'No, wait, there's these two nuns and they had a dick, right?'

[The Hoak]

...How do you thank a man for helping make you cool? For setting you hip to what drugs were about before you ever saw a line or a joint or a glass of 'em? For warning you about the hypocrisies of the world before you ever had to set forth into it and playing out a myriad of head games that people can play with each other before you ever even got on the board? What presents could you bestow upon such an already gifted and enlightened being?
Well Rich, I never met you and likely never will, but thanks to the internet I can finally somehow give you some miniscule measure of thanks for all the years of wisdom and laughter you've given to me. I was one of the legion of geeky white boys desperately trying to be cool in the ultra-cool 70's and floundered like an epileptic watching anime until I chanced to run across your albums, no small feat while living on an indian reservation in south-central Wash. state. In the space of a few short hours, the scales were ripped from my eyes concerning everything from death (I been here 3 days and the boy ain't moved a muscle..) and taxes (You'll remember next year, nigger!) to religion and sex (Girl, don't sell no pussy in here-if you do, I wanna cut!!) and every other subject my supposedly liberal parents would blanch and avoid discussing if brought up in conversation. By the time the albums were through, my search for Truth was underway and the beginnings of the man I am today were born in a dizzying brew of laughter and revelation. I have survived some of life's darkest moments thanks to your insights and bravery, Rich. When my mother died this past Oct., I went outside in the aftermath to collect my thoughts, and among the first when I stepped out into the cold night was, "Man, if it get any colder they gonna have to bury the bitch by herself!" and my tears transmuted to laughter and I knew everything was going to be ok. The karmic blessings rained upon you for that moment alone should save your ass for the next few incarnations, I think.

And there really isn't much else to say, I guess. I bought your new album as soon as I saw it in the store, and it answered all the bitches I had after getting the box set for Xmas a few years back and realizing not everything was on there-thanks Jennifer! Keep this man alive and as well as you can and may the universe rain cosmic Charmin upon your weary brow in gratitude from all of us, the fans, the ones who have lived life in a happier state thanks to the wonder and hilarity Richard Pryor has bestowed upon all our worlds.

[bountyhunterseven]

The Hoak,
great story!! funny, i thought the same thing at my dad's funeral...we were eating afterwards at step-mom's house...and a small voice in my head said, "hey...there's some LEGS on my almonds". i laughed out loud (2 myself!) so hard i had 2 go 2 a seperate room 2 regain composure! but i KNEW pops was there laughing w/ me!!

[Jennifer]

The Hoak,
great post---we thank you so much!