Tony Pierce has one of the most fitting tributes I have read... And I may be a day late on this, but as a man who grew up with Pryor, I feel a need to say something...

I saw Richard Pryor for the first time back in the late 70's at the Comedy Store in Hollywood. Back in those days the Comedy Store was the place you took a date to show how hip and cool you were. It was crowded, smoky and uncomfortable, but it was THE PLACE. I don't even remember how many up and coming stars I saw there back in the day, but I will never forget Richard. He was ahead of his time. He was to young comedians, what Bo Diddley and Little Richard were to the generation of Rock Stars that followed them. He was... The Man.

Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, all the dudes who followed him owe him a debt of grattitude, because without his trailblazing work, they would not have the opportunities they have had. My prayers go out to his family and friends, and I hope that there will be a fitting tribute sometimes soon.

Kevin of Wizbang also provides a nice tribute.