Technically this should be called, “Meanwhile, Back In East Peoria’s Past,” because the subject of this week’s backward glancing post, Sam Kinison grew up in East Peoria. But Kinison usually just said he was from Peoria.
Kinison’s father was a preacher and they moved to East Peoria when Sam was just three months old. He grew up there and even went to East Peoria Community High School.
He tried his hand at preaching but after his first divorce in 1980, he decided to move to Houston, Texas and that’s where he turned his fire and brimstone style of preaching into one of the most unique stand-up comic styles ever.
Sam became one of the most popular and sought after comedians of his era, but he loved to come back to Peoria and bask in being a hometown hero. Lots of Peorian’s have Sam stories and I’m one of those people.
You can read my story and more about Sam’s East Peoria roots below.
Plus there’s also a few photos of Sam with various people though the years.
——
ONLINE LINKS TO SAM KINISON ARTICLES
Like so many other Peorians, I too have a “Sam story” and here it is!
This is a memorial page from East Peoria Community High School, Sam’s the 11th one down. Click on the link and it takes you to his obituary and an article about how he died.
This is the former PJ Star columnist, Phil Luciano paying his last respects to this legendary comedian from East Peoria.
Here’s an article about famous people from Peoria that includes Sam Kinison along with a great pull quote from the comedian from East Peoria.
Here’s an early shot of Sam in Houston, Texas with comedian Bill Hicks to his left and his brother Kevin in the middle of the photo.
This is Areosmith’s Steven Tyler striking a Sam pose with Sam in hand.
This could’ve only happened in the ‘80’s, from left, Billy Idol, Sam Kinison, Madonna and David Bowie.
Jon Bon Jovi and Sam giving Rodney Dangerfield no respect.
Here’s a shot from Sam in the early days with Jim Carrey and his aforementioned brother, Kevin on the far left.
This is Sam with Jessica Hahn who appeared in his “Wild Thing” video and then had a brief relationship with Sam.
——
Related Posts: Meanwhile, Back In Peoria’s Past: Jumer’s Castle Lodge, Dan Fogelberg and Kenny’s Westside Pub.