George Carlin Honoured With Mark Twain Prize

He may very well have been the greatest writer/comedian ever. This week at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, George Carlin was awarded the Mark Twain prize for American Humour. It is the first time the award has been given posthumously.

Carlin will forever go down in history as one of the best if not the best, stand up comedians of all time. His seven words you can't say on television made him a household name. If you want to see something amazing, check out FCC v. Pacifica, a case that went to the Supreme Court as a result of a radio station wanting to broadcast Carlin's legendary routine about those silly little words. The routine became hugely popular and memorable for its delivery and rhythm. What became nearly as famous was the comment given in the final decision on that case by one of the justices who said, and I'm paraphrasing at the moment, "I can't say what obscenity is, but I'll know it when I see it."

Carlin's message to the masses was often about language and words and their affect on the culture. There was nothing he wouldn't discuss and call peoples of the earth were viable targets for his criticism. Were it not for George Carlin, the art of stand-up comedy as it is recognized today would not exist. It was George's influence that would spawn the careers of Jerry Seinfeld, Garry Shandling, David Letterman and the like. He was the godfather of it all and loved by millions.

Very few will ever accomplish the body of work Carlin put out. With a record 23 comedy albums garnering 4 grammy awards and a dozen television specials for HBO he is without question the most prolific creator of comedy of his era. The Mark Twain Prize is supposedly the only award for comedy that Carlin respected and he would have been thrilled to receive it. I believe he knew it was coming. Other winners have included Lily Tomlin, who's work he loved, Billy Crystal and Steve Martin.

We miss you George and if you were right, we will all see you soon, or not.