Robin Williams — 11

ALBUM: ‘Reality. What a concept’

MVC Rating: 4.0/$$$

I’d purposely passed over this and my other comedy records thinking I would keep it strictly to music. However, given that it’s Robin Williams who died by suicide after living with undiagnosed Lewy body dementia, it seemed like he belonged on this list. And I have a Robin Williams’ comedy album — I believe his first one.

I mean after all, it is why I am doing this: to raise awareness of this relatively common but little known brain disease. Robin’s case has shined a light but much more research is needed. And this album puts his super sharp mind on display.

Little did I know that 40 years after buying this album, I would meet his widow, Susan Schneider Williams, at a summit on Lewy body dementia in Las Vegas. I told her it the not knowing what is wrong with you that is the hardest part.

And even when we know what it is, we’re not sure what is happening because the disease can leave thoughts muddled..

The ‘reality’ album came out in 1978, the year I graduated from high school in Athens, Ga. I’m not sure what prompted me to buy it, other than he was an up-and-coming comedian with hilarious appearances on Johnny Carson and, later, David Letterman.

I thought this album was funny but not really as funny as Steve Martin’s comedy record, ‘Let’s Get Small,’ one I also had. There is one routine on the Williams’ album that shows off Williams’ imagination and rapid fire brain. It’s called ‘Come inside My Mind’ and it is classic Robin Williams, letting you peak inside his head as his jokes fail doing a stand-up comedy routine. Mayday mayday. His brain shouts at him.

Here is a nice list by Rahul Bansal of 41 inspirational quotes from Robin. See if you don’t agree that some are eerily prophetic.

OK back to the Y’s and Z’s as we finish this on out.