I'm a big Tom Lehrer fan. I think Shel Silverstein wrote some of the funniest character sketches I have ever heard. Britain's own Jake Thackeray had some wonderfully perverse ideas. Les Barker has an ear for the wicked rhyme and is also very clever with assonance. The folk scene has lent itself well to supporting original comic talent. I think it is because we have a listening audience, which allows original thinkers enough time to get across their ideas. In Britain, Billy Connelly, Jasper Carrot and Mike Harding all emerged from that scene. I should think it probably happens in other countries too.
If you want to hear a very original comic talent, who really cracks me up with his dry wit,have a listen to Mudcat's own Big Al Whittle, who posts here as Weelittledrummer.