Radio Interviews with Comedian and Activist Dick Gregory

Dick Gregory, comedian, author and civil rights activist, died Saturday at the age of 84. Gregory was a guest on a variety of radio shows and appeared on stations that formatted Hip Hop music as well. He was in the midst of a nationwide comedy tour with Paul Mooney when he became ill.

"It is with enormous sadness that the Gregory family confirms that their father, comedic legend and civil rights activist Mr. Dick Gregory departed this earth tonight in Washington, DC," Gregory's son Christian wrote on the comedian's Instagram page. Dick Gregory had been hospitalized at a Washington, D.C. area hospital since August 9th with a urinary tract infection. "My prognosis is excellent and I should be released within the next few days," Gregory wrote on August 16th while announcing rescheduled tour dates for the end of the month.

We've posted those Instagram post along with some recent radio interviews with Dick Gregory below. RIP.

Woke this morning feeling energized, appreciative and loved. I want to thank you all for your words, prayers and good energy. San Jose, CA @sanjoseimprov I am sorry I missed y'all but I will see you very soon. I've been ripping and running for over 60 years. Truth is I get my best rest on the road. I feel energized by the love and gratitude. If you see me please say hello, I am still trying to figure out what a "pic" is. Thank you to all the transportation, hotel, railroad, airline & airport employees who hold me tight. See you next week Atlanta! Loving and lovable, DG

A post shared by Dick Gregory (@therealdickgregory) on Aug 10, 2017 at 6:37am PDT

Sorry to postpone the show Atlanta! I will see you in a few weeks! @atlcomedytheater Thank you for all of your kind words. Love and appreciate you. DG

A post shared by Dick Gregory (@therealdickgregory) on Aug 15, 2017 at 10:10am PDT

My father, Dick Gregory remains hospitalized with a serious but stable medical condition. His prognosis is excellent and he should be released within the next few days. After feeling ill last Wednesday (August 9th) Mr. Gregory was taken to the hospital. He was evaluated, treated and released. Showing only minimal improvement we returned him to the hospital Saturday (August 12) he was evaluated and admitted. Balancing a fine line between privacy and his friends and fans (who are his extended family) right to know. We have and will always gladly and freely share this gift with the world. When it comes to sickness and disease one's age is highly significant. There is no such thing as a "simple" condition. In advanced age a simple cold or a simple infection could be catastrophic. At soon to be chronologically 85, my father's true age far exceeds that. A life well-lived but heavily sacrificed, has definitively taken its toll. Laughter is truly good medicine. I've watched my father for a lifetime heal the world. Today he is in need of your healing. We are truly grateful for the phenomenal care he has been receiving. My family and I remain thankful for all of the prayers, positive thoughts, messages and good energy. Most appreciatively, Christian Gregory

A post shared by Dick Gregory (@therealdickgregory) on Aug 17, 2017 at 8:10am PDT

It is with enormous sadness that the Gregory family confirms that their father, comedic legend and civil rights activist Mr. Dick Gregory departed this earth tonight in Washington, DC. The family appreciates the outpouring of support and love and respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time. More details will be released over the next few days - Christian Gregory

A post shared by Dick Gregory (@therealdickgregory) on Aug 19, 2017 at 7:24pm PDT

I was probably 25-years-old before I realized my father called many people champ. I was clearly paying attention yet I never heard it other than when he was calling me. One of his finest gifts was the ability to make you sit up and pay attention. For a week, I watched my father cause some of the sharpest medical minds to sit up and pay attention. What began a little over a week ago as a simple Urinary Tract Infection wrecked havoc on my father's slim frame. Events were set in motion that ultimately proved to be too much. A bifurcated thoracic aortic aneurysm ultimately was too big a blow. For a lifetime, my father took all the hits, however, this hit was too much. A life heavily sacrificed had ultimately taken its toll. Years of severe fasting, not for health but for social change, had damaged his vasculature system long ago. He always reminded us, many of his fasts were not about his personal health but an attempt to heal the world. A routine few days in the hospital suddenly turned dire. My father transitioned encircled by his family in love. It was actually purifying and a blessing to bear witness to unbridled familial love and peaceful understanding. For a week, my family stood 24 hour vigil over our father, even when it appeared routine. Way too much laughter for a hospital room I am certain. From comedy to civil rights to a life dedicated to equality, he never waned. Immeasurable generational sacrifice. A transformative block buster comedian who obliterated the color line. He quickly realized that the inequities and travesties of life were no laughing matter. There is no question humanity is better for it, we will allow his legendary history to stand for itself. Generations will delve into his sacrifice, comedic genius, focus and aptitude. For now, we simply want to reflect on his Service and Grace. Civil Rights, Women's Rights, children's Rights, Human Rights, Disabled Rights, Animal Rights. Dick Gregory's DNA is virtually on every movement for fairness and equality for all livings things on this planet. He was rarely one to rest and never one to stop championing for peace. Hopefully now he may find some semblance of them both. (Cont.)

A post shared by Dick Gregory (@therealdickgregory) on Aug 20, 2017 at 3:11am PDT

A healthy dose of wit and wisdom just arrived in heaven, of that I am absolutely certain. Dick Gregory is eternal. He sacrificed so others could, the true beauty was that the others were always the disenfranchised and the underdog. There is a profound amount of ugly in the world today. Consider some slight discomfort to make life a little better as we pay tribute to a lifelong crusader. I miss you already Pop. You were undoubtedly a fine human being and the coolest Dad! It was a pleasure and an honor being your wingman! Loving and lovable, Christian Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn't take a long moment to salute the women and men of Sibley Memorial Hospital here in Washington, DC. You are an amazing and fine group of human beings. The respect and dignity you showed my family will never be forgotten. The full spectrum of employees was a godsend. This was obviously a very challenging time for us. On many occasions my father said "They must know who I am". When my father would say that, he never meant his celebrity he always meant his spirit. Thank you all for knowing and recognizing the fullness of who he was and forever will be. The Gregory Family is eternally grateful.

A post shared by Dick Gregory (@therealdickgregory) on Aug 20, 2017 at 3:14am PDT