts of time. I never get used to them, Jon.
DeleteToo many tears for so early in the morning...so many tears.
ReplyDeleteNo tears, Delores, she kept her life in constant repair with humor. Ours too.
DeleteHappy belated to both moms, across space and time. Thanks for the links, G.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Suze. My privilege.
DeleteMoms Mabley was a fascinating woman. She was the first true female comedian and made way for all the talented women who followed her. She demanded respect and demanded that she be rewarded properly for her talents. Her humor was basic truths that we could all relate to. Whoopie Goldberg did a wonderful documentary about Moms. If anyone gets a chance to see it they should.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads-up, Emma. I shall look for that documentary!
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