Born Standing Up

A Comic's Life

By: Steve Martin

Narrated by: Steve Martin

Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

In the mid-70s, Steve Martin exploded onto the comedy scene. By 1978 he was the biggest concert draw in the history of stand-up. In 1981 he quit forever. Born Standing Up is, in his own words, the story of "why I did stand-up and why I walked away".

At age 10 Martin started his career at Disneyland, selling guidebooks in the newly opened theme park. In the decade that followed, he worked in the Disney magic shop and the Bird Cage Theatre at Knott's Berry Farm, performing his first magic/comedy act a dozen times a week. The story of these years, during which he practiced and honed his craft, is moving and revelatory.

Martin illuminates the sacrifice, discipline, and originality that made him an icon and informs his work to this day. To be this good, to perform so frequently, was isolating and lonely. It took Martin decades to reconnect with his parents and sister, and he tells that story with great tenderness. Martin also paints a portrait of his times: the era of free love and protests against the war in Vietnam, the heady irreverence of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in the late 60s, and the transformative new voice of Saturday Night Live in the 70s.

©2007 Steve Martin (P)2007 Simon and Schuster Inc.

The Steve Martin I Love

I only went to a few live "concerts" when I was in college in the '70s and Steve Martin was one of them. In my mind's eye I still see his visual, intelligent, and off beat stand up routine. This memoir, beautifully read by the author and punctuated with what I assume is his banjo playing, brings those moments back to vivid life. I laughed out loud again at his wonderful humor (which was somewhat disturbing to the people on the treadmills next to me at the gym).

In addition to his wonderful humor, the author gives us insight into some of the entainment influences in his career and contemporary comedy. In addition to laugh out loud and insightful moments, Steve Martin shares memories from his childhood that are touching, often sweetly funny, and sometimes heart wrenching.

This will be a great book for all baby boomers. And if you don't like it as much as I did, then EXCUUUUUUUUSE MEEEEE!

Some parts expected, some not

The most interesting part of this book is Steve's childhood and early adulthood trying out all kinds of entertainment. His absurd humor is tied to his background as a philosophy major. It's great having him narrate, as he always knows exactly how he wanted things to sound. Nothing earth-shattering, but entertaining.

Steve Martin

I feel inadequate to write my thoughts about Steve Martin reading about Steve Martin with musical accompaniment by Steve Martin from a book about Steve Martin written by... who was it? it's right on the edge of my brain... oh yes!!! by Steve Martin. Steve Martin does an excellent job conveying both the ups and downs of his life and his art, as well as relating how determination can get you where you desire to be, but also that it's important to remember where you've been. Steve (of the family Martin) has been, and will always be, one of the greatest influences upon my life, and it is with very much a biased basis, but also with a deepest sincerity, that I shamelessly promote that this book is great (I own a copy in my collection of actual paper copies of his books, as well as the books of many other authors, containing many many words), and the audio read by the author is equally stunning. Highly do I recommend it! Unless you are dead, in which this book would likely not benefit you, I recommend it. If you, however, are dead, then I recommend taking some time off from reading.

Excuse Me...

I’m the same age as Martin. I first saw him on the Tonight Show and then on SNL and then the movies. He never disappointed. I never saw his stand up routine. I love his King Tut song and feel a connection to it as his lead guitarist on it is a friend of mine, Brian, as we share the same home town in Mo. I have now listened to this book 4 times. It is the reason I subscribed to Audible. It is one of the most interesting stories I ever heard. Martin still does not disappoint.

I loved this memoir

Steve Martin is an American success story without the tragic ending that so many creative people seem to have. I made the mistake of starting the tape at 10pm and I couldn't stop listening . Finally at 4am I turned it off. It is that good. I knew I would pay the next day but didn't care.

I have always loved Steve Martin.

I enjoyed meeting the real man in this book. I saw Steve Martin perform on stage when I was young and thoroughly enjoyed his performance.

Super fascinating and would and will listen again

loved every second of it. I'm a budding middle age clean comic and my first thought was to listen to it for advice. However ,after a few minutes it turned from words to pros, and yes there is a difference. Even if Steve and I never meet I related to his home life. My own father told me he first loved me at age 40
Also it gave me confidence to know that even famous comics "bombed" too when they first started

Simple, beautiful, profound

Extraordinarily frank and insightful account of the inner creative life and development of a wonderful creative artist. Focusing only on one strand of his very successful and multifaceted career gives it great depth and focus. In a way slight - not long, and with almost no deviations from it's theme - it is one of my absolute favorite books. Beautifully read by the author.

Wonderful Listen

Highly recommended for anyone who loves Steve Martin, stand-up comedy and banjos, although not exclusively. So glad I listened to the audiobook rather than just reading the book because you're treated to banjo interludes, Steve Martin's own dry delivery, his comic inflection and timing, not to mention the occasional song. Lots of insight, lots of laughs and even a few tears.

1975 former Disco guy loved the book

If like me you graduated in the 70's you grew saying all of Steve Martin's phrases. Good book