Description
As the heady promise of the 1960s sagged under the weight of widespread violence, rioting, and racial unrest, two young men - one black and one white - took to stages across the nation to help Americans confront their racial divide: by laughing at it."Tim and Tom" tells the story of that pioneering duo, the first interracial comedy team in the history of show business - and the last. Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen polished their act in the nightclubs of Chicago, then took it on the road, not only in the North, but in the still-simmering South as well, developing routines that even today remain surprisingly frank - and remarkably funny - about race. Most nights, the shock of seeing an integrated comedy team quickly dissipated in uproarious laughter, but on some occasions the audience's confusion and discomfort led to racist heckling, threats, and even violence. Though Tim and Tom perpetually seemed on the verge of making it big throughout their five years together, they grudgingly came to realize that they were ahead of their time: America was not yet ready to laugh at its own failed promise.Eventually, the grind of the road took its toll, as bitter arguments led to an acrimonious breakup. But the underlying bond of friendship Reid and Dreesen had forged with each groundbreaking joke has endured for decades, while their solo careers delivered the success that had eluded them as a team. By turns revealing, shocking, and riotously funny, "Tim and Tom" unearths a largely forgotten chapter in the history of comedy.
About the Author
Tim Reid is an actor, producer, and director who has created and starred in many movies and television shows; including WKRP in Cincinnati, in which he played the overnight disk jockey Venus Flytrap, and Frank's Place. Tom Dreesen is a stand-up comedian who has appeared scores of times on The Tonight Show, The Late Show and Late Night with David Letterman, and other television programs. He served for fourteen years as Frank Sinatra's opening act. Ron Rapoport has been a sports columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and a sports commentator for National Public Radio's Weekend Edition. His books include Betty Garrett and Other Songs: A Life on Stage and Screen and The Immortal Bobby: Bobby Jones and the Golden Age of Golf.
Reviews
"I have known Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen as comedians and friends since 1975, but I never knew Tim and Tom, the comedy team. This book is four compelling stories in one compilation: One story about Tim Reid, sad, fascinating and uplifting. One story about Tom Dreesen, a man consumed by a goal and a great witness to a bygone era of show business that one can't help but long for. A third story about seeking recognition in the world of entertainment. And, finally, a story about race and culture in a country that should have been farther down the road to understanding, tolerance, and human kindness than it was in the 1970s. Tim and Tom is a great story, the best kind of story, well told, about two men struggling to prove themselves. This entertaining book offers many meaningful lessons and vivid reflections." - David Letterman"
Book Information
ISBN 9780226709000
Author Tim Reid
Format Hardback
Page Count 237
Imprint University of Chicago Press
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
About the Author
Tim Reid is an actor, producer, and director who has created and starred in many movies and television shows; including WKRP in Cincinnati, in which he played the overnight disk jockey Venus Flytrap, and Frank's Place. Tom Dreesen is a stand-up comedian who has appeared scores of times on The Tonight Show, The Late Show and Late Night with David Letterman, and other television programs. He served for fourteen years as Frank Sinatra's opening act. Ron Rapoport has been a sports columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and a sports commentator for National Public Radio's Weekend Edition. His books include Betty Garrett and Other Songs: A Life on Stage and Screen and The Immortal Bobby: Bobby Jones and the Golden Age of Golf.
Reviews
"I have known Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen as comedians and friends since 1975, but I never knew Tim and Tom, the comedy team. This book is four compelling stories in one compilation: One story about Tim Reid, sad, fascinating and uplifting. One story about Tom Dreesen, a man consumed by a goal and a great witness to a bygone era of show business that one can't help but long for. A third story about seeking recognition in the world of entertainment. And, finally, a story about race and culture in a country that should have been farther down the road to understanding, tolerance, and human kindness than it was in the 1970s. Tim and Tom is a great story, the best kind of story, well told, about two men struggling to prove themselves. This entertaining book offers many meaningful lessons and vivid reflections." - David Letterman"
Book Information
ISBN 9780226709000
Author Tim Reid
Format Hardback
Page Count 237
Imprint University of Chicago Press
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
