Carl Yard always wanted to be an entertainer but he never thought it would be in the guise of a stand-up comedian performing as an opening act for the likes of Aretha Franklin.
Growing up in Barbados, he did not know what area of the performing arts he would get into; definitely not singing, maybe acting, but being a stand-up did not cross his mind.
“As a kid I used to make up calypsos and sing for my sisters, but I knew that was not it,” he told the DAILY NATION.
“I would watch television and I would always say I wanted to be in front of a crowd, to be on stage in front of people because that is where I am most comfortable.”
When Yard migrated to the United States 30 years ago at the age of 17, his intention was to study. At the time the whole computer boom was taking shape, so he figured he would get some education in computers and return to Barbados and get a decent job.
However, things changed when some friends took him to a comedy club. As soon as he walked in, he knew what he wanted to do.
“Boom, that sealed it for me,” he said. “I knew that was what I wanted to do.”
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