Radio 2 honours the iconic Lenny Bruce

Marking 40 years since his death, Lenny Bruce is the subject of Radio 2's broadcast on Tuesday 25th July (8.30pm), examining his unique material, razor-sharp tongue, and the controversy that followed him everywhere.

Bruce left few comedy stones unturned, targeting religion, politics, racism and corruption. Not everyone welcomed his observations however, and by the end of his career he found himself banned from performing in many U.S. cities, and even as far a field as Sydney, Australia.

Notably included in the broadcast is Bruce's reading, heard for the first time, of a letter suggesting that the New York prosecutor privately stuggled to prove the legitimacy of obscenity charges against him.

The show will also feature contributions from Eddie Izzard, Stewart Lee, legendary comic Dick Gregory, as well as Bruce's daughter Kitty, to highlight his beliefs, influence, and legacy.

As Lenny himself said, the only honest art form is comedy.