Brian Copeland is prolific and entertaining speaker, an American actor, comedian, radio talk show host, playwright and author based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Copeland has been the opening act for artists such as Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin and Ringo Starr.
Copeland’s incisive, cutting-edge standup comedy material won him San Francisco’s prestigious Cabaret Gold Award as well as top prize in the Monterey Laugh Off. His unique ability to hilariously cut to the heart of some of our most serious social and political problems has earned him spots as the opening act for such diverse artists as Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Dionne Warwick, Donna Summer, Peabo Bryson, Al Jarreau, Ringo Starr, Manhattan Transfer, Steve Allen, Dana Carvey, Kevin Pollack, Rick Springfield, Lionel Richie, Lou Rawls, George Benson, Patti La bell, Etta James, Gregory Hines, The Righteous Brothers, The Temptations, and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
He has appeared at such venues as Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, The Taj Mahal and Trump Palace in Atlantic City, the Nugget in Reno as well as clubs, colleges, and concert halls across America.
Copeland’s quick wit and probing interview style earned him a five year position as co-host of San Francisco Fox affiliate KTVU’s top rated breakfast program Mornings on 2 where he did everything from man on the street comedy bits to chatting up stars such as Dustin Hoffman and Garth Brooks. His biting social commentary segment Copeland’s Corner appeared daily on KTVU’s Noon News prompting San Francisco Examiner columnist Rob Morse to call Copeland ‘the best commentator on television’. This distinction led to a weekly national segment on NBC’s long- running late night show Friday Night called The World According to Copeland.
After viewing Copeland on television, the legendary Steve Allen called him “The brightest comedy mind I’ve seen in years.”
Copeland’s work on television and stage soon caught the attention of San Francisco ABC radio affiliate KGO, which premiered The Brian Copeland Show in 1995. With his unique blend of humor and riveting talk, the program soon slayed the competition. It remains the most listened to program in its time slot reaching over 100,000 listeners.
Of Copeland’s radio work, Brad Kava of the San Jose Mercury News wrote, “Brian Copeland is the Black Howard Stern. He’s so far over the edge, he comes back around the other side…be careful listening in the car though…could lead to accidents from laughing so hard!”
In addition to his work in broadcasting and on the comedy stage, Copeland is a serious writer with articles appearing in national newspapers and magazines.
A single father, Brian Copeland lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his children Adam, Carolyn and Casey.
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More Videos: |
Not A Genuine Black Man: Profile Of Brian Copeland on CBS5.com
The Commonwealth Club, Jan 13, 2009
Brian at the Authors@Google series, 2008
The Larry Mantle Show, Feb 15 2006
The Suburban Wall
The 1971 documentary that put San Leandro – and Brian Copeland – on the national scene.
The Invisible Wall
The 1981 follow-up to The Suburban Wall.
PRESS COVERAGE
Inside Bay Area – 08/27/12
Brian Copeland uses art to promote suicide prevention
San Francisco Chronicle/SFGate.com – 02/26/12
Brian Copeland’s ‘The Waiting Period’ – Review
San Francisco Chronicle/SFGate.com – 02/26/12
Brian Copeland talks of depression, bouncing back
San Francisco Chronicle/SFGate.com – 09/25/10
Brian Copeland genuinely thrilled with ‘7Live’
San Jose Mercury News – 09/09/10
Brian Copeland’s new challenge_ Free-flowing KGO-TV talk show
San Francisco Community Theater Examiner – 05/23/09
Not a Genuine Black Man
Pacific Sun – 11/17/06
Books: Boy ‘n the ‘hood – Brian Copeland—black and white and read all over
Los Angeles Times – 7/27/07
Who’s black enough? – Obama’s ethnic credentials come under unfair scrutiny.
By Brian Copeland
Contra Costa Times – 11/6/05
Black man, white town, pure gold – Brian Copeland’s youth grist for hit show
New York Times – 8/21/06
Not a Genuine Black Man by Brian Copeland (Hyperion, $29.95)
Arizona Republic – 8/13/06
Book review, Arizona Republic
Black Press USA Network – 8/09/06
Book Review – Not a Genuine Black Man Or, How I Claimed My Piece of Ground in the Lily-White Suburbs
People Magazine – 7/24/06
Josh Emmons, book review, People Magazine
Associated Press – 5/17/06
Not a Genuine Black Man’ Has Many Themes
Los Angeles Times – 3/26/06
Sure, now it’s funny – Comic Brian Copeland’s years in a segregated suburb finally have an upside—material
Frosene Phillips – 3/3/06
Frosene On The Scene
Los Angeles Times – 3/3/06
His voice rings true in moving, funny ‘Genuine’
Inside Bay Area – 2/28/06
Frosene On The Scene: Cope-La-La-Land
New York Times – 2/26/06
Brian Copeland
Contra Costa Times – 11/6/05
Next sensation/Theater: Brian Copeland, ‘Not a Genuine Black Man’
Black Talent News – 10/27/05
HBO Acquires Brian Copeland’s “Not A Genuine Black Man” for Series Development
Skinny Magazine – 9/6/05
Brian Copeland Will Make You Laugh, Right After He Makes You Cry
Contra Costa Times – 7/31/05
Good things in small packages
San Francisco Chronicle – 5/10/05
TV sniffing around solo show that just won’t quit
San Francisco Bay View – 1/5/05
Wanda’s picks – Not a Genuine Black Man
San Francisco Chronicle – 11/7/04
Bearing life in all-white San Leandro
SF Weekly – 6/2/04
This one-man show, wrought from pain and rage, never succumbs to bitterness
northbay.com – 5/30/04
Opening socio-political sores – Bay Area comedian Brian Copeland explores hometown’s sorry history
San Francisco Chronicle – 4/24/04
Copeland shows himself to be a genuine funny man
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