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{{short description|American satirical comedy team (1968-1979)}}
{{for|the political term|Credibility gap}}
{{for|the political term|Credibility gap}}
{{Infobox comedian <!-- for groups - see Template:Infobox comedian for usage -->
⚫
'''The Credibility Gap''' was an American satirical comedy team active from 1968 through 1979. They emerged in the late 1960s delivering comedic commentary on the news for the Los Angeles AM rock radio station [[KRLA 1110]], and proceeded to develop more elaborate and ambitious satirical routines on the "underground" station [[KPPC (defunct)|KPPC-FM]] in Pasadena, California.
| name =
| image = Credgapppback.jpg
| alt =
⚫
| caption = Lew Irwin and The Credibility Gap with (left to right) [[John Gilliland]], [[Thom Beck]], [[Len Chandler]], [[Richard Beebe]], and [[Lew Irwin]] from ''An Album of Political Pornography''
| medium = Radio
| years_active = 1968-1979
| genre = Satire
| subject = <!-- Use |subjects= if plural -->
| notable_works =
| past_members = [[Lew Irwin]], [[John Gilliland]], [[Thom Beck]], [[Richard Beebe]], [[Len Chandler]], [[Harry Shearer]], [[David Lander|David L. Lander]], [[Michael McKean]]
}}
⚫
'''The Credibility Gap''' was an American satirical comedy team active from 1968 through 1979. They emerged in the late 1960s delivering comedic commentary on the news for the Los Angeles AM rock radio station [[KRLA 1110]], and proceeded to develop more elaborate and ambitious satirical routines on the "underground" station [[KPPC (defunct)|KPPC-FM]] in Pasadena, California. Richard Beebe's wife Heidi came up with the name "The Credibility Gap" due to the news being published that seemed to have gaps.


Founded as a loose collective centered on KRLA staff members [[Lew Irwin]], [[John Gilliland]], [[Thom Beck]], [[Richard Beebe]], and folk singer [[Len Chandler]], the group is chiefly remembered today for its 1971–79 lineup, comprising Beebe, [[Harry Shearer]], [[David Lander|David L. Lander]] and [[Michael McKean]].<ref name=hs/>
Founded as a loose collective centered on KRLA staff members [[Lew Irwin]], [[John Gilliland]], [[Thom Beck]], [[Richard Beebe]], and folk singer [[Len Chandler]], the group is chiefly remembered today for its 1971–79 lineup, comprising Beebe (though early 1975), [[Harry Shearer]], [[David Lander|David L. Lander]] and [[Michael McKean]].<ref name=hs/>
⚫
[[File:Credgapppback.jpg|frame|'''Lew Irwin and The Credibility Gap''' with (left to right) [[John Gilliland]], [[Thom Beck]], [[Len Chandler]], [[Richard Beebe]], and [[Lew Irwin]] from ''An Album of Political Pornography'']]


== History ==
== History ==
=== Lew Irwin and The Credibility Gap ===
=== Lew Irwin and The Credibility Gap ===
[[KRLA 1110]] hired news director [[Lew Irwin]] to form The Credibility Gap in 1968 with his radio colleagues [[John Gilliland]], [[Thom Beck]], [[Richard Beebe]], and folk singer [[Len Chandler]].<ref name=LI>https://krlabeat.sakionline.net/img/lewirwin.pdf</ref> They took their name from the Vietnam-era term "[[credibility gap]]" (a [[euphemism]] for political dishonesty), and broadcast their comedy along with the news on KRLA.
The Credibility Gap grew out of a company formed by [[Lew Irwin]] and [[Cliff Vaughs]].<ref name=dp>{{Cite news |last=Page |first=Don |title=Grist From the Radio's Rumor Mill |newspaper=LA Times |date=December 14, 1969 |url=https://latimes.newspapers.com/search/#dr_year=1969-1969&query=Cliff+Vaughs&oquery=Cliff+Vaughs+1969 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701233528/https://latimes.newspapers.com/search/#dr_year=1969-1969&query=Cliff+Vaughs&oquery=Cliff+Vaughs+1969 |archivedate=July 1, 2020 }} [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yeEJJh0ey-KqTND8I5AyE5Bq_KWEpSmW/view Alt URL]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.laradio.com/q&a3q-98.htm|title=~Los Angeles Radio People, Q&A 3rd quarter 1998|website=www.laradio.com}}</ref> [[KRLA 1110]] hired news director Irwin to form The Credibility Gap in 1968 with his radio colleagues [[John Gilliland]], [[Thom Beck]], [[Richard Beebe]], and folk singer [[Len Chandler]].<ref name=LI>{{Cite web|url=https://krlabeat.sakionline.net/img/lewirwin.pdf|title=Lew Irwin Sets Record Straight on Origins of 1110/KRLA Credibility Gap}}</ref> They took their name from the Vietnam-era term "[[credibility gap]]" (a [[euphemism]] for political dishonesty), and broadcast their comedy along with the news on KRLA.
<ref name=MD>{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p149|accessdate=2008-01-02 |first=Mark |last=Deming }}</ref> They first aired on the date of the 1968 California Primary.<ref name=LI/> In 1968 (billed as "Lew Irwin and The Credibility Gap") they released ''An Album Of Political Pornography'' for [[Blue Thumb]], consisting of highlights from their radio sketches.<ref name=magic/> Thom Beck left in late 1968, and was replaced by [[Harry Shearer]]. Lew Irwin left a few months later, replaced by [[David L. Lander]] in February, 1969.
<ref name=MD>{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p149|accessdate=2008-01-02 |first=Mark |last=Deming }}</ref> They first aired on the date of the 1968 California Primary.<ref name=LI/> In 1968 (billed as "Lew Irwin and The Credibility Gap") they released ''An Album Of Political Pornography'' for [[Blue Thumb]], consisting of highlights from their radio sketches.<ref name=magic/> Thom Beck left in late 1968, and was replaced by [[Harry Shearer]]. Lew Irwin left a few months later, replaced by [[David L. Lander]] in February, 1969.


=== The Credibility Gap ===
=== The Credibility Gap ===
[[File:Credibility Gap Shearer Lander McKean.jpg|frame|The Credibility Gap with (left to right) [[Harry Shearer]], [[David Lander|David L. Lander]] and [[Michael McKean]] from ''A Great Gift Idea''. Not pictured: [[Richard Beebe]].]]
[[File:The Credibility Gap, 1970.jpg|thumb|The Credibility Gap with (left to right) unidentified person, [[Richard Beebe]], [[David Lander|David L. Lander]], and [[Harry Shearer]]]]
In 1969, The Credibility Gap performed on KRLA's [[Pop Chronicles]] music documentary.<ref name=rs43>{{Cite news
In 1969, The Credibility Gap performed on KRLA's [[Pop Chronicles]] music documentary.<ref name=rs43>{{Cite news
| last = Hopkins
| last = Hopkins
Line 21: Line 33:
| page = 34
| page = 34
| date = October 4, 1969
| date = October 4, 1969
| issue = 43 }}</ref><ref>{{Gilliland|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617172131/http://www.library.unt.edu/music/special-collections/john-gilliland/index-to-pop-chronicles |title=Index to "Pop Chronicles" |accessdate=2009-04-14}}</ref> By this point, Gilliland and Chandler had left, to be replaced by [[Bob Goodwin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc19793/m1/ |title=Show 34 - Revolt of the Fat Angel: American musicians respond to the British invaders. [Part 2&#93; : UNT Digital Library |publisher=Digital.library.unt.edu |date=1969-08-03 |accessdate=2011-01-12}}</ref><ref name=v98>{{cite web | title = X-Files chief not moving | publisher = [[Vancouver Sun]] | url = http://www.mjq.net/xfiles/goodwin.htm | accessdate = 2007-06-15 |date=April 20, 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.paleycenter.org/collection/item/?q=richard&p=51&item=R89:0168 |title=The Paley Center for Media |publisher=Paleycenter.org |date=2017-01-02 |accessdate=2019-04-02}}</ref> This left Beebe the only original member remaining, and as the professional radio newsmen left, the Credibility Gap came to be dominated by comedians. Goodman stayed with the group for about a year, but by late 1970, the Credibility Gap consisted of Beebe, Shearer and Lander.<ref name=hs>{{cite web |url=http://www.harryshearer.com/projects/radio/#the_credibility_gap |title=Projects : Radio |publisher=Harry Shearer |accessdate=2009-08-13 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819052926/http://www.harryshearer.com/projects/radio/#the_credibility_gap |archivedate=2009-08-19 }}</ref><ref name=LAW>{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/ink/99/51/tv-lloyd.php |title=An interview with Shearer, Lander and McKean |work=[[L.A. Weekly]] |date=November 12–18, 1999 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030117110524/http://www.laweekly.com/ink/99/51/tv-lloyd.php |archivedate=January 17, 2003 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 21, 2017 }}</ref>
| issue = 43 }}</ref><ref>{{Gilliland|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617172131/http://www.library.unt.edu/music/special-collections/john-gilliland/index-to-pop-chronicles |title=Index to "Pop Chronicles" |accessdate=2009-04-14}}</ref> By this point, Gilliland and Chandler had left, to be replaced by [[Bob Goodwin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc19793/m1/ |title=Show 34 - Revolt of the Fat Angel: American musicians respond to the British invaders. [Part 2&#93; : UNT Digital Library |publisher=Digital.library.unt.edu |date=1969-08-03 |accessdate=2011-01-12}}</ref><ref name=v98>{{cite web | title = X-Files chief not moving | publisher = [[Vancouver Sun]] | url = http://www.mjq.net/xfiles/goodwin.htm | accessdate = 2007-06-15 |date=April 20, 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.paleycenter.org/collection/item/?q=richard&p=51&item=R89:0168 |title=The Paley Center for Media |publisher=Paleycenter.org |date=2017-01-02 |accessdate=2019-04-02}}</ref> This left Beebe the only original professional news member remaining, a Pasadena Playhouse Theatre alumni Beebe's booming radio voice and quick improv helped The Credibility Gap make some of the most original comedy of their time. Goodwin stayed with the group for about a year, but by late 1970, the Credibility Gap consisted of Beebe, Shearer, McKean and Lander.<ref name=hs>{{cite web |url=https://harryshearer.com/projects/credebility-gap/ |title=Projects : Radio |publisher=Harry Shearer |accessdate=2009-08-13 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819052926/http://www.harryshearer.com/projects/radio/#the_credibility_gap |archivedate=2009-08-19 }}</ref><ref name=LAW>{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/ink/99/51/tv-lloyd.php |title=An interview with Shearer, Lander and McKean |work=[[L.A. Weekly]] |date=November 12–18, 1999 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030117110524/http://www.laweekly.com/ink/99/51/tv-lloyd.php |archivedate=January 17, 2003 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 21, 2017 }}</ref>


[[KRLA 1110|KRLA]] dropped The Credibility Gap's show in 1970,<ref name=lat70>{{Cite news
[[KRLA 1110|KRLA]] dropped The Credibility Gap's show in 1970,<ref name=lat70>{{Cite news
Line 39: Line 51:
| first=Mary
| first=Mary
| last=Murphy
| last=Murphy
}}</ref><ref name=rym/> but Shearer found work as a disc jockey on freeform station [[KPPC (defunct)|KPPC]] and The Credibility Gap continued their on-air performances there. In 1971, the trio released the album ''Woodschtick'', consisting of two long pieces that were somewhat in the style of [[The Firesign Theatre]]. Also writing and performing on the album was [[Michael McKean]], who would be promoted to full membership after the album's release. Guest performers [[Chris Ross|Christopher Ross]], [[Morgan Upton]] and [[Albert Brooks]] would also work with the group during this era. Mark Deming writes of this transition:
}}</ref><ref name=rym/> but Shearer found work as a disc jockey on freeform station [[KPPC (defunct)|KPPC]] and The Credibility Gap continued their on-air performances there. In 1971, the trio released the album ''Woodschtick'', consisting of two long pieces that were somewhat in the style of [[The Firesign Theatre]]. Also writing and performing on the album was [[Michael McKean]], who would be promoted to full membership after the album's release. Guest performers [[Christopher Ross (comedian)|Christopher Ross]], [[Morgan Upton]] and [[Albert Brooks]] would also work with the group during this era. Mark Deming writes of this transition:


<blockquote>
<blockquote>
[I]n late 1968, Thom Beck left the group, and Lew Irwin followed in early 1969 ... . Joining the Credibility Gap in their absence were Harry Shearer ... and David L. Lander... . By 1970, Len Chandler and John Gilliland had drifted away from the Credibility Gap, and ... Michael McKean, had joined the team, though the troupe's relationship with KRLA had soured and their show had been shrunk from 15 minutes to a mere 180 seconds. However, after Shearer landed a side gig as a disc jockey on an FM "free form" outlet, KPPC, the Credibility Gap found a new home on the station, and the group's satire gained both sharpness and depth.<ref name=MD/> </blockquote>
[I]n late 1968, Thom Beck left the group, and Lew Irwin followed in early 1969 ... . Joining the Credibility Gap in their absence were Harry Shearer ... and David L. Lander... . By 1970, Len Chandler and John Gilliland had drifted away from the Credibility Gap, and ... Michael McKean, had joined the team, though the troupe's relationship with KRLA had soured and their show had been shrunk from 15 minutes to a mere 180 seconds. However, after Shearer landed a side gig as a disc jockey on an FM "free form" outlet, KPPC, the Credibility Gap found a new home on the station, and the group's satire gained both sharpness and depth.<ref name=MD/> </blockquote>


[[KPPC-FM]] fired all of its airstaff, including the members of The Credibility Gap, as part of a mass [[radio format|format]] change in 1971.<ref name=rym>{{cite web|url=http://rateyourmusic.com/artist/the_credibility_gap |title=Albums by The Credibility Gap |publisher=Rate Your Music |date=1971-10-23 |accessdate=2009-04-14}}</ref> No longer radio regulars, the group started performing in various clubs and concert venues.<ref name=ign1>{{cite web|title=Interview with Harry Shearer (Part 1 of 4)|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/10/interview-with-harry-shearer-part-1-of-4|author=Plume, Kenneth|publisher=IGN|date=2000-02-10|accessdate=2013-06-24}}</ref><ref name=ign2>{{cite web|title=Interview with Harry Shearer (Part 2 of 4)|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/10/interview-with-harry-shearer-part-1-of-4|author=Plume, Kenneth|publisher=IGN|date=2000-02-10|accessdate=2013-06-24}}</ref><ref name=ign3>{{cite web|title=Interview with Harry Shearer (Part 3 of 4)|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/10/interview-with-harry-shearer-part-1-of-4|author=Plume, Kenneth|publisher=IGN|date=2000-02-10|accessdate=2013-06-24}}</ref><ref name=ign4>{{cite web|title=Interview with Harry Shearer (Part 4 of 4)|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/10/interview-with-harry-shearer-conclusion|author=Plume, Kenneth|publisher=IGN|date=2000-02-10|accessdate=2013-06-24}}</ref> They also returned to the studio in 1972 to record a promo-only single for [[Warner Brothers]], a four-and-a-half minute mini mock-rock opera called "Something For Mary".
[[KPPC-FM]] fired all of its airstaff, including the members of The Credibility Gap, as part of a mass [[radio format|format]] change in 1971.<ref name=rym>{{cite web|url=http://rateyourmusic.com/artist/the_credibility_gap |title=Albums by The Credibility Gap |publisher=Rate Your Music |date=1971-10-23 |accessdate=2009-04-14}}</ref> No longer radio regulars, the group started performing in various clubs and concert venues.<ref name=ign1>{{cite web|title=Interview with Harry Shearer (Part 1 of 4)|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/10/interview-with-harry-shearer-part-1-of-4|author=Plume, Kenneth|publisher=IGN|date=2000-02-10|accessdate=2013-06-24}}</ref><ref name=ign4>{{cite web|title=Interview with Harry Shearer (Part 4 of 4)|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/10/interview-with-harry-shearer-conclusion|author=Plume, Kenneth|publisher=IGN|date=2000-02-10|accessdate=2013-06-24}}</ref><ref>[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Record-World/70s/74/RW-1974-03-23.pdf Club Review: Credibility Gap, Buchanan at Roxy]</ref> They also returned to the studio in 1972 to record a promo-only single for [[Warner Brothers]], a four-and-a-half minute mini mock-rock opera called ''Something for Mary''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ_j3MGj1VQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/QQ_j3MGj1VQ| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=YouTube|website=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


The Credibility Gap followed up this recording with the 1974 album ''A Great Gift Idea'', which mixed satirical sketches with musical parodies. McKean and Shearer played guitar and keyboards, respectively, on the album, augmented by members of the band [[Little Feat]].
The Credibility Gap followed up this recording with the 1974 album ''A Great Gift Idea'', which mixed satirical sketches with musical parodies. McKean and Shearer played guitar and keyboards, respectively, on the album, augmented by members of the band [[Little Feat]].


Beebe left the Gap in 1975.<ref>{{cite web|author=by mjmckean |url=https://michaelmckean.com/2016/06/01/the-reality-building/ |title=THE REALITY BUILDING: Some Words on The Credibility Gap – flotation device |publisher=Michaelmckean.com |date=2016-06-01 |accessdate=2019-04-02}}</ref> The Credibility Gap continued as an entity through 1979, but after 1976 individual members tended to focus on other projects and the group itself made only sporadic, widely spaced appearances. Beebe remained in radio news; McKean and Lander landed roles on the television series ''[[Laverne & Shirley]]'' that lasted from 1976 through 1983; and Shearer worked as a consultant for the TV series ''[[Fernwood 2-Night]]'', as well as co-writing comedy albums and the 1979 feature film ''[[Real Life (1979 film)|Real Life]]'' with Albert Brooks. The Credibility Gap issued a single ("The Day The Lights Stayed On In Pittsburgh") in 1977, and (without Beebe) continued their New Year's Day Rose Bowl parade broadcasts annually through January 1, 1979; highlights of these broadcasts were collected on the 1979 album ''Floats''. As well, selections from their earlier radio material were compiled on 1977's ''The Bronze Age of Radio''.<ref name=hs/>
Beebe left the Gap in 1975 to join Los Angeles FM rock station KMET, remaining in radio news for over 40 years with 2 Golden Mic awards.<ref>{{cite web|author=mjmckean |url=https://michaelmckean.com/2016/06/01/the-reality-building/ |title=THE REALITY BUILDING: Some Words on The Credibility Gap – flotation device |publisher=Michaelmckean.com |date=2016-06-01 |accessdate=2019-04-02}}</ref> The Credibility Gap continued as a trio (Lander, McKean and Shearer) through 1979, but after 1976 individual members tended to focus on other projects and the group itself made only sporadic, widely spaced appearances. McKean and Lander landed roles on the television series ''[[Laverne & Shirley]]'' that lasted from 1976 through 1983; Shearer worked as a consultant for the TV series ''[[Fernwood 2-Night]]'', as well as co-writing comedy albums and the 1979 feature film ''[[Real Life (1979 film)|Real Life]]'' with Albert Brooks. The Credibility Gap issued a single ("The Day the Lights Stayed on in Pittsburgh") in 1977, appeared as sketch performers (performing their own material) in the low-budget 1977 film ''Cracking Up'', and continued their New Year's Day Rose Parade broadcasts (which started in the mid-1970s) annually through January 1, 1979. Highlights of the parade broadcasts were collected on the 1979 album ''Floats''. As well, selections from their earlier radio material were compiled on 1977's ''The Bronze Age of Radio''.<ref name=hs/>


Shearer became a writer/performer on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' in September, 1979. This necessitated Shearer's move to New York and essentially brought The Credibility Gap's activities to a close.
Shearer became a writer/performer on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' in September, 1979. This necessitated Shearer's move to New York and essentially brought The Credibility Gap's activities to a close.


=== After The Credibility Gap ===
=== After The Credibility Gap ===
The group disbanded in 1979, but the members have had occasion to work together since—notably the pairings of McKean and Lander as Lenny and Squiggy on the situation comedy ''[[Laverne & Shirley]]'' (recording an album in character as "[[Lenny and the Squigtones]]") and Shearer and McKean as members of the mock-rock band [[Spinal Tap (band)|Spinal Tap]]. Three of the surviving members (Shearer, McKean, and Lander) held a reunion at the [[The Paley Center for Media|Museum of Television and Radio]] in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/1999-11-18/film-tv/sketch-artists/2 |title=Film+TV - Sketch Artists |first=Robert |last=Lloyd |publisher=[[LA Weekly]] |date=1999-11-18 |accessdate=2009-04-15}}</ref>
The group disbanded in 1979, but the members have had occasion to work together since—notably the pairings of McKean and Lander as Lenny and Squiggy on the situation comedy ''[[Laverne & Shirley]]'' (recording an album in character as "[[Lenny and the Squigtones]]") and Shearer and McKean as members of the mock-rock band [[Spinal Tap (band)|Spinal Tap]]. In 1998 sadly Richard Beebe passed.In 1999 the remaining Gap members in honor of Beebe, Shearer, McKean, and Lander held a reunion at the [[The Paley Center for Media|Museum of Television and Radio]] Beebe's family in Richards absence donated all original Gap recordings from 1968-1972 to the Paley Center for all to enjoy Los Angeles news mixed with comedy. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/1999-11-18/film-tv/sketch-artists/2 |title=Film+TV - Sketch Artists |first=Robert |last=Lloyd |publisher=[[LA Weekly]] |date=1999-11-18 |accessdate=2009-04-15}}</ref>


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
Line 68: Line 80:


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://harryshearer.com/projects/credebility-gap/ Credibility Gap History and Audio] from the official Harry Shearer website.
* [http://harryshearer.com/projects/credebility-gap/ Credibility Gap History and Audio] from the official Harry Shearer website.
* {{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p149}}
* {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p149}}
* Robert Lloyd, [http://www.laweekly.com/film+tv/tv/sketch-artists/6188/ "Sketch Artists: The Credibility Gap's one-night stand"], ''L.A Weekly'', November 10, 1999, L.A. Weekly]
* Robert Lloyd, [http://www.laweekly.com/film+tv/tv/sketch-artists/6188/ "Sketch Artists: The Credibility Gap's one-night stand"], ''L.A Weekly'', November 10, 1999, L.A. Weekly]
* [http://movies.ign.com/articles/035/035860p1.html IGN interview with Harry Shearer]
* [http://movies.ign.com/articles/035/035860p1.html IGN interview with Harry Shearer]
Line 78: Line 90:
* [http://www.wirz.de/music/chandler.htm Len Chandler discography]
* [http://www.wirz.de/music/chandler.htm Len Chandler discography]
* [https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc19793/m1/ The Credibility Gap performs] (audio) on the [[Pop Chronicles]] (1969).
* [https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc19793/m1/ The Credibility Gap performs] (audio) on the [[Pop Chronicles]] (1969).

{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Credibility Gap, The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Credibility Gap, The}}

Latest revision as of 04:38, 9 May 2024

For the political term, see Credibility gap.
The Credibility Gap
Lew Irwin and The Credibility Gap with (left to right) John Gilliland, Thom Beck, Len Chandler, Richard Beebe, and Lew Irwin from An Album of Political Pornography
MediumRadio
Years active1968-1979
GenresSatire
Former membersLew Irwin, John Gilliland, Thom Beck, Richard Beebe, Len Chandler, Harry Shearer, David L. Lander, Michael McKean

The Credibility Gap was an American satirical comedy team active from 1968 through 1979. They emerged in the late 1960s delivering comedic commentary on the news for the Los Angeles AM rock radio station KRLA 1110, and proceeded to develop more elaborate and ambitious satirical routines on the "underground" station KPPC-FM in Pasadena, California. Richard Beebe's wife Heidi came up with the name "The Credibility Gap" due to the news being published that seemed to have gaps.

Founded as a loose collective centered on KRLA staff members Lew Irwin, John Gilliland, Thom Beck, Richard Beebe, and folk singer Len Chandler, the group is chiefly remembered today for its 1971–79 lineup, comprising Beebe (though early 1975), Harry Shearer, David L. Lander and Michael McKean.[1]

History[edit]

Lew Irwin and The Credibility Gap[edit]

The Credibility Gap grew out of a company formed by Lew Irwin and Cliff Vaughs.[2][3] KRLA 1110 hired news director Irwin to form The Credibility Gap in 1968 with his radio colleagues John Gilliland, Thom Beck, Richard Beebe, and folk singer Len Chandler.[4] They took their name from the Vietnam-era term "credibility gap" (a euphemism for political dishonesty), and broadcast their comedy along with the news on KRLA. [5] They first aired on the date of the 1968 California Primary.[4] In 1968 (billed as "Lew Irwin and The Credibility Gap") they released An Album Of Political Pornography for Blue Thumb, consisting of highlights from their radio sketches.[6] Thom Beck left in late 1968, and was replaced by Harry Shearer. Lew Irwin left a few months later, replaced by David L. Lander in February, 1969.

The Credibility Gap[edit]

The Credibility Gap with (left to right) unidentified person, Richard Beebe, David L. Lander, and Harry Shearer

In 1969, The Credibility Gap performed on KRLA's Pop Chronicles music documentary.[7][8] By this point, Gilliland and Chandler had left, to be replaced by Bob Goodwin.[9][10][11] This left Beebe the only original professional news member remaining, a Pasadena Playhouse Theatre alumni Beebe's booming radio voice and quick improv helped The Credibility Gap make some of the most original comedy of their time. Goodwin stayed with the group for about a year, but by late 1970, the Credibility Gap consisted of Beebe, Shearer, McKean and Lander.[1][12]

KRLA dropped The Credibility Gap's show in 1970,[13][14][15] but Shearer found work as a disc jockey on freeform station KPPC and The Credibility Gap continued their on-air performances there. In 1971, the trio released the album Woodschtick, consisting of two long pieces that were somewhat in the style of The Firesign Theatre. Also writing and performing on the album was Michael McKean, who would be promoted to full membership after the album's release. Guest performers Christopher Ross, Morgan Upton and Albert Brooks would also work with the group during this era. Mark Deming writes of this transition:

[I]n late 1968, Thom Beck left the group, and Lew Irwin followed in early 1969 ... . Joining the Credibility Gap in their absence were Harry Shearer ... and David L. Lander... . By 1970, Len Chandler and John Gilliland had drifted away from the Credibility Gap, and ... Michael McKean, had joined the team, though the troupe's relationship with KRLA had soured and their show had been shrunk from 15 minutes to a mere 180 seconds. However, after Shearer landed a side gig as a disc jockey on an FM "free form" outlet, KPPC, the Credibility Gap found a new home on the station, and the group's satire gained both sharpness and depth.[5]

KPPC-FM fired all of its airstaff, including the members of The Credibility Gap, as part of a mass format change in 1971.[15] No longer radio regulars, the group started performing in various clubs and concert venues.[16][17][18] They also returned to the studio in 1972 to record a promo-only single for Warner Brothers, a four-and-a-half minute mini mock-rock opera called Something for Mary.[19]

The Credibility Gap followed up this recording with the 1974 album A Great Gift Idea, which mixed satirical sketches with musical parodies. McKean and Shearer played guitar and keyboards, respectively, on the album, augmented by members of the band Little Feat.

Beebe left the Gap in 1975 to join Los Angeles FM rock station KMET, remaining in radio news for over 40 years with 2 Golden Mic awards.[20] The Credibility Gap continued as a trio (Lander, McKean and Shearer) through 1979, but after 1976 individual members tended to focus on other projects and the group itself made only sporadic, widely spaced appearances. McKean and Lander landed roles on the television series Laverne & Shirley that lasted from 1976 through 1983; Shearer worked as a consultant for the TV series Fernwood 2-Night, as well as co-writing comedy albums and the 1979 feature film Real Life with Albert Brooks. The Credibility Gap issued a single ("The Day the Lights Stayed on in Pittsburgh") in 1977, appeared as sketch performers (performing their own material) in the low-budget 1977 film Cracking Up, and continued their New Year's Day Rose Parade broadcasts (which started in the mid-1970s) annually through January 1, 1979. Highlights of the parade broadcasts were collected on the 1979 album Floats. As well, selections from their earlier radio material were compiled on 1977's The Bronze Age of Radio.[1]

Shearer became a writer/performer on Saturday Night Live in September, 1979. This necessitated Shearer's move to New York and essentially brought The Credibility Gap's activities to a close.

After The Credibility Gap[edit]

The group disbanded in 1979, but the members have had occasion to work together since—notably the pairings of McKean and Lander as Lenny and Squiggy on the situation comedy Laverne & Shirley (recording an album in character as "Lenny and the Squigtones") and Shearer and McKean as members of the mock-rock band Spinal Tap. In 1998 sadly Richard Beebe passed.In 1999 the remaining Gap members in honor of Beebe, Shearer, McKean, and Lander held a reunion at the Museum of Television and Radio Beebe's family in Richards absence donated all original Gap recordings from 1968-1972 to the Paley Center for all to enjoy Los Angeles news mixed with comedy. [21]

Discography[edit]

Lew Irwin and The Credibility Gap[edit]

The Credibility Gap[edit]

  • Woodshtick and More (1971)
  • A Great Gift Idea (Reprise, 1974)
  • The Bronze Age of Radio (Waterhouse, 1977)
  • Floats & A Great Gift Idea (Double LP) (Sierra, 1979)

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Projects : Radio". Harry Shearer. Archived from the original on 2009-08-19. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
  2. ^ Page, Don (December 14, 1969). "Grist From the Radio's Rumor Mill". LA Times. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Alt URL
  3. ^ "~Los Angeles Radio People, Q&A 3rd quarter 1998". www.laradio.com.
  4. ^ a b "Lew Irwin Sets Record Straight on Origins of 1110/KRLA Credibility Gap" (PDF).
  5. ^ a b Deming, Mark. The Credibility Gap at AllMusic. Retrieved 2008-01-02.
  6. ^ a b "Magic of JuJu: Political Porno". Magicofjuju.blogspot.com. 2006-12-21. Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  7. ^ Hopkins, Jerry (October 4, 1969). "'Pop Chronicles' Chronicle Pop". Rolling Stone. No. 43. p. 34.
  8. ^ Gilliland, John (1969). "Index to "Pop Chronicles"" (audio). Pop Chronicles. University of North Texas Libraries.
  9. ^ "Show 34 - Revolt of the Fat Angel: American musicians respond to the British invaders. [Part 2] : UNT Digital Library". Digital.library.unt.edu. 1969-08-03. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  10. ^ "X-Files chief not moving". Vancouver Sun. April 20, 1998. Retrieved 2007-06-15.
  11. ^ "The Paley Center for Media". Paleycenter.org. 2017-01-02. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  12. ^ "An interview with Shearer, Lander and McKean". L.A. Weekly. November 12–18, 1999. Archived from the original on January 17, 2003. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  13. ^ Murphy, Mary B (Jun 17, 1970). "Credibility Gap Trio Dismissed by KRLA". The Los Angeles Times. p. F18.
  14. ^ Murphy, Mary (1970-07-26). "The Credibility Gap-KRLA Battle". The Los Angeles Times.
  15. ^ a b "Albums by The Credibility Gap". Rate Your Music. 1971-10-23. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
  16. ^ Plume, Kenneth (2000-02-10). "Interview with Harry Shearer (Part 1 of 4)". IGN. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  17. ^ Plume, Kenneth (2000-02-10). "Interview with Harry Shearer (Part 4 of 4)". IGN. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  18. ^ Club Review: Credibility Gap, Buchanan at Roxy
  19. ^ "YouTube". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12.
  20. ^ mjmckean (2016-06-01). "THE REALITY BUILDING: Some Words on The Credibility Gap – flotation device". Michaelmckean.com. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  21. ^ Lloyd, Robert (1999-11-18). "Film+TV - Sketch Artists". LA Weekly. Retrieved 2009-04-15.

External links[edit]

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