Andy Kaufman to release his first album
...29 years after his death
Andy Kaufman is to release his first comedy album – almost 30 years after his death.
The cult comic never released material while alive, but producers have trawled through more than 82 hours of tapes to compile the new album, Andy And His Grandmother.
The material was recorded on micro-cassette from 1977 to 1979, when record label Drag City say he took a dictation machine with him everywhere to capture his hoaxing.
Their press release says: ‘He involves those closest to him, as well as total strangers, in put-ons, falsehoods and other provocations, pushing the limit on logic and emotional investment in everyday situations from the trivial to the deeply personal.’
The album is narrated by Bill Hader, and long-time Kaufman acolyte Bob Zmuda wrote the sleeve notes. It will be released on Drag City on CD and vinyl on July 16.
Cancer claimed Kaufman’s life on May 16, 1984, aged 35. There have been persistent rumours that the prankster played the ultimate hoax and faked his own death, although few believe it.
Published: 10 May 2013
