lives large Just as mom always warned 'never judge a book by its cover' keep in mind that there is only so much in a name. There is nothing small about Kenneth "Tiny" Glover, from his hulking frame, to his mile long smile to his appetite for life. The Rochester born, stand up comedian, storyteller, teaching artist is living life large and loving it. "Life's a short ride and there are only two ways you can go," said Glover, reflecting over a cup of coffee, while his presence makes a small, round table look even smaller. "I won't be fake and phony, but I refuse to live unhappy." And he has little to be unhappy about. Right now Glover is making a living doing a statewide storytelling tour, a nationwide college comedy stint and a northeastern tour of duty opening for musical acts like Ray Charles, BB King and the Everly Brothers. While he enjoys the day-to-day activities associated with these roles, Glover's eyes are focused on a different target. "The goal has never been to be a stand up comedian," the former Hamlin resident said. "I want to put together a children's television show and produce good children's entertainment." Glover is currently doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work to reach his ultimate goal. He is confident that his opportunity will come, and when it does he will be ready. But for now, he is a man traveling from college to college, state to state, city to city. Mr. Clean "Being a young comic I was trying to find my voice," said Glover. He can still vividly recollect an evening at a former local comedy club in which he gave a particularly blue stand up routine. "This lady came out of the crowd after I was done and pulled me aside. She said 'I've seen you here a few times, and I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy you tonight. You're better when you're clean,' " said Glover. With the help of another friend he also found that performing clean meant more open doors professionally. "I love George Carlin, Richard Pryor and Bernie Mac," he said. "But my heart will always be with Bill Cosby, Flip Wilson and Bob Newhart. I love their style and the way they tell stories." Glover's comedy routine comes from funny incidents during his college tours, his stepchildren, bogus impersonations and other everyday topics. Big man, strong roots Through the urban suburban program, he attended Pittsford Mendon schools from first grade through high school. From there he went to Finger Lakes Community College and on to SUNY Brockport where he earned his degree in interdisciplinary art for children. Early on, Glover was a real presence, a large child from the beginning. He was a big kid with bigger shoes to fill. "I am blessed to be the product of my parents, two really amazing people," said Glover. Naomi, who worked at Highland Hospital as a nurse's aide, has always had an amazing spirit and great social ability. Walter Lee showed his family what real sacrifice was all about. For 27 years Walter Lee worked 16-hour days, leaving Kodak after a shift to put in another shift at a local car dealership. Five hours of sleep a night was his luxury and then it was back to work to support his family. The couple recently celebrated their 42nd anniversary. All work, some play "I really got myself in trouble last year by not promoting as heavily as I should have," said Glover. "I've had to turn up that promotion machine." He doesn't take his down time for granted, and always has a book waiting for that rare instance. "I draw a lot of inspiration from reading autobiographies," he said. Glover also enjoys funny movies including Uptown Saturday Night, Young Frankenstein and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. When he is not reading or watching movies, Glover is working out. He sees yoga in his future. Tiny's future looks big and bright. "I'm in such a good place right now," said Glover. "I can see where I can go, and where I want to go, and I'm heading there." |
