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 The Story of The Hilarious Religious Comedy Tour:
Rodney Johnson just wanted to be himself. " I needed to find a place
to
perform where I could do the stuff that I do," he said. The stuff that
makes people laugh. But for some years there was something about the
comedy business that this funnyman wasn't laughing about.
As a young
black comedian, a reputation was preceding him to the stage. At the
height of Russell Simmon's Def Comedy Jam fame, a popular late night
showcase of black stand-ups on television, audiences would look at
Johnson and expect the same bawdy and profane performances. When he
didn't deliver, it was difficult to get the crowd to respond. Johnson
knew that he was funny. It was that kind of confidence that kept him
going.
But now Johnson, a 15-year veteran of comedy still had a need to find a
place where clean comedians were welcome. He discovered, when talking
to other comedians, that he wasn't alone. Thus, the idea of The
Hilarious Religious Comedy Tour was brought to life in the summer of
2000 under Dd
Communications, Inc., which runs The Black Comedy
Tour. The Hilarious
Religious Comedy Tour, which draws from the talents of a dozen comedians
and a number of singers and musicians, performs primarily at churches
and college campuses. Johnson said that response to the tour has been
favorable. A lot of people have expressed joy at being able to attend a
comedic performance without having to leave the kids at home. He hopes
that the tour that God laid on his heart will continue to gain support
from the religious community. Johnson explained that while this is a
ministry, the people involved have themselves, and in some cases,
families to support. In short - give up the gold. "Churches always
want to pass the plate and give you a chicken dinner, " he said, through
laughter.
But seriously folks, Rodney is thankful that his dream has come true and
urges other comedians to follow their dream. "You don't have to be
something you're not," he said. "For me (clean) is great. It's the way
I
started and the way I'll finish. "This tour is full of love and
dedication, it's coming full circle."
God Bless!!!!!
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