Famed stand-up comedian, Dusty Slay, moved to Nashville in 2014 with the hopes of one day having his big break. While most comedians find their success in cities such as Los Angeles and New York, Slay worked his way to the top right here in Music City. After years of creating a name for himself in a sea of musicians, his career began to skyrocket. Best known for his blue-collar storytelling style, the Alabama native has had six Late Night appearances, a Comedy Central set, and a Netflix half-hour special — in addition to his first one-hour special, Dusty Slay: Workin’ Man, that debuted on Netflix last year! Turning a twenty-year career into a success story, Slay details his journey in comedy.
Tell us about your background! Have you always been into comedy?
I’ve always loved comedy. Comedy movies and stand-up were all I watched growing up and only on TV… I never saw anything live. I grew up watching HBO comedy specials, BET’s Comic View and Comedy Central Presents and my first comedy albums were from Jeff Foxworthy, Billy Engvall and Ellen Degeneres. I never thought this would be something I could do.
At what point in your life did you begin to realize this was something you could pursue a career in?
I remember seeing live improv and sketch comedy in 2003 at Theater 99 in Charleston, SC, where I would later take classes and become a member. It was all so fascinating and intimidating to me. It wasn’t until I won a stand-up competition in 2011 - back at Theatre 99 - that I actually thought I could do something with this. It was a hobby for three years that I mainly used as a way to try and make friends… then one day, it clicked that this could be my job.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I’m very observational. As I move throughout life, I pay attention and analyze everything. Honestly, it would probably be a real curse if I wasn’t able to turn some of it into jokes. A small talk interaction at a store can turn into a five-minute joke with keen observation and a little creativity. I’ve always had a wild imagination and a different way of looking at things… I refuse to see everything as it is. I’m always thinking there must be more to something than what is being presented.
Congratulations on your Netflix special, Dusty Slay: Workin’ Man! Walk us through the process of creating and filming this show.
Creating it is just as simple as creating an act, but creating an act is very hard to do. Sometimes, I think comics will do anything to keep from writing a joke, but I personally enjoy writing jokes that everyone can enjoy. I write an hour of comedy then tell it over and over again to live audiences until I get the wording just right. Then, when I think it’s where I want it, I say ‘let’s hire some people to film this special.’
Tell us about your journey in Music City! When did you first move to Nashville? How has this place helped shape your career into what it is today?
I moved to Nashville in 2014. I’ve always loved country music, so this city seemed like the perfect place for me. I never wanted to live in NYC or LA - although I considered both. I am a southern boy and I like living in the south… and Nashville is a great hub for comedy. I was able to get started pretty easy, because there are so many cities nearby that are driving distance. I had cheap rent - which you can’t find here now - and I just lived out on the road. Since moving here, I’ve done comedy at the Grand Ole Opry about forty times and my face is painted on the side of Zanies Comedy Club!
Given Nashville is known for its lively music scene, many don’t know how popular it is for comedians! Tell us about the comedy scene in Nashville.
We have a great scene here… We have a lot of popular working comedians living here. Zanies now has two clubs, so there is more stage time than ever. I also find that we are not competing with each other here, we all help each other out. We watch each other's sets and try to help each other get better. As a headliner, I am able to take a lot of my local friends and comics on the road with me. It’s a good scene that’s only getting better.
Many comedians tend to move to NYC or LA to pursue their careers. What has made you stay in Nashville?
Well, I just want to be a professional comic while still living a normal life. I didn’t think NYC or LA could offer me anything that I couldn’t achieve on my own out here on the road... I want to travel the country, see things and places.
You are the youngest comedian to perform on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry! What does this honor mean to you?
To be honest, the age doesn’t really mean anything to me… it’s just an honor to get to stand on the stage that so many of my country music heroes have stood on before me. I never dreamed I would get to perform at the Opry and it is truly a blessing.