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Ambrose Jones Turns Memphis Grit Into Comedy Gold

Ambrose Jones

Passing a comedy club on his way home from work, Ambrose Jones found the courage to grab the mic. Now, the Memphian is a full-time comic.

This summer, Jones has competed in the NBC television series "Last Comic Standing." The experience, he says, was far different from a typical stand-up set. He had to squeeze his best material down to three intense minutes.  

Born in Chicago, Jones grew up in Memphis. He attended Hamilton Elementary, Middle and High Schools. His many jobs -- for UPS, FedEx and Libertyland, among others -- have given him both a lifetime of material and a work ethic. All the while, he kept his sense of humor. In 2007, he came across the now-defunct club, Comedy TN. He was soon doing stand up every week, driven by a desire to keep people laughing. 

In his interview with us, Jones tells us where his humor comes from, and why he has a special appreciation for WKNO's classical music programming (hint: it played a strong parental role in his son's life).

For more information on Jones and upcoming performances, visit his website comedianambrosejones.com.

Jones performs Aug. 19 and 20, 2015 atChuckles Comedy Club in Cordova.

He will also be seen on "Last Comic Standing, August 26, on NBC.

Reporting from the gates of Graceland to the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, Christopher has covered Memphis news, arts, culture and politics for more than 20 years in print and on the radio. He is currently WKNO's News Director and Senior Producer at the University of Memphis' Institute for Public Service Reporting. Join his conversations about the Memphis arts scene on the WKNO Culture Desk Facebook page.