Weird Al Yankovic is an American singer, songwriter, comedian, actor, and music producer. Weird Al is said to as a “Musical comedian” and is best known for writing humorous tunes. Weird Al Yankovic has published over 150 original songs since the start of his career.
He is a popular performer who has sold more than 12 million copies of his albums globally. Six of his albums have been certified platinum. In particular, Yankovic is well-known for his humorous music videos, which he produces and uploads on YouTube.
Early Years
Alfred Matthew Yankovic was born in Downey, California, on October 23, 1959. Al’s father always told him to “do for a living whatever makes you happy” as he was growing up. Before turning seven, Yankovic took his first accordion instruction.
Al’s early passion for this instrument would lead to his love of music. Al Yankovic began teaching himself how to play the accordion after three years, and he discovered rock ‘n’ roll music by listening to Elton John tunes.
He was influenced by comedians like Spike Jones, Shel Silverstein, and Frank Zappa from a young age. Yankovic began kindergarten a year earlier than his peers and began high school two years later. He participated in plays and joined a number of clubs during his high school years, including the National Forensic League and the “Volcano Worshippers Club.”
Career
Weird Al When Yankovic was 16 years old, Dr. Demento broadcast the teen’s taped recordings of various parody songs, which established his career. He also began to play the accordion at neighborhood coffee shops at this time, performing songs like the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Yankovic first used the stage name “Weird Al” while working as a DJ for the Cal Poly radio station while he was a student there studying architecture. Although his classmates had originally called him by a disparaging epithet, Yankovic chose to “take it on professionally.”
The song “Take Me Down,” which eventually appeared on the Slo Grown LP, served as his debut hit in 1978. Following “My Sharona’s” success on the charts, Yankovic mocked it with “My Bologna,” which was once more performed by Dr. Demento.
After hearing the song, The Knack’s lead vocalist that Capital Records sign Yankovic to a record deal, and they followed his advice. Weird Al Yankovic came to the conclusion that he could pursue a career in music at this stage and that his mediocre undergraduate performance did not bode well for a career in architecture.
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— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) October 18, 2022
He made an appearance on Dr. Demento’s radio show in 1980 and live-recorded “Another One Rides the Bus,” another parody hit. A riff on Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” was used in the song. It was because of the song that Yankovic made his first televised appearances. Yankovic went on tour in 1981 with Dr. Demento. A manager organized tryouts to assemble a complete band for Yankovic after seeing him perform.
I Love Rocky Road, Yankovic’s following radio hit, earned him a new record deal with Scotti Brothers Records. Later, Weird Al Yankovic issued his debut album under that name. He also made his MTV debut and left his mailroom job to focus solely on his music career.
The single “Eat It” off his subsequent album, Weird Al Yankovic in 3-D, reached number 12 on the charts. The “Beat It” spoof of Michael Jackson’s song had a separate music video.
Weird Al’s album Off the Deep End, which included the track “Smells Like Nirvana,” was released in 1992. The band Nirvana is said to have thought the song, which is regarded as Yankovic’s first satirical composition, to be humorous.
Six of Yankovic’s albums were produced by Rick Derringer at this early stage of his career, earning Weird Al two Grammys. However, Yankovic started making his own songs around 1992. He issued the album Running With Scissors in 1999. Hit songs like “Pretty Fly for a Rabbi” and “The Saga Begins” were featured on the CD.
Weird Al Yankovic declared in 2014 that Mandatory Fun would be his final album in the “Traditional” sense because he had been having more success publishing songs and music videos via YouTube and social media. Mandatory Fun eventually made its Billboard chart début at the top spot.
The song “Word Crimes,” which was based on Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” earned high accolades from critics. Yankovic continued to put out singles whenever inspiration struck after Mandatory Fun.
Net Worth of Weird Al Yankovic
Weird al has a net worth of $20 million In 2022. He amassed this fortune as a result of his successful career as a musical comedian, during which he released over 150 songs.
The musician has received 15 grammy awards throughout the course of his career and has delivered an impressive 14 studio albums and 46 singles.
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Film and Television
The most ambitious movie that al Yankovic ever made was UHF, a parody of the motion picture business. The failure of the movie permanently damaged Yankovic’s self-esteem. But as UHF gained popularity, collectors now pay hundreds of dollars for VHS tapes of the movie.
Additionally, weird al has served as the host of several MTV Programs including the weird al show on CBS. additionally, he provides the voice of squid hat in the grim adventures of billy & mandy on the cartoon network.
He has written a couple of books for kids and started a Youtube channel in recent years, where he’s amassed 2.36 million subscribers.
Real Estate
Al purchased a 7,000-square-foot property in the Hollywood Hills for $2 million in 2001. Similar surrounding homes have recently sold for about $7-9 million.
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Individual Life
Yankovic Wed 20th Century Fox marketing Manager Suzanne Krajewski. Together, they have one child. Yankovic considers himself a Christian and abstains from any alcoholic and illicit substance use. His parents passed away from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in 2004 as a result of a broken fireplace. Even though Yankovic had only learned of their passing a few hours earlier, he still went on stage to play.
Conclusion
One of the most known parodists in America, “Weird Al” Yankovic, has more than 150 original songs and parodies to his credit. He is a writer, producer, singer, and musician. Weird Al Yankovic has a net worth of $20 Million as Of November 2022.
As of 2007, Yankovic Was the Most Commercially Successful Comedy Music Artist, Selling More than 12 Million Records.