Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Comedian Byrdman dies


Reggie “Byrd” Byrdman, one of the city’s best local comedians, passed away Sunday. He was only 38, and reportedly suffered a heart attack. He is survived by a son, a daughter, two sisters and a brother.

All week, he’s been getting love on Power 98. Tonight and tomorrow, two clubs will host memorials to raise money for his family. The first is tonight at Club Eclipse, home of Q.C. Comedy. The second is Thursday at Tempo. Singers Adina Howard, rapper Mr. Woods and local DJs Tab D'Bia$$i, Boney B., and ’O6 will perform. Both events begin at 9 p.m.

Byrdman was always on the grind, and consistently played in comedy clubs. He never reached the status of a Chris Rock or Dave Chappelle, but few do. He began his career in 1995. I first saw him perform at Eight Tracks nightclub, now Tempo. He beat several other local comedians to win the Def Comedy Jam competition in 1999. I also saw him perform at a hole-in-the-wall off South Boulevard. Those were in his early years.

Since then, he appeared on BET’s “Comic View” and toured on the Def Comedy Jam Tour. I last saw him a couple of years ago at the Q.C. Comedy showcase at its former home, the Big Chill. He was supporting young comedians and wanting to launch a comedy tour to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

If you’ve never heard of him, come out tonight and hear why he was so loved by the urban nightlife community. If you have heard of him, then come out and pay your respects with people who know how you feel.

3 comments:

sirshannon said...

Wow.

I saw him open for Dave Chapelle in Feb (?) 2006 at Ovens and he was great. I knew I was in for a good night when the opening act was that good...

This is terrible news.

Respect.

Pinky said...

May God continue to Bless, Protect and Comfort our family. It’s been a monumental journey since 8/2019 getting to unite with my adopted siblings and other family members, and hear stories of those who are here and stories of those who are no longer here.
“WHAT A TALENTED FAMILY WE ARE”
“Stay Connected Family, I love you all”

To my cousin Reggie whom I’ve never met, Rest In Peace, I’m sure my mother Jackie and others who have transitioned greeted you with open wings on the other side. I pray for healing for your Mother, siblings and children.

Anonymous said...

I grew up with Reggie and We worked together in Charlotte. He told Me when he was about to start doing Comedy and I said Bruh Go For It because You have a Gift. It's sad to hear about his passing because he Future was so Bright and Career was taking off! RIH MY BROTHER...LOVE YOU BYRD¡