Bob Newhart Faces Bob Newhart

Label: Warner Bros. Records  |  Catalog: W 1517  |  Side A Matrix: 8819-1E  |  Format: 12" Vinyl LP, Mono

About the Artist

Bob Newhart (1929–2023) was one of America's most beloved and enduring comedic voices. A Chicago-born accountant-turned-comedian, Newhart pioneered a uniquely understated style — the "telephone monologue" — in which he played one half of a phone conversation, letting the audience's imagination fill in the other side. His deadpan delivery, impeccable timing, and everyman sensibility set him apart from the more boisterous comedians of his era.

His debut album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart (1960), made history as the first comedy album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200 pop chart, and it won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year — a feat virtually unheard of for a comedy record. Newhart went on to star in two landmark television sitcoms: The Bob Newhart Show (1972–1978) and Newhart (1982–1990), cementing his place in American cultural history.

About This Album

Bob Newhart Faces Bob Newhart (Warner Bros. W 1517) captures Newhart at the height of his early stand-up career, delivering the sharp, conversational comedy that made him a household name. Recorded live, the album showcases his signature telephone monologue format alongside other character-driven bits — a time capsule of early-1960s American humour at its most intelligent and accessible.

The Side A matrix stamp 8819-1E indicates an early pressing, desirable among collectors of vintage comedy vinyl.

Condition

Record: G — Carefully cleaned with a Spin-Clean record washer and stored in a new anti-static inner sleeve. The record has minor surface scuffs but played flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips. Minor pops and crackles were noted, consistent with the record's age and grade.

Jacket: G — Good overall condition with typical shelf/edge wear on the sides, as shown in photos. No splits or major damage noted.

A solid copy for the casual listener or collector looking to enjoy this classic comedy LP.