[Dixielandjazz] Lenny Bruce on Godfrey

[Robert Newman]

I have a live recording of one of Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts programs in which Lenny Bruce was one of the entrants.    He was introduced by his mother, Sally Bruce.    The year was 1949.    According to his mother, Bruce had done  comedy on stage while in the Navy.    He had been performing in clubs and theaters to '49.    

His performance on the Godfrey was great -- brief skits and impersonations.    The audience and Godfrey were enthusiastic.    On the vote at the end of the program the audience tied him and a male singer, John Connerly.     They were both invited to return to the show on the following day.

Bob Newman