Professor Backwards

His family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida when he was twelve, and he spent much of his life residing in the St. Nicholas neighborhood there. Edmondson claimed that a dream where everyone moved in reverse led him to develop the ability to read, write, speak, and sing backwards. This unusual skill, potentially honed by his work as a typesetter for the Times-Union, formed the foundation of his career as a vaudevillian and stand-up comedian. He incorporated these backward abilities into a comedy act, often performing in a graduation cap and gown.

Professor Backwards’ act centered on writing, spelling, and pronouncing words backwards, alongside reading an inverted blackboard. His unique style gained national attention during the 1960s, leading to numerous television appearances. He performed on shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show, The Merv Griffin Show, The Dean Martin Show, and The Mike Douglas Show between the 1950s and the early 1970s. In 1955, he released a comedy album titled 'Laugh With.' He also appeared at the prestigious Latin Quarter nightclub in New York City, sharing the stage with acts like Ann Corio, and performing alongside tap dancers, ballroom dancers, and singers in what Lou Walters, the owner, advertised as "New York's most star studded show," with performances held at 8 and 12.

Despite his success and reputation as a “good man and neighbor” in Jacksonville, Professor Backwards’ life was tragically cut short. On January 29, 1976, he was murdered during an armed robbery at his home in College Park, Georgia. Willie Edgar Bell, Roy Anthony Ellerbee, and Michael Gantt were convicted of his murder and sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years for armed robbery. Bell and Gantt experienced multiple parole releases and subsequent returns to prison. The circumstances surrounding his death marked the end of a career that brought laughter to many, leaving behind a legacy as an innovative and memorable comedian.