Sahl pioneered modern political satire in stand-up comedy, performing with a newspaper as his only prop.

In 1960, he became the first comedian to be featured on the cover of Time.

• He was among the first comedians to record a comedy album and to perform on college campuses.

• After the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, he became involved in New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison's investigation of the killing, which damaged his career.