Lewis Grizzard
American writer and humorist, known for his Southern demeanor and commentary on the American South. Although he spent his early career as a newspaper sports writer and editor, becoming the sports editor of the Atlanta Journal at age 23, he is much better known for his humorous newspaper columns in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a popular stand-up comedian & lecturer.
Grizzard also published a total of twenty-five books, including collections of his columns (e.g. Chili Dawgs Always Bark at Night), expanded versions of his stand-up comedy routines (I Haven't Understood Anything Since 1962), and the autobiographical If I Ever Get Back to Georgia, I'm Gonna Nail My Feet to the Ground. Although much of his comedy discussed the South and Grizzard’s personal and professional lives, it was also a commentary on issues prevalent throughout America, including relationships between men and women (e.g. If Love Were Oil, I'd Be About a Quart Low), politics, and health, especially heart health.
He made us laugh and think at the same time. Indeed, during his lifetime, Lewis Grizzard heard himself described as "this generation's Mark Twain," "one of the foremost humorists in the country" and "a Faulkner for plain folks" by the national press. What he was, without a doubt, was a masterful storyteller, stand-up comedian, syndicated columnist and best selling author.
Lewis Grizzard Museum: http://newnan.com/lg/
New Georgia Encyclopedia entry:
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/ng...
“On a New York subway you get fined for spitting, but you can throw up for nothing.”
“Life is like a dog sled team. If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes.”
“When my love comes back from the ladies' room, will I be too old to care?”
“Shoot low, boys. They're ridin' Shetland ponies.”
“Chilli dawgs always bark at night.”
“The only way that I could figure they could improve upon Coca-Cola, one of life's most delightful elixirs, which studies prove will heal the sick and occasionally raise the dead, is to put bourbon in it.”
“I was afraid they kept the hogs in a pen out behind the hospital. I've been prepared for surgery and the doctor says to an orderly, 'Leon, go out to the hog pen and get me a valve.”
“Kinky sex involves the use of duck feathers. Perverted sex involves the whole duck.”
“I don't think I'll get married again. I'll just find a woman I don't like and give her a house.”
“Life is like a dogsled race. If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes.”