"A Gift of Laughter", the autobiography of comedian Allan Sherman, tells in his own words how he became an overnight success in only 38 years. First he struggled as a free-lance writer. Later he produced television shows like the long-running hit "I've Got a Secret" (which he co-created).
Then, on one fateful night, after picking up his unemployment check, he recorded an album of parodies called "My Son, the Folk Singer", which sold over one million copies, and became the fastest-selling album of all time. His next two albums also became smash hits, making him the only artist ever to have three consecutive Billboard #1 albums. His third album, "My Son, the Nut" contained the hit single "Hello, Muddah! Hello, Fadduh! - A Letter from Camp Granada" -- a summer camp anthem which is still being sung 50+ years later.
Sherman sang at Carnegie Hall - twice! And the Hollywood Bowl - twice! He guest-hosted The Tonight Show, performed with and conducted The Boston Pops (notable because he can't read music), entertained Presidents and Supreme Court Justices and millions of regular folk.