Vernon Davis (Comedian & Serial Entrepreneur)

In this episode, we talk to Vernon Davis (Comedian & Serial Entrepreneur) as we discuss his latest book, why he advocates for veterans, and more. 

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Vernon "Longhorn" Davis is one of the most unique comedians that you will ever have grace your stage.   He was born in Central Texas and raised all over the country, primaily in Texas and Kansas. As a military brat he travelled and lived all over the country.  His comedy comes from his life experiences as a Husband, Father, Grandfather and 4th Generation Veteran (Army). Longhorn has created his own style of humor that he calls “Longhorn Comedy. Longhorn Comedy is a mix of blue collar, urban, mainstream comedy, and with a dash of great positive messaging all rolled into one.
 
Comedy has always been a passion for Longhorn.  He learned to be funny growing up around his people in Texas.  Sometimes we were so poor all we had was laughter..  One of his greatest comedy influnences was his mother who was the funniest person in his life. Yet, watching comedians like Howie Mandel, Redd Fox, Jeff Foxworthy, Franlin Ajaye and other comedians is what made him want to show the world that he also was uniquely funny. 
 
The first time Longhorn stepped on a comedy stage was in Oxen Hill, Maryland in 1990.  It was an open mic that was hosted by the Mayor of Rap City, Chris Thomas.  Longhorn bombed so bad, he should have changed his name to Akmed. Yet, the few laughs that he got was enough to fuel his passion for laughter and the stage.  After that one night he went back to Kansas(where he was living).  Unfortunately, there were no comedy clubs in his area.  
 
In 1992 he moved to St Louis to take a job as an Asst. Publisher.  This is where he found comedy again.  In St  Louis he shared the stage with great comics that were on their way up and some that had already made a name for themselves in comedy.  His comedy journey ended in 1994 when his wife gave him a choice "give up comedy or give up the family".  So, Longhorn truly missed his family.  (just kidding) He gave up comedy again to raise his family. 
 
In 2005 Longhorn found his way back to the comedy.  He started out doing the open mics and shortly after that he was offered a place to host his own shows. After this was up and running, he was then offered another spot to host a regular show. He ran both shows successfully for almost 2 years.  Then his comedy career took a leap, he began working at the Dee Lee's House of Comedy.  Spending time there was his comedy boot camp, he worked and was given time on stage with some of the biggest touring comedians in the country.  Within a year he worked his way from helping to clean the tables to General Manager. Yet, during this time, LH honed his craft, listen to the great advice he received from veteran comedians and continued to move forward in the world of comedy.
 
Over the years, while pursuing his comedy dream, Longhon can say that he has lost alot, to include everything.  He even lost people that were dear to him and wanted him to go far in comedy.  He wanted them to watch as his career soared, yet, God called them home, so now they have the best seats in the house at every show. 
 
Longhorn started out an Urban Comic.  He did this because this is where he thought he was suppose to start.  Yet, after having a few conversations with veteran comics and given the advice to find his own voice, he then looked back over his life and realized that he was brought up in a multi-cultural enviroment. This changed his comedy 180 degrees.  He then began to explore the forms of comedy that he actually enjoyed.  Mainstream, Blue Collar and Urban.  He then combinded them and created his own style of comedy which he calls "Longhorn Comedy".   Longhorn's comedy voice is built upon God, Family, being a Veteran, Relationships, Life in General and the power to follow your dreams. 

Since LH changed his comedy he has been offered opportunities that he might have never been offered. It has allowed him to open for people that he never thought of working with  and has allowed him to go places that most comics of color would have never been invited to perform.  LH often jokes about being invited to perform in places that he was the "only free black man in the county".   Yet, these experiences have helped Longhorn to grow into the comedian that he is today and taught him that "Laughter Has No Color".
 
Off stage Longhorn has projects that he enjoys.  He is the Founder of a Not-For-Profit Organization named ThankU4YourService.com. This organization's only mission is to Thank Veterans, Everyday, Everywhere.  He started this in November 2012 and has since thanked over 7,200 veterans world wide. Longhorn also does a presentation called "Blacks in U.S. American History", this presentation highlights the many great contributions that Black People have accomplished while serving our country through military service.  Longhorn is also a partner in his own Comedy Booking Agency www.LaughterHasNoColor.com .
 
Longhorn's goals are to travel the world doing what he loves the most, making people laugh and then making them laugh some more.  Longhorn is also looking to make some moves in the television and  movies industry. 

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Written by: Dominic Lawson 

Executive Producers: Dominic Lawson and Kenda Lawson

Music Credits:

**Show Theme**

 Behind Closed Doors - Otis McDonald 

**Break Theme**

Cielo - Huma-Huma