Last modified on October 7, 2021, at 04:53

"Weird Al" Yankovic

Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic (born October 23, 1959) is an American comedian, parodist, satirist, musician, writer, actor, accordionist, and singer-songwriter. He has, for three decades, parodied popular songs by inserting his own (often silly) lyrics, or performing songs in the style of an artist or an entire genre. Since his first-aired song "My Bologna" in 1976, Yankovic has sold more than 12 million albums, recorded more than 150 parody and original songs, and has performed over a thousand concerts. He has earned three Grammy awards and had nine nominations, four gold records, and six platinum records.

Though under Federal law he is not required to obtain permission to perform parodies of hit songs, Yankovic requests permission from the artists (in a spirit of camaraderie) and has pulled songs when he was unable to obtain the artist's consent.

Yankovic was born in Downey, California to Nick Louis Yankovic and Mary Elizabeth, and was raised in Lynwood. In 2000, Yankovic had his first top ten album and single with Straight Outta Lynwood (10) and White and Nerdy (9) respectively. Yankovic achieved his first number one album with his latest album Mandatory Fun in 2014 when it debuted at number 1.

Despite lingering rumors that Yankovic is Jewish, mainly due to his Eastern European-sounding surname, his appearance, and song "Pretty Fly for a Rabbi," he is actually a devout Christian of Italian and Yugoslav descent who belongs to the Churches of Christ.

Political views

"Weird Al" Yankovic didn't have any understanding in politics, and as such demonstrates liberal positions in some respects, particularly with regard to his vegetarianism.[1] He also held that the conservative positions of his friend Victoria Jackson are so funny as his work in the movie UHF, starring both.[2] "Weird Al" Yankovic also advocates same-sex marriage[3][4] and "gun control,"[5] and seems to be "anti-war"[6] and perhaps even anti-business (he mocks those who have wealth, regardless of how hard they worked for it).[7] His keyboardist Ruben Valtierra classified the debate among Republican presidential candidates on Fox News as a "comedy show". Nevertheless, "Weird Al" Yankovic is seen by the most radical leftist sectors as a fascist conservative.[8] "Weird Al" Yankovic also criticized capitalism on the track "Mission Statement" from his latest album Mandatory Fun.

Discography

  • "Weird Al" Yankovic (1983)
  • In 3D (1984)
  • Dare to be Stupid (1985)
  • Polka Party (1986)
  • Peter and the Wolf/Carnival of the Animals II (1988)
  • Even Worse (1988)
  • UHF -Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and Other Stuff (1989)
  • Off the Deep End (1992)
  • Alapalooza (1993)
  • Bad Hair Day (1996)
  • Running With Scissors (1999)
  • Poodle Hat (2003)
  • Straight Outta Lynwood (2006)
  • Alpocalypse (2011)
  • Mandatory Fun (2014)[9]

References

  1. ↑ Weird Al Yankovic Clears Up Those Vegan Rumors, Vegetarian Star
  2. ↑ https://soundcloud.com/gilbertgottfried/weird-al-yankovic
  3. ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/22/weird-al-yankovic-gay-marriage-_n_4324292.html
  4. ↑ http://www.ontopmag.com/article/17053/Weird_Al_Yankovic_Supports_Lady_Gagas_Pro_Gay_Message_In_Born_This_Way
  5. ↑ Proven in his song Trigger Happy
  6. ↑ Demonstrated in his song Christmas at Ground Zero
  7. ↑ Demonstrated in his song This is the Life
  8. ↑ https://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100328051930AAOwRVT
  9. ↑ http://weirdal.com/product_categories/studio-albums