Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White
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Book Overview
Tim and Tom tells the story of that pioneering duo, the first interracial comedy team in the history of show business--and the last. Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen polished their act in the nightclubs of Chicago, then took it on the road, not only in the North, but in the still-simmering South as well, developing routines that even today remain surprisingly frank--and remarkably funny--about race. Most nights, the shock of seeing an integrated comedy team quickly dissipated in uproarious laughter, but on some occasions the audience's confusion and discomfort led to racist heckling, threats, and even violence. Though Tim and Tom perpetually seemed on the verge of making it big throughout their five years together, they grudgingly came to realize that they were ahead of their time: America was not yet ready to laugh at its own failed promise.
Eventually, the grind of the road took its toll, as bitter arguments led to an acrimonious breakup. But the underlying bond of friendship Reid and Dreesen had forged with each groundbreaking joke has endured for decades, while their solo careers delivered the success that had eluded them as a team. By turns revealing, shocking, and riotously funny, Tim and Tom unearths a largely forgotten chapter in the history of comedy.
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Customer Reviews
Rated 5 starsAmazingly good book!!!
I was lucky enough to interview Tim and Tom on my [...] podcast for this incredible read. Truly an impressive story in so many ways, poverty to success, the many many sides of discrimination, the the tremendous contributions Tim and Tom made to society outside of show business. I hope this will become an incredible movie! -Doug Vannier
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Rated 5 starsTim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White
This was a remarkable story about two very successful and interesting people who have led a life few of us could ever imagine. Together, they conquered many obstacles and no doubt enjoyed every minute. I enjoyed reading this book immensley and had a hard time putting it down; give me another week and I may read it again. Norm Elliott
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Rated 5 stars"Tim & Tom: A Triumph in Black and White"
"Tim & Tom" is a compelling story about the audacious attempt of a black guy and a white guy to bring a sense of humor to what is still the most explosive domestic issue in the United States. The wonder is not that they failed as much as is the wonder of their idealistic youth that made them believe they could succeed. And, yet, with this moving account of their careers, "Tim & Tom" does very much succeed, in vividly...
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Rated 5 starsA fantastic read!
I loved this book. As a comedy fan, I am always interested in comedians I may never have heard of... Tim & Tom's story is a compelling one, and this book is a tough one to put down. It's not only funny and interesting to read about their personal lives and their professional challenges, it also reveals so much about race in this country -both how the issues have changed and how they stay the same. I highly recommend this...
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Rated 5 starsDared To Be The First---And Last
With so little personal experience with or exposure to racism, and choosing to embrace a post-racial America, this book really opened my eyes to how high the hurdles are/were that we have/had to overcome. I never realized how pervasive racism was, even at this late period in the twentieth century. This book honestly relates the nitty-gritty realities of the journey to discover, and be, "who you are" instead of conforming...
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