Margaret Cho Releases Video Ode to 'Anna Nicole'

Margaret Cho is best known for her comedy, and her outspokenness on issues such as sexual abuse, body positivity, and the challenges of being comfortable in your own skin.

But there's more to her talent, as she's also about to put out a new album titled "American Myth." This isn't an album compiled of comedy bits -- it's a true, serious musical endeavor, featuring collaborations with singer-songwriter Garrison Starr.

One of the songs from the set is called "Anna Nicole," and is, appropriately, a tribute to the late model, actress, and reality TV star Anna Nicole Smith, who died of a prescription drug overdose in 2007 at the age of 39.

"This is a wonderful collaboration with Garrison Starr and it's a requiem for Anna Nicole Smith that is as beautiful and quirky as she was," said Cho. "It's my version of 'Candle in the Wind,' and about the archetype of someone who is too good for this world that exists in all of us."�

Cho appeared on Smith's E! series, "The Anna Nicole Show," and was friends with the starlet, whom she's praised in the past -- as well as on this song -- for changing the perception of bigger women in the beauty industry.

"'American Myth' is a lyric from the song, 'Anna Nicole,' about the American myth that certain people are too beautiful for this world," Cho told A Plus. "They die young because they are too good for it. That is Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, the 27 Club -- this is the same with Anna Nicole. I knew her and her death struck me very hard, and still does."

In the clip, Cho is seen visiting what looks like the Playboy Mansion. Smith, who was Playboy Magazine's Playmate of the Year in 1993, is visualized thanks to dozens of look-alikes: a diverse group that includes people of various ages, races, sizes, and genders. It's at times silly, but consistently touching and a look into the world Smith inhabited.'

Three time Grammy and Emmy nominee Cho has confirmed she will release her new studio album, "American Myth" on April 29 via her Clownery Records label.� "American Myth" is the follow-up to her 2010 Grammy-nominated debut album "Cho Dependent" and is Cho's first new music in over six years.

Cho has already released three videos off the album with "Ron's Got a DUI," "Fat Pussy" and the controversial "(I Want To) Kill My Rapist." Cho�will reveal at least two more videos in the coming months from "American Myth" leading up to the album's release in April.

"I am extremely proud to release 'American Myth.' This is an album of anthems and showcases my first efforts as a composer. I made it with my longtime collaborator Garrison Starr and an incredible and inspiring crew of artists. It is my glamorous and glittering tribute to family, comedy, anger, fame, gayness, grief, fat pride, love and hate," said Cho.

"Pre-order American Myth on Monday, April 18 at margaretcho.com and get an immediate download of "Anna Nicole."

Cho will also continue to tour with her ever evolving stand-up comedy show throughout 2016, where she typically performs a few songs at the end of her sets. �She will continue to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and razor sharp insight. A pioneer amongst women in comedy, Cho doesn't take anything for granted.

"It's a wonderful thing to be known as a 'safe haven' for people who feel disenfranchised," said Cho. "The audience at my shows don't necessarily consider themselves traditional comedy fans. I seem to be a secure alternative for people who don't think they're being represented in society. They come because my point of view satisfies a lot of what needs to be said out there, and that makes me really proud."

TOUR DATES:
Apr 28-30 Improv, Irvine CA
May 5-7 Zanies, Nashville
May 12-14 Improv, Pittsburgh
June 23-25 Helium Comedy Club, St. Louis, MO