If one were to base their 4 on influence in modern comedy, I think it's pretty easy:
Washington = Bruce
Jefferson = Cosby
Lincoln = Pryor
Teddy = Carlin
You'd be hard pressed to find a long-time name comedian who wasn't influenced by at least two of those four.
Dangerfield was fantastic, but his influence was more on helping aspiring comics rise than stylistic. Closest thing to a Dangerfield today is Jimmy Carr, although he's far less family friendly.
My 21 Century version - guys I go back to again and again when I want a laugh:
- Burr
- Chappelle
- Jeffries
- CK (although since CK's cancellation, Stanhope is 1st alternate)
That said, I've probably watched about 300 comedy specials on Netflix and Prime and there's a ton of talent out there, along with far too many guys I would've loved to see more of if they hadn't died way too young. And there's a ton of total crap that somehow makes money.
Maniscalco wouldn't sniff my top 100. His writing sucks. A big tell is that most up-and-comers and many famous comics got their start in writing rooms for sitcoms or for other comics. SM has none of that. For me, writing is everything.
