Tour Began::
2000
Members::
Background:
Just as "packaged" comedy tours were becoming widely popular (the Original Kings of Comedy had already become the biggest-selling comedy tour), comedian Jeff Foxworthy recruited four of his comedy friends to go on tour together. The tour was a major success, essentially launching the careers of Engvall, White and Larry the Cable Guy and leading to a number of "Blue Collar" recordings.
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Blue Collar Tour Film(s):
In November 2001, the Blue Collar comics recorded a live album from the tour. Two years and a number of successful shows later, the four comics released their first movie, Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie, straight to DVD. The DVD sold so well that the comics released a second film, Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again, in 2004.
The Blue Collar Brand Name:
By 2004, the "Blue Collar" tour had become its own brand name. With a successful tour, album and two films under their belt, the comics launched a series on the WB. Blue Collar TV was a weekly series combining sketches and stand-up that ran for two seasons. Ron White, one of the original members of the tour, opted not to star on the show but did make several guest appearances.
Blue Collar Radio:
A third (and supposedly final) "Blue Collar" concert film was released on DVD in 2006: Blue Collar Comedy Tour: One for the Road. That same year, the Blue Collar brand entered the world of radio with its own channel on SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Blue Collar Comedy features stand-up routines from each of the touring comics, plus other comedians such as Ray Romano and Kathleen Madigan.
The Next Generation:
In late 2007, a second Blue Collar Comedy tour was launched. Called "Blue Collar Comedy: The Next Generation," the tour included comedians Reno Collier, Juston McKinney, Jamie Kaler and John Caparulo. The "Next Generation" had a TV special on the TBS cable network (hosted by Engvall) and released a CD and DVD.
