Bingley Always Reminds Me of Steve Martin
…I became a believer only about two years ago. I finally got it. Steve Martin’s entire career was a build-up for the most memorable punch line in the history of stand-up comedy.
For over 40 years, he practiced playing his banjo in private. Then, without warning, he came clean. He has finally started touring with his music. He no longer tries to make us laugh. And let me tell you, he is really good on the banjo. I would pay to hear him play. I just hope he doesn’t add much patter in between songs. A little is OK — about as much as his banjo playing in 1967.
No one would pay to hear him play the banjo if he had not become famous with his comedy. He used comedy as a career marketing tool. It took 45 years, but it worked.
He was never a comedian using a banjo as a prop. He was a banjo player using comedy as a prop. He just needed time to perfect his banjo skills.
We have all heard about actors who wait on tables for years while they work in actors’ studio in the hope of getting a big break in the movies. Martin worked in the movies for years in order to get a big break playing banjo. “Gotcha!”
I get it! The joke’s on me!
I regard this as a long-term career marketing strategy like no other. It deserves to be a case study at the Harvard Business School.
…except he plays the bagpipes. Other than that, they’ve been Cosmic Twins from the time “Wild and Crazy Guy” came out.
Did Bingley ever tell you guys about the Tut costume I made him for my Ides of March birthday party, circa 1973? Man. It was bitchin’, complete with cobra headpiece. DonnaD might remember it…or she might not, cause THAT was a party.
Fun | tree hugging sister | 
January 13, 2013 10:59 pm
Subscribe
THS, no I don’t remember Bingley’s costume, because it was a “wild and crazy” party!
Donna, you should have ended your comment with” Well than,
EXCUUUUUUUSSSSEEE MEEE!!!!!!!!”
BlackDog, sorry about that!
Your excused.