All Jokes Aside: Standup Comedy Is a Phunny Business

by Raymond Lambert, Chris Bournea, Chris Gardner (Foreword)

Chris Rock. Jamie Foxx. Steve Harvey. Dave Chappelle. Some of the biggest names in American entertainment today all appeared at Raymond Lambert's club All Jokes Aside, the legendary Chicago showcase for African-American comedy, early in their careers. This insightful memoir follows up on Lambert's critically acclaimed 2012 Showtime documentary, Phunny Business , and tells the story of his life as seen through the lens of All Jokes Aside—its successes, failures, and lessons learned.

By the late 1980s, Lambert was earning a six-figure salary as an investment banker on Wall Street, but dreamed of starting his own company. With zero experience, an equally committed partner, and a little borrowed money, he opened All Jokes Aside, and before long was helping to launch some of the biggest names in comedy.

This is story of Lambert's journey, a behind-the-scenes look at the world of show business, and an inspiring tale for any would-be entrepreneur. Chock-full of cautionary tales both humorous and dramatic, revealing details on the early careers of top performers, and tangible guidance on how to build a business from the ground up, this book is a much-needed recent history of black entertainment and a powerful memoir of entrepreneurial ups and downs.

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2015

Reviews

[Andrew Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that goes beyond just memories of an ex club owner and delves deeper into the social realities of doing business in two fairly corruption prone cities as a black entrepreneur determined to stay clean. This is eye opening both from the societal context and for any young (or young at heart) entrepreneurs looking to dive head first into their own dreams. A funny and enlightening read for sure.

[MsWilliamsWorld · Rating 3 out of 5]

After seeing and interviewing Lambert years ago for his documentary, "Phunny Business," I really looked forward to this book. Most of it is a re-tread of that documentary, but what sets it apart is that you learn more about his upbringing, family life, etc., which all factor into the man he is today. Good book--entertaining--you'll never be bored!

[Zach Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first chapter and the bulk of the middle of this book are captivating and offer clear, revealing insights into both the stand-up industry in the 90s and the realities of doing business in the city of Chicago. Lambert has had a very interesting life and his experience with All Jokes Aside makes for great reading, with details about staff, city ordinances and big celebrities getting their starts laid out on the page. It’s a relatively short and quick read which may explain why Lambert also delved into his own personal childhood and education but those parts of the book felt unnecessary and dragged a bit. Making the book a bit shorter and keeping the focus on All Jokes Aside, and the subsequent battle in River North over his proposed club Monologues, would have made this a five-star read. Still, great tales of Chicago’s comedy club history.