Just Your Ordinary Banjo Magic Act
Just got done reading Steve Martin’s autobiography Born Standing Up. Given his immense success (45,000+ attendance at his concerts at the height of his career), his look back was remarkably down-to-earth. His descriptions of his early career, is humorously self-effacing—just like his stand-up. You don’t get the sense that he is writing to brag about what happened — it’s a lucid, funny, reasonable description of exactly what it takes to become a really really popular entertainer. There’s a picture toward the end of the book (at the height of his stand-up success), showing him from behind, walking toward a massive audience and wearing his King Tut headpiece. It’s perfect because (1) it’s a fantastic photograph capturing a moment in time and (2) the text surrounding the photograph describes how Martin felt, essentially, trapped in a wildly successful act whose contractual agreements he felt compelled to fulfill. His phrase “professional ennui” was perfect.
After being along for the comic ride with empty houses, non-English-speaking audiences, and the struggle for originality, it is so gratifying to read along as Martin became a overnight success… 10+ years in the making.
Here’s a quote I found inspirational:
At age eighteen, I had absolutely no gifts. I could not sing or dance, and the only acting I did was really just shouting. Thankfully, persistence is a great substitute for talent.
Another inspiration:
Through the years, I have learned there is no harm in charging oneself up with delusions between moments of valid inspiration.
On panic attacks:
When I think of the moments of elation I have experienced over some of my successes, I am astounded at the number of times they have been accompanied by elation’s hellish opposite.
Consistency:
I learned a lesson: It was easy to be great. Every entertainer has a night when everything is clicking. These nights are accidental and statistical: Like lucky cards in poker, you can count on them occurring over time. What was hard was to be good, consistently good, night after night, no matter what the abominable circumstances.
My favorite bit is probably the “nose on microphone”, which Martin used to test his new comic strategy: no punchlines. Google it if you’re interested.
Comments
Dan McKeown
This is the third time I have heard/read a recommendation for this book in as many days. I guess I should put it on my queue.
If you are looking for another quality autobiography concerning a comedian (although not strictly a stand up comic) I would recommend American On Purpose, by Craig Ferguson. Putting aside the fact that it is almost a miracle that he is still alive, his views on America and what it means to be an American are very inspirational. A quality summer read.
Alexander Micek
Aha! That Craig Ferguson book sounds great. I’ll see if I can find it. Also, you might enjoy his bunny routine with which he has been opening his shows.