Produced by his manager, David Banks,
Richard Pryor's
Bicentennial Nigger is one of the comic genius' most overlooked albums, relatively speaking, probably due in part by the lack of an accompanying concert movie as with
Wanted and
Live on the Sunset Strip. No matter --
Pryor's amazing talent for mixing expert mimicry, riotous mayhem, and stunning insight is in full effect here. The LP's cover featured the comedian in various cartoon-styled characterizations, and that's exactly what you get on this perennially funny album. Standouts are "Black & White Women," "Our Gang," "Mudbone Goes to Hollywood," and the saucy title routine that's a showcase for
Pryor's extraordinary range. Warner Bros. released the album in September 1976. ~ Ed Hogan