Joint Contrast

By – Craig Mazer

Who? If you already know, fuck you. You’re lucky to have already known about this badass. But until I saw a PBS documentary in early February, I’d never even heard of the cat.

And by cat, I mean Lion. This man could roar. I say “could” ’cause he’s dead. From cancer in 1984. Maybe it’s just me, maybe it’s just the sexy way PBS put their piece together about him, but damn I feel like I should have heard about this guy.

Okay, enough about what I’ve missed out on.

Petey Greene was an ex-con-cum-talk show legend in Washington DC and in the political circles that make the Capital different than any other city in the country. From a “radio” show over the PA at prison while serving 10 years for armed robbery, to the airwaves after his release to local DC TV and BET, Petey made a name for himself for his irreverence, arrogance, abrasiveness and genius; his TV show, Petey Greene’s Washington, earned him two Emmys and a slew of impressive guests including a little-known Donna Brazile during her early community-organizing days. (Take that, Sarah Palin!)

Still, I’d be scared of Petey if I ever ran into him. Not because he’d be a zombie (‘cause he’s dead), but in a more figurative sense. The dude was scary and confrontational. He also took the risk of saying whatever popped into his head.

But he turned that risk into positive preaching about racism and prison reform, including forming Efforts From Ex-Convicts (an organization devoted to helping former prisoners succeed in legitimate ways). He also spoke on poverty and often reminded his viewers/listeners how important money is to get and save, for one’s own sense of self-accomplishment and security. It’s a sentiment that resonates loudly in these economically-challenged times.

In 1978, this ex-con was invited by Jimmy Carter to the White House. The mother fucking White House! Here’s a former thug with a penchant for alcohol and loose lips going to the fucking White House. So what did he do? Petey stole a spoon and spoke proudly of it.

A few years later, a little known Howard Stern appeared on Petey’s show in black face. The two connected on the controversial subjects of sex and race and the interview was one of Stern’s first TV appearances.

“I have learned more from your show… I listen to your show and [when] I go on I use your material,” Stern told Petey during the appearance.

“They might not like us, but they don’t change the dial,” Petey told him.

Stern went on to later say that Petey was a “broadcasting genius.”

I mother fucking agree! And you will too. Learn more here.