Musical Clowns
Why is it that so often a genius of comedy has brilliant musical talent?
Or is it the other way round?
I've also noticed that geniuses of comedy tend to be geniuses of language. For example, I think Ken Dodd knows more about language than most professional linguists. Victor Borge was also very talented in that department.
What a fascinating topic this could be for a research project. How many well-known singers, musicians or dancers are comedians; how many comedians have musical talents? How do you rate ability anyway, without being subjective? And what is it in the human psyche that makes a combination of music and humor so universally enjoyable?
I would like readers to add their favorite musically talented comedians in comments.
Here is a brief and by no means exhaustive list to kick-start the idea, in no particular order of merit, but first, a video.
Spike_Jones, of Spike Jones and the city slickers, looked like an idiot but sang like a nightingale.
Don_Estelle, a rather short man, played the character 'Lofty' in the sitcom 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum', about a troops entertainment unit in India and Burma.
.
Ken_Dodd, British comedian and singer.
Harry_Secombe, Welsh singer and comedian.
Became famous as a madcap comedian in the Goon Show.
This video showcases his singing talent.
Dean_Martin, American singer and comedian.
Victor_Borge, Danish comedian and pianist. Or vice-versa.
.
Bob_hope, American comedian and actor.
James_Cagney, American actor, dancer and comedian.
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These two videos should need no introduction:
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Over to you, my readers.
