(October 20, 1946 – March 20, 1994) was an American writer and humorist, known for his Southern demeanor and commentary on the American South.
Although he spent his early career as a newspaper sports writer and editor, becoming the sports editor of the Atlanta Journal at age 23, he is much better known for his humorous newspaper columns in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
He was also a popular stand-up comedian and lecturer.
Grizzard also published a total of 25 books, including collections of his columns (e.g.
Chili Dawgs Always Bark at Night), expanded versions of his stand-up comedy routines (I Haven't Understood Anything Since 1962), and the autobiographical If I Ever Get Back to Georgia, I'm Gonna Nail My Feet to the Ground.
Although much of his comedy discussed the South and Grizzard's personal and professional lives, it was also a commentary on issues prevalent throughout America, including relationships between men and women (e.g.
If Love Were Oil, I'd Be About a Quart Low), politics, and health, especially heart health.
Grizzard was also the stepbrother of the Southern humorist Ludlow Porch.