Myron Cohen (1902-1986) was a top nightclub headliner in the 1950s and a frequent guest performer on The Ed Sullivan Show in the 1960s.
He
became famous as a stand-up comedian specializing in jokes told in a
heavy Jewish dialect. But offstage, he spoke perfect, cultured English.
Unlike many star performers of his time, he was very affable and
approachable in public.
His path to comedy started in New York City's garment district, where he worked as a salesman. When
calling on customers, before showing his samples, he would tell a joke
to put everyone at ease and establish a friendly mood. Cohen’s jokes
were often more popular than his garment samples, and his customers
urged him to become a professional comedian.
Here's a selection about senior citizens in Miami Beach from Cohen's 1967 record album It's Not a Question, recorded live at the Eden Roc hotel. Enjoy!
A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS: THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS. YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.
Would have liked to see him perform not just listen to his record.
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