Who was your favourite late-night comedian when there were only three TV channels and one TV at home?
Welsh singer, comedian, and entertainer Leonard Maxwell Boyce started his career as a folk singer. He became famous in the 1970s for his musical comedy act, which showcased his passion for rugby union. His 1975 live-recorded performance, “We All Had Doctor’s Papers,” is especially notable for being the only comedy LP to reach No. 1 on the UK Album Charts.
Billy Connolly worked as a welder at The Clyde shipyards by day and performed as a folk singer at night. He collaborated with Gerry Rafferty, known for “Baker Street,” to create The Humblebums, engaging with audiences between songs. Eventually, his comedy became more popular than his music, leading him to pursue a solo career. His fame was officially recognised during a Parkinson interview, when a Scottish taxi driver stopped his cab to buy an LP and told Parky, ‘You must listen to this!’ about the local legend Connolly.
Robert Davis, also known as Jasper Carrot, began as the resident host at a folk club in the West Midlands. He then transitioned into musical comedy and autobiographical monologues, hitting No. 1 with the novelty track “Funky Moped” in 1975, which eventually led to his own ITV show in 1978.
Mike Harding, also known as The Rochdale Cowboy, started his career as a folk singer in the 1960s, combining music with comedy. This blend gradually became his primary focus. In the early 1970s, his albums featured the single “The Rochdale Cowboy,” which climbed to No. 22 and brought him national fame.
Dublin-born David Tynan O’Mahony, known as Dave Allen, was the only stand-up comedian to perform while sitting. His comedy focused on politics, religion, and aging. His religious routines, reflecting his opposition to his strict Catholic upbringing, sparked outrage in Ireland, with some claiming he received death threats from the IRA. Nevertheless, it was observed that religious prisoners enjoyed his satirical acts in prison.
Hard choice for me as I loved Dave Allen and his dry sense of humour, but Jasper Carrot will have to be my top comedian back in the day.