Dick Gregory October 10, 2010

Dick Gregory entered the comedy scene in 1961 when Chicago’s Playboy Club booked him as a replacement comedian and his ability to win over the audience landed him a three year contract at the Club. By 1962, Gregory had become a nationally known headline performer, selling out nightclubs, making national television appearances, and recording comedy albums. Gregory’s acts drew on current events, especially focusing on racial issues. As an activist, Gregory took part in the Civil Rights Movement and used his celebrity status to draw attention to such issues as segregation and disfranchisement. In 1962, Gregory’s autobiography became the number one best-selling book in America and has sold over seven million copies over the decades. Gregory ran for president in 1968 as a write-in candidate for the Freedom and Peace Party and received 1.5 million votes. He has since released several books, CDs and DVDs.

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