EMGWORLD ‘CHOPS IT UP’ WITH DETROIT FUNNYMAN AND ORIGINAL 'BAD BOY OF COMEDY' HOWIE BELL
From theater to comedy, Howie Bell was destined to pursue a career on stage. His ability to entertain others has awarded him the opportunity to make millions of people laugh across the world. The original Bad Boy of Comedy himself speaks on today’s stand-up arena, the impact of social media and working with Sean “Diddy” Combs.
EMGWorld: When did you realize that entertaining others was what you wanted to do as a profession?
Howie Bell: I really didn't know what I was doing was entertaining others. I started off acting in plays. It wasn't until college when I realized what I did made people feel good. I'd say around my early 20's was when I realized entertaining others was my thing.
EMGWorld: For those who think it’s easy, just how challenging is it to be a professional comic?
HB: I think people underestimate the TIME, EFFORT and ENERGY it takes to be relevant in stand-up comedy. People just don't understand how hard it is. This profession has to be right up there with building skyscrapers. People should have more of an appreciation for what stand-up comics deliver and have to go through. Stand-up comics are like preachers. We're giving you all we got to make you feel good. A lot of people don't take it into consideration that we are healers. Laughter is a true organic medicine.
EMGWorld: What is your process when preparing for an upcoming show?
HB: Depending on how big the show is anxiety will kick in. I try to relax as much as possible because I use up so much energy when I'm on stage. I sleep at least four or five hours before the show. I'll listen to some ol' school music like Michael Frank or Parliament before heading out to the show. I have to be totally relaxed.
EMGWorld: What was it like the first time you performed on stage in front of a crowd?
HB: My first time performing standup was back in 1995. It was absolutely HORRIBLE! I performed in front of two people that waited until the end of the night at a comedy club back in Detroit. I managed to get one laugh out of the two people. That first show helped me see I'm not as funny as I thought I was, but it let me know this was something I wanted to pursue.
EMGWorld: Which comedians did you watch or study while you were trying to create your own style?
HB: I didn't really study comics, but I did grow up listening to stand-up. My father had all the Richard Pryor and Red Foxx albums. Once I started doing stand-up I reflected back on those people I grew up listening to. I never looked at a comic and said "I like his style." I always looked at it like you can only be who YOU are.
EMGWorld: What advice do you have for aspiring comics out there searching to find their own identity?
HB: It's too hard to be someone else. I think you should try to just be as original as you can by being YOU. I never got caught up in looking at someone else's style and saying I want to be like you. I love Robin Harris and Eddie Murphy’s old stuff. I can listen to them, but it wouldn't be authentic if I tried to do a joke like them. You just have to be creative within yourself.
“Comedy is one of the purest forms of live entertainment.” – Howie Bell, Blogboard Spotlight
EMGWorld: Would you say social media and the internet have changed the stand-up market in comedy?
HB: The social media comics today are a lil bit more spoiled. Back then you had to be seen by someone. You couldn't upload anything to YouTube. You had to get out there in the field and be seen. People had to vouch or recommend you. The internet presence has helped a lot of people KNACK their true talents. You can say some funny things on Facebook, but get booked and bomb in front of a live audience. The profession is different because of the online presence.
EMGWorld: Would you say social media has damaged comedy today?
HB: I think if it's used improperly and manipulated, it HURTS this business. You can manipulate things online, but when get in front of a live audience you have to come correct. Social media puts a false sense of perfection on a person. The picture always looks better online, but in person it might not look the same.
EMGWorld: What’s one mistake you would warn comics not to make?
HB: Calling the "wrong" woman a b***h is one. That will definitely backfire on you.
EMGWorld: Who would you say has done the most to open up the doors for the world of comedy?
HB: There's a man named Bob Sumner who's been a link between the TV and street worlds of comedy. He was one of the producers of Def Comedy Jam. For over 30 years, he's been one of the most hands on guys as far as urban stand-up comedy. He and his partner Tina Graham have done a lot for stand-up comedy. They put on Mike Epps, Steve Harvey, Chris Tucker, you name it. They started off so many careers for people who have become megastars and Oscar winners such as Jamie Foxx. Hats off to them for the job they've done and continue to do.
EMGWorld: What was it like to be a part of a program like Diddy’s “Bad Boys of Comedy?”
HB: It was one of the best experiences of my life. I was fortunate enough to do both seasons and the two year tour. For me the experience is still going on. I get bookings to this day based off the “Bad Boys of Comedy.” It's been one of the better things to happen to my career. It's allowed me to get a lot of love in New York. I have nothing but good things to say about the “Bad Boys of Comedy.” It was worth every second.
HB: That one particular sketch has been so in demand. I've been hired just off that. I'll get to the end of the show and people will yell "Do the Granny!" They just want to hear that bit.
EMGWorld: What was it like to work directly with Diddy?
HB: Diddy is one of the guys that saw an interest in me and took me a lil further than some of the other comics. I became one of Diddy's writers when he was the host of the MTV Music Awards. I was fortunate enough for him to let me be in that mix.
Check out Part 2 of our interview series as Howie Bell delivers advice to aspiring comics and explains how to shut down a heckler…
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