On July 25th – 27th 2008, at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino, comic geniuses and time-honored legends Tommy and Dickie Smothers, sold out and performed three brilliant shows. The duo magically, “Had the audience at hello.” The crowd simply put, couldn’t get enough of them.
They walked out to an audience that has clearly loved them for years, mixed with young new fans. They opened the show with an original comedy song about their long career. I must say, there never has been, and never will be, another musical comedy team like the talented Smothers Brothers. They mesmerized and captivated their audience from beginning to end.
It is easy to see why the careers of Dick and Tom have surpassed all other comedy teams throughout history. The show is such a joy to be a part of. It was like watching innocence past. The brothers’ trademark act is performing folk songs (Tom on acoustic guitar, Dick on string bass), which of course as you already know, leads to tit-for-tat hysterical arguments between the siblings. Tom’s signature line to Dick may very well be, “Mom always liked you best”, but as far as I am concerned, I like them both the best and they both are equally the best… They rock! Their comedy is not only hilarious, but original, unique, clean, and polished. They are up-to-date, current, and topical, with an intuitive understanding of comedy, which is all brought together with a joyous warmth and stellar showmanship. This is what makes them Legends and Icons of music and comedy.
It appears that the brothers have a lot to do with time. They have always been ahead of their time, masters of comedic timing, and magicians of timeless comedy. Funny is funny, talent is talent, and that is one of the reasons they have bridged the generations. Due to a sweeping impact on diverse generations of fans, the irresistible Tom and Dick with their stunning blend of comedy and musical talents are now enjoying 50 years of success in show business. Fifty years, they don’t even look 50 years old.
During the show, the audience got to see many of their talents… singing, playing of instruments, and comedy. If you are looking for an entire song from beginning to end, you won’t find it here. They interrupt all the songs with their welcomed comedy flair. In addition, there was of course, Tom as YO-YO Man which brought down the house as well. There were also, many sentimental moments, including a video of them growing up, their family, and classic moments of famous guest-stars on their successful television show.
I found myself smiling and laughing for an hour and a half non-stop and not wanting the show to end. The Smothers Brothers prove that you don’t have to be vulgar to bring about laughter. Clean comedy is not only refreshing but possible.
Two of their many lines that stuck with me are, “Politics… derived from the word poly meaning many and Ticks…meaning blood sucking parasites… Politics….
And
“Truth is what you get other people to believe!” Good ones! They sure do make you think!
Here are a few facts that you might not know about the Smothers Brothers:
1. Their Comedy Hour is now studied in universities across the country as an important factor in the revolutionary changes of the U.S. during the ‘60s.
2. From 1967 to 1969 they hosted, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour where
Steve Martin and Rob Reiner got their starts as writers on this show. This is also, where Steve Martin got the opportunity to try stand-up.
3. Guests on the show included such legends as Jack Benny and Milton Berle, The Beatles etc… The show broke new ground appealing to the hip counterculture by featuring rock groups such as The Who, The Doors and George Harrison. The list is endless. The series showcased new musical artists that other comedy-variety shows rarely gave airtime, due to the nature of their music or their political affiliations. These would include Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte, Cream, Donovan, The Doors, Janis Ian, Jefferson Airplane, Peter, Paul and Mary, Spanky and Our Gang, Steppenwolf, The Who and even Pete Seeger were showcased during the latter years of the show despite the advertiser-sensitive nature of their music.
4. Tom and Dick made their viewers laugh while challenging the audience to think not only about the brilliant content of the comedy but about the world and what was going on in it. They took a stand against censorship, and their social and political commentary eventually got them fired from CBS. I say, “You go guys and thank you!”
5. They both graduated from Redondo Union High School and attended San Jose State University.
6. Tom’s wife is the former Marcy Carriker and they have two children, Bo and Riley Rose. Tom also has a son, Tom Jr.
7. Dick is the father of six children – Susan, Dick Jr., Steven, Andrew, Sarah, and Remick.
If you are looking to hear some of their records, here is a list:
Live at the Purple Onion, 1961, The Two Sides of the Smothers Brothers, 1962, Think Ethnic!, 1963, Curb Your Tongue, Knave, 1963, It Must Have Been Something I Said!, 1964, Tour de Farce: American History and Other Unrelated Subjects, 1965, Aesop’s Fables, 1965, Mom Always Liked You Best!, 1966, The Smothers Brothers Play It Straight, 1966, Golden Hits of the Smothers Brothers, Vol. 2, 1966, Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, 1968, and Sibling Revelry: The Best of the Smothers Brothers, 1988.
The Smothers Brothers continue to tour the country as the longest-lived comedy team in history. Do catch their show when they come to your town. They are not only entertaining, but pure unadulterated joy for audiences of all ages. As far as I am concerned, (as well as everyone in the audience giving them a standing ‘O’…), Tom and Dick Smothers are this country’s comedic treasures, Icons, legends and peerless. They are truly an American Classic. I also, want to share that I found them to be amazingly down-to-earth, real, caring, and painfully humble… BRAVO GUYS! Thank you for all the memories you gave us and continue to share.
