Sam Kinison
Sam Kinison: The Controversial Comedian and Rocker
Sam Kinison, known primarily as a comedian, embarked on a brief but tumultuous music career in the 1980s. His foray into the world of rock and roll was marked by both triumphs and tribulations.
Early Life and Influences:
Born in Yakima, Washington, on December 8, 1953, Kinison was raised in a Pentecostal household. His early exposure to religious music and his rebellious nature would later shape his comedic and musical style.
Comedy Career:
Kinison rose to fame in the 1980s as a stand-up comedian known for his outrageous and often inflammatory rants. His comedic persona was characterized by a high-octane energy, profanity-laced humor, and a confrontational style.
Musical Journey:
In 1988, Kinison released his debut album, "Loud and Clear," which featured a mix of comedy and rock songs. The album spawned the single "Wild Thing," a cover of the classic Troggs hit. The song became a surprise success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Controversies and Challenges:
Kinison's music career was not without its controversies. His irreverent lyrics and onstage antics earned him a reputation as a provocateur. He was accused of being misogynistic and homophobic, and his performances were often met with both adoration and outrage.
Band Members and Discography:
Kinison's backing band for his music career included:
* Rick Stevens (guitar)
* Steve Reid (bass)
* Jimmy D'Anda (drums)
Together, they released two studio albums:
* Loud and Clear (1988)
* Have You Seen Me Lately? (1990)
Legacy:
Sam Kinison's musical career was cut short by his tragic death in a car accident on April 10, 1992. Despite its brevity, his impact on rock and roll is undeniable. His unique blend of comedy and music remains an inspiration to this day, and his legacy as one of the most controversial and influential performers of his era continues to endure.
Sam Kinison, known primarily as a comedian, embarked on a brief but tumultuous music career in the 1980s. His foray into the world of rock and roll was marked by both triumphs and tribulations.
Early Life and Influences:
Born in Yakima, Washington, on December 8, 1953, Kinison was raised in a Pentecostal household. His early exposure to religious music and his rebellious nature would later shape his comedic and musical style.
Comedy Career:
Kinison rose to fame in the 1980s as a stand-up comedian known for his outrageous and often inflammatory rants. His comedic persona was characterized by a high-octane energy, profanity-laced humor, and a confrontational style.
Musical Journey:
In 1988, Kinison released his debut album, "Loud and Clear," which featured a mix of comedy and rock songs. The album spawned the single "Wild Thing," a cover of the classic Troggs hit. The song became a surprise success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Controversies and Challenges:
Kinison's music career was not without its controversies. His irreverent lyrics and onstage antics earned him a reputation as a provocateur. He was accused of being misogynistic and homophobic, and his performances were often met with both adoration and outrage.
Band Members and Discography:
Kinison's backing band for his music career included:
* Rick Stevens (guitar)
* Steve Reid (bass)
* Jimmy D'Anda (drums)
Together, they released two studio albums:
* Loud and Clear (1988)
* Have You Seen Me Lately? (1990)
Legacy:
Sam Kinison's musical career was cut short by his tragic death in a car accident on April 10, 1992. Despite its brevity, his impact on rock and roll is undeniable. His unique blend of comedy and music remains an inspiration to this day, and his legacy as one of the most controversial and influential performers of his era continues to endure.