Introducing Ben Jackson
If laughter is the best medicine, then Ben Jackson is the one of the funniest doctors in town! We sit down with the nationally-recognized comedian to catch up on his latest ventures; and to take him back to his roots on his start into the comedy realms. Ben has taken the comedy industry by storm, delivering side-splitting story lines that leave his audiences begging for more. From characted creations, to skit content, Ben is definetly a force to be on the lookout for.
Q: JULY 16TH 2011. SOUTH UNION BAR AND GRILL. YOU DID YOUR FIRST COMEDY SHOW. HOW DID THIS NEW JOURNEY COME ABOUT?
Man you took me back! South Union Bar & Grill which was a makeshift bar made out of a mobile home. We had to be done by 10:30 so Ms. Gladys could get her sleep for Sunday morning church. Nah; really that came about because one of my best childhood friends, Mari Griffin (sister of Texas legend Tommy Mason Griffin) was asked to try stand-up with this local crew that was producing shows. She was nervous and I was gassing her like a best friend does when they believe. I went as far as to say specifically "If you do it, I'll do it with you." Man I got off that stage and felt something I never felt before. Honestly, a feeling I'm still chasing to this day. It's nothing like your first time and Marquis Houston said that.
Q: YOU HAVE SHARED THE STAGE WITH MANY OF THE COMEDIC GREATS. FOR THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH YOUR TRACK RECORD, CAN YOU SHED SOME LIGHT ON THOSE YOU HAVE RUBBED ELBOWS WITH?
Yeah; I've been blessed to work with a variety of comics. I loved stand-up comedy my whole life so I was geeked to work with Jamario, - I remember back in like 2016. A Comicview legend. I was like, "Damn this guy! I remember laughing at as a kid, quoting his lines." I've performed with Guy & Joe Torry, Jamie Kennedy, Bobby Lee, Damon Williams, Damon Wayans, B. Simone, Karlous Miller, Rob Stapleton. I could keep going. I can't not mention the late greats Teddy Ray & John "Pop" Whiterspoon. We had a ball!
Q: YOU WERE ONE OF THE FINAL TALENTS TO WORK WITH JOHN WITHERSPOON BEFORE HIS PASSING, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE AS YOU HOSTED HIS SIX-SHOW RESIDENCY AT IMPROV HOUSTON?
Pops was so dope! Initially he wanted to have the green room to himself which was a downer, but of course understand and respect. But before the show he wanted to meet me and comedian Barry Laminack. We got back there laughing and talking and never left the room. He was so full of life. I know it's cliche, but it's true. He was open and real. We talked about a lot that weekend. We even took him to the strip club. Buck's Wild. I was thinking it was Buck Wild. But he was only going to clubs with 4 stars or better. Do you know what your favorite club is rated? Yeah, google that.
Q: NOW BEFORE WE GOT THE SELF-NAMED, WE HAD YOUNG SIMBA. WHAT MADE YOU MAKE THE TRANSITION?
Well, I was always Ben Jackson. Young Simba is/was a moniker. I honestly don't know how it exactly came about. I must have given it to myself and people felt it. I did have my locks, I am a Leo, and I do have this signature joke that involves The Lion King so I guess it was just a perfect storm. Oh and I just can't wait to be King! (Cheap But I Had To)
Q: YOU HAVE GRACED MANY STAGES IN THE CITY. FROM IMPROV, THE ONE CLUB, ASO ROCK, VISION LOUNGE, MO CITY BAR AND GRILL, AND MORE. IS THERE ONE IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU HAVE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?
And across the country, but what's on my bucket list is to be in arenas and stadiums. "Ben Jackson. 6 shows this weekend! Tickets are selling fast!"
"RONNIE LYNELL LOVER! 2 N's, 2 L's, 1 LOVER!"
Q: WITH COMEDY AND TODAY’S ALL-INCLUSIVE SOCIETY, DO YOU THINK AS A COMEDIAN, THERE ARE SOME TOPICS THAT SHOULDN’T BE INCLUDED IN PERFORMANCES?
Honestly if it's tasteful and clever enough nothing is untouchable on the stage I feel because most jokes are just funny perspectives. The comedian owes that to the audience and the audience owes them the respect to deliver their art. I mean that's why we're here right?
Q: YOU HAVE RECORDING 3 COMEDY SPECIALS AND YOUR LATEST PROJECT WAS CAPTURED VISUALLY. AS YOU GROW, YOU CONTINUE TO STRIDE AND SET NEW BOUNDARIES FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CRAFT. WHAT’S NEXT FOR BEN JACKSON AS AN ACTOR AND COMEDIAN?
2 Comedy Albums - It's Tough & Too Tough; the latter I recorded the day before we went on Covid Lockdown. Y'all go get you some laughs. Every platform. When you need a break from all that bumpity bump, pull me up! The visual I recorded in July. I haven't decided just what I want to do with it. Have to stay innovative. But I do have a release plan for 2023 that I can't say now! But also scripts. I'm ghostwriting now. I have my radio show "Until Next Time" that I do every Sunday at 9pm on Love2JamRadio. And of course I'm always performing. So yea, staying busy, staying active. You know bro.
Q: ALONG WITH THE STAGES, YOU HAVE ALSO STOOD YOUR GROUND WITH SOME OF THE HEAVY HITTERS IN THE INDUSTRY THAT YOU MENTIONED BEFORE. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT NERVOUS TICK?
I honestly don't get nervous. I get anxious; like let's get it! But I never feel unprepared or overwhelmed by a stage or a name because I've been talking in front of folks since I was a kid. I was on BET News with Sharon Carpenter when I was 15. I know that no matter if nobody in the crowd knows my name, I'm supposed to be here, and I do what I'm supposed to do. But I do like to poop for shows. Get that devil out my body...
Q: BEING IN YOUR PROFESSION IS NOT FOR THE WEAK. YOUR FAN BASE GROWS DAILY AND YOU HAVE A BUILT A SOLID FOUNDATION THUS FAR. HOW HAS IT BEEN SEEING YOUR SUPPORT EVOLVE FROM THEN TO NOW?
I love it. Of course I could use a whole lot more. Lots more! (Follow right now before you go to the next sentence @benadamnfool). I'm really a regular guy that just happens to kill comedy stages. It's surreal at times.
Q: WE ARE COMING UP ON A NEW YEAR, ANY PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS YOU’VE SET FOR YOURSELF GOING INTO IT?
One to free myself of a work badge. People are surprised because they may see me moving and grooving in the comedy world but I just know how to nigga-rig BROKE. I've worked in psych for 8 years now and a brother is tired. Crazy thing is I'm good at that too. But more stability when it comes to my personal and professional life. Consistency Breeds Stability. Next year is going to be one to see if this world doesn't go to sh*t!
Q: WE CAN’T LET THIS INTERVIEW CLOSE WITHOUT ASKING ABOUT EVERYBODY’S UNCLE RONNIE LYNELL LOVER! WILL HE BE RETURNING ANYTIME SOON?
Ronnie Lynell Lover! 2 N's, 2 L's, 1 Lover! I aint think folks missed Ronnie like. I'm gon hit him and tell him y'all asking about him. You ain't the only one. That Ronnie!
