On July 21, 1972 Carlin performed this routine at Milwaukee’s Summerfest and was arrested for breaking obscenity laws. The case was soon dismissed, but the routine was not forgotten. In 1973 the monologue was broadcast on a New York radio station and received so many complaints that the station was eventually charged with obscenity and the case was taken to the supreme court where it was ruled that the FCC had the ability to prohibit broadcasts if they were played during hours that children could be listening. Carlin dismissed the case in his typical sardonic style saying that he was “proud” to be involved with such a important free speech trial.

The “Seven Words” controversy made George Carlin a legend and he’s been one of the most popular touring comedians worldwide ever since. He went on to release 23 comedy albums, 14 HBO specials, and wrote 3 best selling books. He also developed an acting career, appearing Mr. Conductor on the children’s TV series Shining Time Station, Rufus in the Bill And Ted movies, and Cardinal Glick in Kevin Smith’s Dogma among other projects. While many of these appearances introduced Carlin to younger audiences, stand up comedy was always his passion and he toured North America annually until the end of his life.