Like to laugh? So does pretty much everybody, which is why comedy skits and routines have long had popular appeal. Lenny Bruce revolutionized stand-up comedy in the 1950s, and soon afterward stars like Bob Newhart, the Smothers Brothers, and Richard Pryor found major success recording comedy albums. Younger generations look to newer stars like Chris Rock, Mitch Hedberg, and David Cross. Closely related to comedy is the world of novelty songs, which run from bawdy, adults-only material to cutting-edge political satire to gentle tales for all ages. Spoken-word performances (including poetry and inspirational readings) are also included under this heading.

Notable Artists: David Cross, Bill Cosby, Harry Shearer