Cheech & Chong: A Classic SOUNDS Podcast with Tom Needham

SOUNDS with Tom Needham

Cheech & Chong, the legendary comedy duo, made a lasting impact on both stand-up and film with their unique brand of stoner humor. Their early success stemmed from a series of popular stand-up performances, followed by comedy records like "Earache My Eye," "Basketball Jones," and "Sister Mary Elephant." These albums established them as counterculture icons, with the famous "Dave's not here" skit from their self-titled debut album becoming a defining moment in their comedic repertoire. Their routines and songs played a major role in shaping the comedic landscape of the 1970s and beyond.

Their transition to the big screen was marked by the release of "Up in Smoke" in 1978, a film that became a cult classic and grossed over $44 million despite its modest budget. This success led to several sequels, including "Cheech and Chong's Next Movie" and "Nice Dreams." Although later films like "Things Are Tough All Over" and "Still Smokin" were less commercially successful, they remained fan favorites. Chong took the reins as director for several of their films, with the duo continuing to co-write and star in each production, further cementing their legacy in the comedy genre.

After going their separate ways in the mid-1980s, the duo reunited on a few occasions over the years. Notably, they voiced characters in "FernGully: The Last Rainforest" in 1992 and appeared together on Marin's show "Nash Bridges" in 1997. Their comedic chemistry was later highlighted in guest appearances on shows like "South Park" and "The Simpsons." Their 2014 release, "Cheech & Chong's Animated Movie," marked their most recent film collaboration, showing that their distinctive humor continues to resonate with audiences decades after their debut.