I grew up with Carlin, my parents were big fans so I heard him all the time even as a child. My father had his records and we'd listen to the 8 tracks in the car on trips. The ability to make you laugh at the mess while you are suffering through it is truly a gift. He also had a wonderful way with and love for words. I remember once a woman saying to my mother, "Should the children be listening to this?" and my mother responding "Absolutely, you can't learn this side of the english language in a class room. Listen to how he plays with the words and the joy of communication in what he does." This left me scratching my head at the time and for the next few years I thought Carlin was some sort of professor of english.