Jonny McGovern


Jonny McGovern, also known by his character name The Gay Pimp, is an American stand-up comedian, musician and podcaster. He has recorded three albums as comedic singer The Gay Pimp, appeared as a cast member of Logo's The Big Gay Sketch Show, and hosts the internet talk show Hey Qween!

Early life

Jonny McGovern was born to Mary McGovern and Rob Gutowski in Brooklyn, New York. His parents traveled often and McGovern grew up primarily in Egypt and Thailand. McGovern later returned to the United States to study acting at Boston University, where he earned a BFA. He is openly gay.

Career

McGovern stated that he was inspired to create his signature comedic character, The Gay Pimp, after listening to rap songs and interviews by Eminem. McGovern has said,
After the songs from the show began to get heavy rotation in New York City nightclubs, McGovern was approached about making a music video for one of his songs, Soccer Practice. The video for Soccer Practice, which received heavy rotation in dance clubs as well as notoriety on the Internet, featured McGovern in a shirt that was emblazoned with the sequined words "Gay Pimp."
The success of the single garnered attention for McGovern, and he contributed commentary on a variety of VH1 shows as well as earned a slot on Comedy Central's all-gay comedy show Out on the Edge, hosted by Alan Cumming. McGovern also became a year-long correspondent for The Ricki Lake Show. A second single, Lookin' Cute/Feelin' Cute, continued to endear him to his largest fan base of gay teenagers, despite missing the heavy exposure of Soccer Practice.
McGovern hosts his own YouTube show on StreamTV titled Hey Qween!, where he interviews various icons of the LGBT community. The show was co-hosted up until 2020 by the late Lady Red Couture. The show was added on Netflix as an international distribution. "Look At Huh!", an aftershow where guests of "Hey Qween!" play games and discuss various LGBT issues was also added internationally to Netflix.

Other appearances

In 2008, McGovern was also featured as a commentator on truTV's .

Collaboration

Besides his own music, McGovern is involved with several other groups where he acts in roles as a songwriter, producer, and performer.

To date, these groups include:

La'Mady

A now defunct, transgender rap "super group" that consisted of McGovern's podcast co-host Linda James, DJ Nita Aviance, Ericka Toure Aviance, and Koko Aviance. Kevin Aviance appeared on the group's signature track, This Is New York City, Bitch, but is not a member. The group's other song to date is Runway in My Street Clothes. La'Mady's album, Feelin' Like an Orchid was announced in 2006 on the How to F*** a Straight Guy episode of McGovern's podcast.

Linda James

Linda James, has written and recorded two songs with McGovern. The first is called The Bad Bump and it deals with cocaine overdose. She also recorded Timebomb, which is featured in The East Village Mixtape Volume 2: The Legends Ball. As part of an ensemble groups La'Mady and Team PIMP, Ms. James has recorded nearly a dozen songs with Jonny McGovern.

Team Pimp

An electronica-pop-rap crossover group consisting of McGovern, Linda James, Maxi J, Ericka Toure Aviance, and Adam Joseph. The group is responsible for the tracks Somethin' for the Fellas , Bossy Bottom, Dick Swang Out!, and the unreleased Run to the Dance Floor.

Gay Pimpin' with Jonny McGovern

McGovern hosts "Gay Pimpin' with Jonny McGovern", a weekly free LGBT themed podcast based out of Los Angeles since August 2010. It was based in New York City from January 16, 2006 to January 11, 2010. It ranks as one of the highest weekly comedy podcast under the keyword "gay" on the iTunes music store.

Awards

HX Awards

Best Party: Boys Gone Wild/The Rambles at The Park
2005, 2006, 2007

2007 Glammy Awards

Note:
Jonny's new EP " Songs About The Golden Girls" comes out this spring followed by a full CD Gay Pride 2011.