From David Letterman to Country Hits: Steve Young’s Comedy Journey
About the Guest(s):
Steve Young is a New York-based comedy writer, performer, songwriter, musician, and filmmaker with a versatile and impressive career. Notably, Steve has written for legendary figures in comedy such as David Letterman and Lorne Michaels. He is known for his work on the acclaimed documentary “Bathtubs Over Broadway,” which unveils the hidden world of corporate musicals, alongside his illustrious collaborations with recognized names in the industry. More recently, Steve has ventured into music, releasing his debut album “Broken Heart Insurance.”
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss sits down with the multifaceted Steve Young, a heavyweight in the world of comedy writing and music. Having crafted material for iconic figures like David Letterman and Lorne Michaels, Steve takes listeners on a vibrant journey from his early days as a comedy writer to his latest venture in the music industry with the album “Broken Heart Insurance.” Throughout the conversation, Chris and Steve delve into the intriguing concepts of comedy, creativity, and resilience in artistic expression.
Touching upon Steve’s unique experiences in discovering the world of corporate musicals, the episode highlights Steve’s penchant for uncovering surreal, humorous facets within the often-hidden aspects of American showbiz. As Steve discusses his creative process for songwriting, he explores how his extensive background in humor has shaped his music, ingeniously blending humor with heartfelt narratives. Delve into Steve’s creative world, which ebbs between his past illustrious career in television writing and his evolving passion for songwriting.
Key Takeaways:
Embracing Diverse Careers: Steve Young illustrates the seamless transition from tv writing to music, emphasizing the versatility needed in creative careers.
Hidden Worlds Revealed: “Bathtubs Over Broadway” offers a fascinating insight into the niche world of corporate musicals, showcasing humor in unexpected places.
Humor as a Lifeline: Steve shares how comedy can be a source of comfort and healing, even in the darkest moments.
Creative Process: From ideas to final product, Steve’s approach to songwriting is rooted in spontaneity, humor, and collaboration with gifted musicians.
Legacy and Influence: Steve’s work, grounded in iconic TV shows, continues to impact current and future projects, demonstrating the enduring value of creativity.
Notable Quotes:
“You can be of an age to have a… non-brown beard and say, ‘maybe it’s time to get serious.'” — Steve Young
“The show began, not with the opening music and montage, but just Dave [Letterman].” — Steve Young
“I think you’ve tapped into something with that hospital food topic. You should pursue that.” — Steve Young
“There’s deeply hilarious stuff one moment, and the next moment is like… somebody’s funeral.” — Steve Young
“Nobody is gonna come knocking on my door most likely and offering me a new career.” — Steve Young
Resources:
Steve Young’s Website: Steve Young World
Steve Young on YouTube: Steve Young World Channel
Steve Young on TikTok: @steveyoungworld
Instagram: @pantssteve
Music Album: “Broken Heart Insurance” available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, and Pandora.
Listeners are encouraged to tune into this lively and insightful episode to explore more about Steve Young’s remarkable journey and to stay updated for more compelling interviews and content on The Chris Voss Show.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:03 — 28.9MB) | Embed
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