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Counterculture-era comedians were heavily influenced by Lenny Bruce, a pioneering stand-up comedian known for his controversial and provocative routines that pushed the boundaries of free speech and social norms. Bruce's style, characterized by his stream-of-consciousness monologues, biting social commentary, and fearless exploration of taboo subjects, inspired a new wave of comedians who emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, shaping the landscape of modern stand-up comedy.