Lenny Bruce addresses the UCLA Student Body (1966)

The Steve Allen Show with guests Lenny Bruce and the Three Stooges (1959)

The Lenny Bruce Pilot with guest Buddy Rich (1959)

Classic Television Showbiz's Late Late Show: Lenny Bruce Without Tears (1972)

Close Up with guest Lenny Bruce (1963)

Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts with guest Lenny Bruce (1949)

The first national appearance of Lenny Bruce was on this episode of Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, originally broadcast on April 18, 1949. A perfect example of how a comedian evolves. Bruce was a rookie, in the game for about eighteen months. No hint of subversion, commentary or brilliance here - just a moderately talented mimic. Whether you're Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, Richard Pryor or Louis CK - everyone has gotta start somewhere - and that somewhere is usually the vista of the lousy. A fascinating nugget of history.

Listen to Lenny Bruce on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts.

Playboy's Penthouse with guest Lenny Bruce (1959)