EAST NORWICH, NY — Jackie Martling, known for his longtime association with “The Howard Stern Show, and as a comic for decades, is telling his story in the documentary “Joke Man,” (available online).
A screening is being held at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on Jan. 27. Martling will be there for a Q&A and to meet each person in attendance. It’s fitting for a native of East Norwich, who spent years at comedy clubs across the island.
He took material from early performances, including at Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown, and created albums. His self-promotion led to word that a “crazy man” was fired from a radio gig in Washington and was headed to WNBC in New York. Of course, that was Stern.
“I never heard of this guy,” Martling told Patch.
Stern would call the burgeoning comedian and offer him to “hang on” in the studio.
“I came back one day a week, for free, for three years,” he said.
The professional relationship with Stern, which started in the mid-1980s, lasted until 2001. While several celebrities vouched for Martling in the documentary, Stern and co-host Robin Quivers did not participate.
“I was sure they wouldn’t do it,” Martling said.
Martling, 75, is still hitting the stage, although with less frequency, but not with any loss of passion.
“I’m not running around looking for gigs,” he said. “I’m no spring chicken, but when I’m doing it, I love it.”
Watch the full “Patch Spotlight” interview below.