On February 3rd, 1990, another Queen was born. It was on that date at the Regal Theatre
in Chicago that comedian Adel Givens made her professional stand-up debut. Since that
day when Adele was dubbed the “Queen of Comedy,” the name has stuck and it’s no
wonder. With a wildly successful stand-up career, acting career, and a featured spot on
Russell Simmons’ “Def Comedy Jam,” Adele has reigned supreme.
Adele jumpstarted her comedy career with the original installment of Russell Simmons’
“Def Comedy Jam,” “The All-Stars of Def Comedy Jam” and “The Oprah Winfrey
Show.” It wasn’t long before she made her acting debut, guest-starring in such sitcoms
as “Martin,” “Moesha,” “The Steve Harvey Show,”and “The Parkers.” Adele quickly
landed a recurring role on “The Tracy Ullman Show” and in 2001, became a series
regular on the hit UPN sitcom “The Hughleys,” playing the wise-cracking sister in-law to
D.L. Hughley’s character. Loving her newfound tree, Adele branched out to do her very
own morning radio show, “The Howard McGee and Adele Givens Morning Show” on
Chicago’s #1 rated WGCI. She also landed her first movie role in “The Players Club” and
has gone on to star in hit movies such as “Beauty Shop” with Queen Latifah.
HBO recognized her majesty by offering her a chance to do her own HBO half-hour
comedy special and television pilot “The Adele Givens Show.” She also served as co-
host of the Source Awards pre-show on UPN. Most recently, Comedy Central caught
wind of her phenomenal talent, and offered Adele her own half-hour comedy special
“Comedy Central presents: Adele Givens” which premiered in 2006.
Adele’s unique style of comedic talent has also been recognized by producer Walter
latham who, following the successful Kings of Comedy, selected Adele for the Queens of
Comedy Tour, which wowed audiences and led to 13 consecutive sold out dates. No one
was surprised the tour was a massive success translating into a movie with a soundtrack
that went on to earn a Grammy nomination.
In 2003, Adele was again handpicked by Walter latham to be the only female on the
Crown Royal Comedy Soul Fest Tour. This multi-city, indoor urban festival featured the
unique combination of some of the hottest names in standup (Adele, Ricky Smiley,
Earthquake, and Bruce Bruce) along with some of the most successful music artists
(Earth Wind and Fire and the Isley Brothers featuring Ron Isley).
As if Adele hasn’t sprouted enough branches on her royal tree, she recently embarked on
her latest leaf – Spoken Word. An Artistry derived from poetry, the art of spoken word
gives new meaning to the term “poetry in motion.” Until you have heard her rhythmic,
inspiring work, you have not been indulged. On February 3rd in 1990, a Queen was
crowned the winner of the Crown Royal comedy competition in Chicago. That winner
was Adele Givens and today, 17 years later - ALL HAIL THE QUEEN