If you were a child of the ’70s Redd Foxx was just Fred Sanford’s alter ego.

But Foxx enjoyed a long career prior to Sanford and Son’s 1972 debut–one that stretched all the way back to the ’40s. In fact, Foxx was a stand-up comedian who fell into acting rather late in his career. It’s a bit ironic that he’s remembered by most people as a television star, as his raunchy brand of humor almost defines the sub-genre of comedy albums known as “party records.”

I’ve often wondered if his Laff of the Party series was the origin of the “party record” label. Volume one, pictured here, was released in 1956. Within a year’s time, seven more Laff of the Party records were released. If you’re interested in the roots of every raunchy comic, they’re a must have.

You can pick up any volume in the Laff of the Party series for two or three bucks each. Happy hunting.