1960's Protest Comedy

We survived with the music, the humor, the rock and roll and the ever expanding consciousness that went with the territory.

Some of us did not survive.

I lost many friends to drug over dose and unsafe living habits.

And all around us were political figures and entertainers who seemed to live short but complete lives.

Turmoil and unrest typified the era.

Yet I remember laughing with my family as we watched Jack Parr, Dick Cavett and Steve Allen.

Lenny Bruce was a legend and was largely censured when I was growing up. I read about and heard stories about him.

But the videos on this lens was the first time I actually saw him in action.

The Smothers Brothers was another program we watched and enjoyed but grew concerned when it became apparent that it was censored.

The program today wouldn't even lift an eyebrow.

But all of these comedians paved the way for the greater openess our world may take for granted today.