Aiello, Danny (Actor, Singer, and former New York Improv Bouncer), 5/31/2016

Series 1: Improv Interviews, ca. 2015-2016 is comprised of 74 audio interviews conducted for the book "The Improv: An Oral History of the Comedy Club that Revolutionized Stand-Up" written by Budd Friedman, the founder of the Improv, and Tripp Whetsell. The book documents the history of the comedy club from its founding by Budd Friedman in 1963 to its sale to Levity Entertainment Group in 2012, and illustrates Budd Friedman's and the Improv's impact on the comedy industry. The interviews were conducted with former performers, both comedians and singers, former Improv staff members, and members of Budd Friedman's family. Former performers and staff members include prominent comedians and singers from the entertainment industry, including Bette Midler, Jerry Seinfeld, Billy Crystal, and Jay Leno, Kevin Nealon, Danny Aiello, Shelley Ackerman, and Judd Apatow. Also, included is one video recording of a short documentary about the Improv, and includes an interview with Budd Friedman and clips of past performers.