Steve Allen
Steve Allen (1921–2000), comedian, musician, songwriter, author, and an innovator in the television talk show format, gave many of the new wave comedians, including Lenny Bruce (1925–1966), their first television exposure on the live prime-time show he hosted from 1956 to 1959. Known for his spontaneous irreverent wit, verbal dexterity, and experimental ethos, Allen in this letter commends Village Voice critic Nat Hentoff (b. 1925) for his support of Bruce, whom Allen considered “a true social philosopher.”
Steve Allen (1921–2000), comedian, musician, songwriter, author, and an innovator in the television talk show format, gave many of the new wave comedians, including Lenny Bruce (1925–1966), their first television exposure on the live prime-time show he hosted from 1956 to 1959. Known for his spontaneous irreverent wit, verbal dexterity, and experimental ethos, Allen in this letter commends <em>Village Voice</em> critic Nat Hentoff (b. 1925) for his support of Bruce, whom Allen considered “a true social philosopher.”