"Weird Al" Yankovic

ABOUT

“Weird Al” Yankovic, born Alfred Matthew Yankovic on October 23, 1959, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, satirist, and actor known for his humorous songs that make light of popular culture and often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts. Yankovic has sold more than 12 million albums and recorded more than 150 parody and original songs. He is a four-time Grammy Award winner and a master of the accordion, turning the more classical instrument into a tool for contemporary musical satire.

BEFORE FAME

Alfred Matthew Yankovic was born in Downey, California, and raised in Lynwood, California. His parents, Nick and Mary Yankovic, encouraged his early musical interests. He began accordion lessons on the day before his seventh birthday and continued to develop his musical talent throughout his youth.

Yankovic's entry into the world of parody music began during his college years at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo, where he was a DJ for the university's radio station. His breakthrough came with his humorous take on the Knack's hit song with his parody "My Bologna" in 1979, which laid the foundation for his future success.

TRIVIA

1. Yankovic has written and starred in numerous television shows and films, notably the 1989 cult classic UHF, which he also co-wrote.
2. He achieved a rare feat in 2014 when his album Mandatory Fun became the first comedy album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
3. Yankovic is a vegetarian and his lifestyle often influences his parodies and original compositions.
4. His musical influences include Tom Lehrer, Stan Freberg, Allan Sherman, Shel Silverstein, and Frank Zappa.
5. Yankovic has often collaborated with his musical heroes, including a memorable duet with Donny Osmond in the video for "White & Nerdy."

FAMILY LIFE

Yankovic married Suzanne Krajewski, a marketing executive, in 2001. The couple has one daughter, Nina Yankovic, born in 2003. Despite his humor-filled career, Yankovic maintains a private and relatively conservative personal life.

ASSOCIATED WITH

"Weird Al" Yankovic has collaborated with a slew of famous artists and appeared in various TV shows and movies with notable figures. His parodies often imitate or feature iconic musicians such as Michael Jackson (e.g., "Eat It" and "Fat"), Lady Gaga ("Perform This Way"), and Pharrell Williams ("Tacky"), highlighting his ability to turn established hits into comedic gold. Yankovic rejoices in the camaraderie of the music and entertainment industries, often paying homage to the artists he parodies, securing a special place within the broader spectrum of popular culture.