• Born Standing Up

  • A Comic's Life
  • By: Steve Martin
  • Narrated by: Steve Martin
  • Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (14,669 ratings)

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Born Standing Up  By  cover art

Born Standing Up

By: Steve Martin
Narrated by: Steve Martin
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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.

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What listeners say about Born Standing Up

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating & entertaining!

Even as a young child I laughed and felt like I “got” Steve Martin’s humor when others said they didn’t. So, it was pretty fascinating to hear how Steve simply believed in himself and his comedic style to persevere throughout the lean & harsh years of rejection. And I believe how hard he worked as he even came to our small town of Bellingham, WA with his band, The Steep Canyon Rangers, featuring Edie Brickell, in 2014. Currently, I can’t get enough of Only Murders in the Building
With Martin Short & Selena Gomez. The most hilarious plots and the most fun I’ve had watching this talented cast. The scene when Martin & Short are talking to Bunny’s parrot, imitating Bunny. 😭😭

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Greatest story ever told

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll remember. You’ll sigh. I wore an arrow through my head every year of grade school for pilgrims and native Americans day and won each year thanks the bit but had no idea it was Steve Martin who started it. My parents, I learned while listening, were massive fans as I remembered several saying they used on the regular and now realize where they came from. When I told my mom I was listening she immediately did the “I’m a wild and crazy guy!” Impression. And impressions aren’t normally her thing. I have Martin Short’s reading is 1/2 of entertaining!

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The whole truth plus good laughs

An incredible, fully honest memoir of a great comic’s path to success. It includes much I had no idea about: his youth, years on the road and the pluses and minuses of celebrity. Very nice later closeness with his sister and parents.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

HUGER FAN NOW

As a high school freshman I used to memorize his albums. Then I grew up loving his SNL performances, his movies, his books, and his music. Now, in my late fifties, I love Only Murders in the Building. I have always been a huge fan. Now that I have listened to this beautiful and insightful autobiography, I am huger.

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I love the back story.

It was interesting to hear how Steve Martin came into his style and success. I can’t wait to revisit old favorite works of his and see if I see it differently through these lens that now know the rest of his story.

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A peak inside the comics life

Absolutely loved getting to dive into Steve’s life and enjoyed the book and it’s for any Steve Martin fan

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Great story of a great career

I really enjoyed listening to. He’s a terrific storyteller and someone who seems like a nice warm human being.

It’s wonderful to hear how he rose to stardom.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Great Story

I liked and appreciated Steve’s honesty and openness telling us his story. As an entertainer myself, this story helps me to keep goin’…

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  • J
  • 04-01-24

Very enjoyable!

I am long time fan of Steve Martin. His stand up is something that I was only able to enjoy via cassette or cd. This is an interesting look into his career. You will find this audible entertaining whether you are a fan or not.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

Loved this one. Great to hear Steve Martin tell his story (in his own voice) and how he landed on his own unique style of comedy. Some really interesting insights along the way.

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4 people found this helpful