Guide Note

Weird Al Yankovic is a popular musician, satirist and accordion player who has had a long and successful career creating parody versions of popular songs.

Fast Facts

1. Genre: Comedy music
2. Name: Alfred Matthew Yankovic
3. Born: October 23, 1959
4. Origin: Lynwood, California
5. Active: 1978- Present
6. Labels: Volcano Records
7. Grammy Awards: 3
8. Associated with: Dr. Demento
9. Started learning accordion at age 7
10. Had LASIK surgery in 1998
11. Is a Vegetarian
12. Writes all his songs

When Yankovic was a high school senior, he sent a homemade tape to a popular radio DJ that played comedy music. During his sophomore year in Architecture school, he became the DJ of the university's radio station where he took on the nickname "Weird Al". In 1978, he released his first recording, "Take me Down", which mocked local landmarks. In 1979, he recorded the song "My Bologna" (a parody of the song "My Sharona") and send it to the radio personality Dr. Demento, who ended up played it on the air. By the time Yankovic graduated college, he had developed a significant cult following.

• 1983: "Weird Al" Yankovic
• 1983: "Weird Al" Yankovic in 3-D
• 1985: Dare to Be Stupid
• 1986: Polka Party!
• 1988: Even Worse
• 1988: "Weird Al" Yankovic's Greatest Hits
• 1989: UHF - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and Other Stuff
• 1992: Off the Deep End
• 1993: The Food Album
• 1993: Alapalooza
• 1994: Permanent Record: Al in the Box
• 1994: Greatest Hits Volume II
• 1995: The TV Album
• 1996: Bad Hair Day
• 1999: Running with Scissors
• 2003: Poodle Hat
• 2006: Straight Outta Lynwood