Black Is the New White: A Memoir

Paul Mooney

Oct 2009 · Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

With his no-holds-barred delivery and unique worldview, Paul Mooney continues to stir anger, generate laughter, and provoke thought while attempting to tear down racial and social barriers through his juicy memoir about his years writing comedy with the likes of Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, the Wayans' Brothers, and Dave Chappelle.

For more than forty years—whether writing for Richard Pryor and Saturday Night Live or performing stand-up to sold-out crowds around the country—Paul Mooney has been provocative, incisive, and absolutely hilarious. His comedy has always been indisputably real and raw, reflecting race issues in America, and this fascinating, fearless new memoir continues that unapologetically candid tradition.

While other stars soared only to crash and burn, Paul Mooney has stayed chiefly behind the scenes, and he’s got a lifetime of stories to show for it. As head writer for The Richard Pryor Show, he helped tear down racial barriers and change the course of comedy. He helped Robin Williams and Sarah Bernhard break into show business. He paved the way for superstars like Eddie Murphy. Few have witnessed as much comedy history as Mooney; even fewer could recount it with such riotous honesty and depth of insight. He reveals the truth about his celebrated partnership with the brilliant, self-destructive Richard Pryor, from their first meeting to the very last joke, and reflects on some of his most notorious moments.

Decades ago, Paul Mooney set out not just make audiences laugh but to make them think. Black Is the New White is his blisteringly funny, no-holds-barred memoir of how he continues to succeed wildly at both.

Ratings and reviews

Richard Pryor is my all time favorite comedian. Reading Paul Mooney's book really gave me an insight of how deep this brother is in the industry. Paul Mooney is one funny, political and up to date dude. This was a really easy read because as I mentioned, anything to do with the late great Richard Pryor I want to know. However Paul Mooney stands on his own two feet.

Good read it was interesting how he describes black comedian's struggles (for some), and lack there of for others (Bill Cosby) to perform while adhering to white preferences ..so-to-speak. I can see how that impacts a black comic's career..in other words whether they will have a career or not. That is still very present today..hell, we barely see any black comedians anymore...making movies or stand up. Now we have an outpouring of white female comedians. That's why i admire Mr. Mooney..Tell The Truth!👍

This is one of the most best and interesting books I've ever read!! I'm a huge fan of Mr. Mooney's work. Comedy is pure medicine for the soul in my opinion and Paul Mooney definitely is the potion of laughter. He's truly a genius in his works. Black is without a doubt the new white!! I love being black #blacklivesmatter

About the author

Paul Mooney (1941–2021) was a comic legend who wrote for Chappelle's Show, In Living Color, The Richard Pryor Show, Saturday Night Live, Good Times, and Stanford and Son. He played Sam Cooke in The Buddy Holly Story. His first comedy album, Race, was nominated for a Grammy, and he appeared in his own comedy special, Know Your History: Jesus Was Black...So Was Cleopatra. He performed stand-up comedy to sold-out crowds around the country.