Respect for Rich

[vivaknievel]

Hi, Rich and Jennifer: I just wanted to stop by to show some respect to you. I've always wanted to meet Rich in person, but figure why wait to say what I can say today. No one on earth has ever made me laugh as hard and as much as you have. And it started from the moment I was born.

True story: My mother went into labor with me a little bit early, because she was listening to the latest Pryor stand-up record at the time -- I think it had to have been "That Nigger's Crazy" -- and she laughed so hard, that her water broke. It's with that, that I'm probably one of the luckiest girls, or people who ever lived, because I can say that I always had Richard Pryor in my life, and was made better for it. Even as a kid, I knew it wasn't just about "the bad words"... it wasn't profane, but it was profound, to paraphrase something I remember you saying.

Ever since I can remember, I was amazed by you, whether it was concert films, your acting roles, television, recordings and even the various books and magazines I saw you in and collected. I'll be 30 years old this summer and finally, I myself have realized my own goals to be a professional musician and entertainer. A great part of that is because of you. It was beautiful to have an example of a real human being, who wasn't afraid to be imperfect, who wasn't afraid to be brutally honest, and who is a true fighter.

You were and are the most talented motherfucker who ever graced this planet. As many times as I watch your videos over and over again, the same ones I watched when I was a kid, I never get tired of them. Even when you were in more "serious" story mode, I recognized people in my own neighborhood... when you imitated the way animals move and think, I was amazed... when you told of the horrors that you yourself had been through, like the heart attack and the fire, I was worried about you, but I'll be damned if you didn't have me laughing even when I didn't know why. Now that I'm older and re-visit your material, I draw more inspiration than ever. More than anything, I always laughed because you were always telling the truth, even when it was about things that were difficult to confront. I'm so excited about the new DVDs, and have been watching them -- so amazing. Scary thing is I vaguely remembered some of the skits (visually, at least), from when I was three years old!

I'll probably never see you in person, but that will be just fine, as long I know I had taken the time to put this here where you might see it someday... just want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for having been you and having paved the way for those of us who want to do what we're passionate about, while telling the truth. In your own way, you have changed the world by existing. All the people you've touched, you changed the face of comedy and you changed some hearts. When my friends of all races, from all types of backgrounds, and areas of the world, all ask me to "bring the Pryor"... I'm always cracking up about it... how all these people raised in all kinds of ways have taken to you. They love to laugh with me, they love to imitate you, they love telling people that they love Richard Pryor. It's beautiful and I'm happy to share it with them.

Thanks for everything. Much love to you, Jennifer and your family always and to your dogs too.

Take care, always...

Jaye Barnes Luckett
http://www.golittlerecords.com

[Jennifer]

vivaknievel,
Thanks for a great letter/post-look forward to seeing you here again!! Thanks again!

[dougdigitalpro]

Two of the best letters I've read yet. Hands down. I enjoyed reading them.
Thanks.

[Jennifer]

dougdigitalpro,
Another fantastic letter-and this site is helping prove to Richard-"just how loved he really is"! Thank you so much.
Jennifer

[vivaknievel]

Jennifer, Thank YOU for everything you do.

- Jaye

[Jennifer]

vivaknievel,
It is my honor, my joy and my destiny. Thank you so much!
love jennifer