Veteran comedian Jeff Foxworthy brings the laughs to Timber Rock Amphitheater
You don’t have to be a redneck to laugh at Jeff Foxworthy-you just need to know one.
One of America’s most recognizable comedians, Foxworthy brings his signature brand of clean, observational humor to Timber Rock Amphitheatre in Farmington on July 31 at 7 p.m.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Foxworthy has become one of stand-up comedy’s most enduring performers. He is the best-selling comedy recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy Award nominee, author of more than 26 books, and a 2014 inductee into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
Staying power
Foxworthy has remained relevant by successfully navigating stand-up, television, books, radio and streaming. Even so, he believes that today’s comedians have more of a struggle.
“They live in a different world these days and it’s harder to separate from the pack than it used to be,” he said.
One thing that has helped distinguish him is his commitment to clean comedy.
“I always wanted as many people as possible to listen to me and you don’t want to have to turn me off if your aunt and uncle walk in the room,” he said.
He recalls the early days when an appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson was gold.
“He was, in essence, a kingmaker,” Foxworthy said. “Soon, Caesars Palace would come calling asking if you’d like to headline.”
Pulling back the curtain
Foxworthy’s latest comedy special, “The Joke’s on Me,” premiered June 1 on Fox Nation. Blending stand-up with documentary-style footage, it offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how comedy is created.
Foxworthy said he’d been thinking about it for a long time and his wife reminded him that he vowed, “never again,” after the last special.
“I said don’t worry baby, they won’t go for it.”
The concept was inspired by a Beatles documentary that showed the band debating and arguing lyrics and melodies before performing “Get Back” on a London rooftop.
“Seeing the process made it richer,” Foxworthy said. “It actually got me teary-eyed.”
Fox Nation initially wanted a 60-minute standup special but Foxworthy wasn’t interested.
“I told them I’d rather hang out with my grandchildren,” he said, explaining how long it takes to write material that really lands.
He remembers advice from fellow comedian Jay Leno when sitting at a Waffle House years ago.
“He told me a comedian’s goal should be to write one new minute a week,” Foxworthy recalled. “I thought he was crazy and that I could do 20-to-30, but it turns out he was right.”
So instead of an hour of traditional stand-up, Foxworthy invited cameras to follow him into small comedy clubs.
“I told them they could watch me pitch jokes that land and also witness the ones that bomb,” he said.
Audience members help evaluate the material.
“I bring three boxes with me and put them on the table,” said Foxworthy. “They are labeled ‘Gold,’ ‘Silver’ and ‘Certificate of Appearance,'” he said.
During the show, the audience rates the jokes. “One attendee later came up and told me that was the most fun he’d had in a comedy club in a long time,” Foxworthy said.
Finding humor in everyday life
Foxworthy jokes a lot about aging. “It has its pluses,” he said. “You don’t have to worry about police showing up at parties and restaurants aren’t crowded when we go out to eat.”
Still, he said he wouldn’t trade his 67-year-old mind to have his young body back.
“I’m in the greatest season of life right now,” said Foxworthy, expressing deep love for his grandchildren and perhaps inadvertently classifying them as up-and-coming comedians.
“I love those little jokers so much it makes my stomach hurt,” he said.
The South also takes a bit of heat in Foxworthy’s routines.
“We laugh at ourselves a lot, but what’s nice is that everyone is friendly and talks to you,” he said. “People from other countries are noticing that when visiting here for the World Cup,” he said.
Ultimately, Foxworthy hopes audiences leave with more than memories.
“Laughter is great for your mental health,” he said. “It’s the release valve that keeps the boiler from exploding. It allows you to recharge your battery and go on. When you can give that to someone it’s a sweet feeling.”