What started out as a dare to stand up and perform comedy at an open mic night in 1982, led to traveling to 38 states in the nation and overseas for “The Funniest Man in America,” James Gregory.
Before 1982, Gregory said there were no live standup comedy venues anywhere in the country.
“Tuesdays were what you would call amateur night, or open mic night,” Gregory said. “Me and two of my friends would go there every Tuesday. We wouldn’t go to perform or anything, we just wanted to watch. They always thought I was funny, so they kept daring me to go up on stage. That’s pretty much how I got my foot in the water.”
Gregory said performing 300 to 400 shows a year was great experience for an up and coming comedian.
“If that club had not opened up, I would not be here today,” Gregory said. “Those first few years, I was definitely one of those starving artists. I was doing shows maybe 45 weeks a year all in comedy clubs. Now, most of my appearances are in theaters. You get a lot of experience touring as much as I did. Not only that, but you also have different environments. Like, you have to make the people laugh in Oklahoma just like you have to make them laugh in Minnesota, New York or Alabama.”
Over the course of his career, Gregory said he has performed for all types of audiences, but the one he will never forget is performing for the troops overseas.
“I would do shows on the aircraft carriers for the troops,” Gregory said. “Some shows would be on the military base, as well. To see those people enjoy the show that way, they were always so glad to see people visit them. In my entire career, the best audience that I have ever had are the troops. People in uniform are something. I always say that it’s hard to explain it if you have never done it.”
Gregory has rubbed elbows with some of country music’s greatest, including George Jones, Dolly Parton and Randy Travis.
“George Jones and his wife, Nancy, were huge comedy fans,” Gregory said. “I did a show with them once, but every time I had a show in Nashville, they would come watch. We got to be good friends. Back in ’87 and ’88, Randy Travis was one of the biggest country music stars in the world. We did a whole tour together, travelling all around the New England area. We also did a couple shows in Las Vegas, in the casinos. Then, I got to know Dolly Parton real well. All of those people were very gracious to me, and I have a lot of respect for those country music artists.”
This is the first time that Gregory will make the trip to Highlands.
“I have said this often, but the great thing about coming into North Carolina is once you cross the state line and get into the Carolinas, every other exit is Bojangles,” Gregory said. “So, sorry if I’m late to the show, but I have to stop and get some of that chicken.”
One thing that Gregory said he takes pride in for his show is that it is one of the only comedy shows that is completely family friendly.
“If you’re eight, 18 or 80 years old, there is something that will make you laugh,” Gregory said. “There are very few shows now-a-days that is suitable for all ages. I don’t mean to brag, but it is really funny too. There is no down time from the start to the end of the show. It seems like we are going to have a pretty good weekend. It looks like it is going to be sold out.”
Crock Pots and Chicken Legs is set for Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m., at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.
For more information on tickets, visit highlandsperformingarts.com.
- By Christopher Lugo