Tommy Davidson

#sponsored Artist: Visit Tidal.com/ONTHATNOTE to create an account and start uploading your music for free. #ad Music Fan: Find your next favorite artist at Tidal.com/ONTHATNOTE. #ad Tommy Davidson joins Shawn Stockman for a powerful and hilarious conversation on a new episode of On That Note. A legendary comedian, actor, impressionist, voice artist and original cast member of In Living Color, Tommy Davidson takes us behind the scenes of one of the most influential comedy shows in television history. Tommy reflects on working alongside Keenen Ivory Wayans, Jim Carrey, Damon Wayans, Jamie Foxx, David Alan Grier and the Wayans family, and explains what made In Living Color such a groundbreaking force in comedy and Black entertainment. Tommy and Shawn also revisit the 1990s era of R&B and entertainment, discussing the incredible cultural moment that included Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Riff, Silk, Shai, SWV, TLC, Brownstone, Hi-Five and other legendary groups. The conversation explores the connection between music and comedy during that era and the impact those artists had on an entire generation. The conversation takes a deeper turn as Tommy opens up about his extraordinary childhood and the circumstances surrounding his adoption. He shares the story of being abandoned as a baby in Mississippi, being rescued and adopted, growing up in Colorado and Wyoming, and eventually discovering his identity, his connection to Black culture and his passion for music and performance. The two longtime friends revisit Tommy’s iconic Varnell Hill character from Martin and the incredible full-circle moment of bringing that character back more than 30 years later. Tommy discusses The Varnell Hill Show, his work as an executive producer alongside Martin Lawrence, and what it means to reinvent a character that audiences never forgot. Tommy also discusses his film and television career, including Strictly Business, Booty Call, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Bamboozled and his voice role as Oscar Proud on Disney’s The Proud Family. From In Living Color and Martin to his new chapter with Varnell Hill, this is a conversation about comedy, music, Hollywood, survival, longevity, friendship, reinvention and the power of staying true to your gift. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices