Pigmeat Markham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pigmeat Markham
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Dewey Markham
April 18, 1904 Durham, North Carolina, U.S.
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| Died | December 13, 1981 (aged 77) The Bronx, New York, U.S.
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| Years active | 1917–1981 |
| Spouse(s) | Bernice Markham (m. ?–1981) |
Dewey "Pigmeat" Markham (born April 18, 1904 – died December 13, 1981) was a famous American entertainer. He was best known as a comedian. But he was also a talented singer, dancer, and actor. His fun nickname, "Pigmeat," came from a stage act where he called himself "Sweet Poppa Pigmeat."
Contents
Early Life and Start in Entertainment
Dewey Markham was born in Hayti, Durham, North Carolina. His family was well-known in their neighborhood. So much so that their street was named Markham Street!
He began his career performing in traveling music and comedy shows. In the 1920s, he was part of Bessie Smith's Traveling Revue. Bessie Smith was a very famous blues singer. Later, Markham said he created the popular "Truckin'" dance in the 1930s. He started appearing in movies in the 1940s.
Rise to Fame and Signature Acts
Pigmeat Markham became a regular performer at the famous Apollo Theater in New York. He performed there more than almost anyone else! He often wore special makeup and had big, painted white lips for his acts.
In the 1950s, Markham started appearing on television. He was a guest on The Ed Sullivan Show many times. This show was very popular across America.
The "Here Come Da Judge" Routine
Markham's most famous act was his "heyeah (here) come da judge" routine. In this funny act, he pretended to be a judge. He would sit on a high judge's bench, often wearing a cap and gown. Then, he would deal with a line of funny characters who came before him.
He would often lean over the bench to deliver his "judgments." He would also playfully hit the people with an inflated balloon. This routine made fun of serious courtroom rules. It became his signature act.
Catchphrases and Music Success
Pigmeat Markham had hit comedy songs in the 1960s. His line "heyeah come da judge" became a popular saying. It was even used on the famous TV show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. Another one of his popular phrases was "Look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls."
Many people first saw his "judge" routine when Sammy Davis, Jr. performed it on Laugh-In in 1968. Because of how entertainment was divided back then, Markham was not widely known by white audiences. He mostly performed on the "Chitlin' Circuit." This was a group of theaters and clubs for African-American performers.
After Sammy Davis, Jr.'s performance, Markham got the chance to be a regular on Laugh-In. He performed his Judge character himself during the 1968–69 TV season. His "Heyeah come da judge" routine, which had a funky music beat, is even seen as an early example of rap music. His song "Here Comes the Judge" was a big hit in 1968. It reached number 19 on the Billboard music charts.
After his success on Laugh-In, he wrote a book about his life called Here Come the Judge!.
Later Years and Passing
Pigmeat Markham passed away from a stroke on December 13, 1981. He was 77 years old. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City.
Discography
Pigmeat Markham released several comedy albums and singles throughout his career.
Albums
- At the Party (1961)
- The Trial (1961)
- Anything Goes with Pigmeat (1962)
- Open the Door Richard (1963)
- The World's Greatest Clown (1963)
- The Best of Moms and Pigmeat Volume One (1964) (with Moms Mabley)
- Mr. Funny Man (1965)
- This'll Kill Ya! (1965)
- One More Time... (1966) (with Moms Mabley)
- If You Can't Be Good, Be Careful! (1966)
Singles
His most famous single was "Here Comes the Judge" in 1968. It was a top 20 hit in the US and the UK.
Images for kids
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Poster for the 1940 short film Mr. Smith Goes Ghost
See also
In Spanish: Pigmeat Markham para niños
