Pigmeat Markham, a burly burlesque comedian known for his raucous humor, was a pioneering figure in the world of entertainment. Born in Durham, North Carolina, Markham started his show business career as a tap dancer before making a significant mark on the "T.O.B.A." circuit of black vaudeville. His involvement with the "Sugar Cane Review" in 1925 was only the beginning of his rise, as he continued to perfect his comedic sketches throughout the late 1920s and 1930s. In 1935, Markham's talents took him to the legendary Apollo Theater in New York, where he was often featured weekly for extended periods, establishing himself as a staple of the venue. His nickname, Pigmeat, derived from a character in an old vaudeville routine: "Sweet Papa Pigmeat, with the River Jordan at my hips, and all the women is just run up to be baptized!" encapsulated his playful and larger-than-life persona. Markham's career spanned various mediums, including a role as "Alamo the Cook" on the radio show of the Andrews Sisters and roles in films primarily circulated in black movie houses. During an era when radio and film were embracing the snappy sketches of the likes of Abbott & Costello, Pigmeat's comedy thrived. Audiences loved his "low" comedy, turning the other cheek to potential stereotypes, allowing them to relish the humor in classics like "Open the Door, Richard." With the advent of television, Pigmeat made waves as a guest on "The Ed Sullivan Show," introducing his lively humor to a broader audience. He also issued numerous record albums, which, while capturing his wit, could only hint at the energetic stage presence that left audiences in stitches. His national fame surged when Sammy Davis Jr. revived his old "Here Come De Judge" catchphrase on "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In." This recognition led to Pigmeat joining Davis in Las Vegas, earning a hefty $5,000 a week, marking his entry into big-time success. The catchphrase-turned-novelty tune "Here Come De Judge" became a Top Ten hit for Shorty Long, while Pigmeat's own cover reached the Top Twenty, spurring further album releases. These projects reveled in the funky black dialect that characterized his comedy, though they began to stir varied reactions from audiences as perceptions of ethnic humor evolved. George Kirby, acknowledging Markham's influence on younger comedians, penned notes for Markham's "Here Come the Judge" album, praising him as "one of the few greats who walked in the back door so that we young comics of today could walk in the front." As Markham continued to perform live, often for predominantly black audiences, he enjoyed both the fame and fortune his comedic legacy had earned him, frequently headlining and commanding star payments when on tour. In his later years, Markham lived in semi-retirement in New York, yet remained an active voice in comedy, occasionally lecturing on the art form and the golden era of vaudeville. Despite evolving societal attitudes toward his brand of comedy, Pigmeat Markham's routines, including those like his unique take on "Who's on First," continued to entertain and influence new generations, sealing his place in comedy history as a true innovator and legend.