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The John DeBella Show

Donnell Rawlings Joins “The John DeBella Show”

Author Steve Vassalotti and Colin Newby

The John DeBella Show hosted comedian Donnell Rawlings as part of the new and improved “First Friday,” which once again hosts listeners every month.

Rawlings hit the scene as “Ashy Larry” on Chapelle’s Show in the early 2000s. He also appeared in “Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty” and “The Wire” on HBO. He now hosts a podcast, The Donnell Rawlings Show.

He will perform stand-up at Helium Comedy Club for two shows on Friday, April 7 (7:30pm, 10pm) and two on Saturday, April 8 (7:30pm, 10pm).

Donnell Rawlings on The John DeBella Show

Rawlings joined John DeBella and Steve Vassalotti in studio to discuss his shows at Helium, Black Lives Matter, and John’s ageless mustache. 

When asked about the challenges comedians face with cancel culture, he shared a piece of advice he once heard from Dave Chapelle. 

“It’s our job to make fun of the things that are troubling the world.”

His commentary on the TikTok generation, aka “the guys who stand in front of their phone all day and all they do is just look at dances,” included some questions about why they insist on criticizing his age with names like OG, UNC, or GOAT. His real question:

“Why are you so mad that I continue to live?”

Donnell’s conversation with John and Steve also included stories about the stand-up comedian’s stint in radio and a sincere story about he misses the times when listeners would stop him on the street in New York City for a compliment about his show.

Listen to Donnell Rawlings tell stories about his history in radio, his use of the “race card,” and more on The John DeBella Show podcast.

“The people that employ me are the people that pay good money to come see me perform. If you come to see me do stand-up, you’re not going to get the comedian you want or the comedian that you think is supposed to entertain you. You’re going to get me.” -Donnell Rawlings

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9 Adam Sandler Movies with Outstanding Classic Rock Scenes

  • Billy Madison (1995)- "Renegade" and "Stroke Me"

    After Eric’s trick to sabotage Billy’s chances of graduating high school, it didn’t seem like there was any reason for Billy to go to school anymore. It set up a hilarious scene when he picks up where he left off sipping drinks by the pool and chasing invisible penguins.

    “Renegade” by Styx was the perfect song to play while Billy held an empty keg over his head with his pants draped over him (for some reason).

    Billy also blasts “Stroke Me” by Billy Squire in his car when he tries to impress the other students on his first day of high school. 

  • Happy Gilmore (1996)- "Tuesday's Gone" and "Carry On My Wayward Son"

    The opening and closing scenes of Happy Gilmore feature “Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd Skynyrd with the perfect use of the guitar riff. The song creates a feel-good vibe to complement outrageous comedy scenes like the Mista, Mista lady and a fight with Bob Barker.

    “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas also plays in a transition leading into a scene when Happy wears an AC/DC t-shirt to a golf event.

  • The Wedding Singer (1998)- Tribute to the 1980s

    The Wedding Singer uses excellent touches of ’80s culture, including some of the best music of the decade.

    The heart-to-heart between Robbie and Sammy in the bar before Julia’s wedding leads into “Hungry Heart” by Bruce Springsteen in a perfect way to mix in the love story with the comedy.

    Billy Idol also made an unforgettable cameo. “White Wedding,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and many other ’80s hits of all different genres were used in the movie. 

  • The Waterboy (1998)- Southern Flavor

    A movie set in Louisiana set Sandler up to use some of the best Rock & Roll songs that reference the south.

    The Waterboy includes scenes with “Born on the Bayou” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, “House of the Rising Sun” by the Animals, and “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” by the Charlie Daniels Band.

  • Big Daddy (1999)- Crank up the Styx!

    All his friends know Sonny Koufax as the biggest Styx fan in the world, until he meets his new girlfriend Layla (and he likes her song). Big Daddy mixes in “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)” with consistent Styx references throughout the movie. 

    Julian even makes a bold statement for a five-year-old when he calls Styx “one of the greatest American rock bands” on the stand at the court hearing.

    Big Daddy also includes two versions of “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” a hilarious answering machine message to the tune of “Jump” by Van Halen, and a heartfelt montage of the best times between Julian and Sonny with “Growin’ Up” by Bruce Springsteen as the background music. 

  • Little Nicky (2000)- "Runnin' with the Devil" and "Highway to Hell"

    The main character in Little Nicky is the son of Satan, so Adam Sandler couldn’t resist using “Runnin’ with the Devil” by Van Halen and “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC.

    “Mama, I’m Coming Home” by Ozzy Osbourne and “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago were also used in the movie.

  • Mr. Deeds (2002)- Ground Control to Major Tom

    Deeds sings David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” when he rides in his uncle’s helicopter on the way to New York City. His “Ground Control to Major Tom” jokes set up his character as someone who won’t fit in well with the rich businessmen from his uncle’s company.

    The scene is followed up with a quick cut from “I’ve Seen All Good People” by Yes. “The Sweetest Thing’ by U2 also plays during Deeds’ date with Pam Dawson in Central Park.

  • The Longest Yard (2005)- "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" and "Thunderstruck"

    The remake of The Longest Yard meshed classic rock songs well with the football scenes. 

    The most memorable was the cons’ final practice before the big game against the guards. The warden floods their football field to ruin their practice, but they storm the field for a game of rumble fumble while “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by CCR plays in the background.

    “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC also provides the perfect mood for the opening kickoff to the big game.

  • Grown Ups (2010)- Arrow Roulette

    Sandler teamed up with Chris Rock, Kevin James, Rob Schneider, and David Spade in Grown Ups. The five comedy legends of the 1990s/early 2000s play a group of reunited childhood friends who played on a basketball team together in the 1970s, and the movie represents the golden era of Rock & Roll in a big way.

    For a scene when the group plays a game of Arrow Roulette by shooting an arrow in the air and seeing who can wait the longest before it comes down, they chose “Walk All Over You” by AC/DC to play during a mad scramble to get away from the arrow.

    A loaded soundtrack includes songs from J. Geils Band, Aerosmith, Joe Walsh, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, REO Speedwagon, Bad Company, Cheap Trick, Journey, the Kinks, Jefferson Starship, and Paul McCartney.

Colin Newby is a contributor for 97.5 The Fanatic who transitions Beasley Media's radio content onto digital platforms. His work includes on-site coverage of the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia Phillies.

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Author Steve Vassalotti and Colin Newby
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