In a city known for its rhythm and soul, comedian Benny Elbows is finding a different kind of rhythm: a 6 a.m. Monday morning stand-up routine. As the sun rose over Memphis, the comedian took to the stage in front of a small, sleepy crowd and recounted the defining moment of his career—the time his first joke bombed.
Elbows, who was simply accompanying a friend to an open-mic night, said the initial awkward silence was a turning point. “It was exhilarating,” he told the crowd. “Something about that awkward experience made me want to do it again and again.”
The comedian, now a regular on the Memphis comedy circuit, said he spent the next six months chasing that feeling, refining that same joke until someone, finally, laughed. It was a single, glorious moment that he says continues to fuel his passion today.
“I’ve been chasing that high ever since,” he said.
Elbows is part of a growing movement of comedians who are pushing the boundaries of traditional performance venues and times. His early morning sets, often held at local coffee shops or pop-up venues, have earned him a reputation as one of the city’s most dedicated and experimental performers. His willingness to perform for a smaller, non-traditional audience at the start of a new week has resonated with fans and critics alike.
By sharing his journey, from a simple open-mic bomb to a relentless pursuit of laughter, Benny Elbows is not only building a loyal following but also providing a candid look at the resilience and passion required to make it in the world of stand-up comedy. His story serves as a reminder that even the most uncomfortable moments can be the catalyst for a life-long passion.
