An overview of the childhood and early education of "Weird Al" Yankovic, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic is an American musician, writer, and actor renowned for his comedic songs. He primarily creates parodies of popular contemporary songs, but also performs original songs in the style of other artists. A trademark element of his performances is the inclusion of polka medleys featuring popular songs, often highlighted by his accordion playing.
October 23, 1959: Birth of Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic
On October 23, 1959, Alfred Matthew Yankovic, known professionally as "Weird Al" Yankovic, was born. He would later become a renowned American musician, writer, and actor celebrated for his comedy songs and parodies.
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1973: Influence of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
In 1973, Elton John released the album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", which Yankovic cites as one of the reasons he learned to play rock 'n' roll on the accordion.
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1976: Graduation and Valedictorian
In 1976, Yankovic graduated from Lynwood High School as the valedictorian of his senior class, marking the culmination of his early academic achievements.
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1976: First Airplay on Dr. Demento Radio Show
In 1976, at the age of 16, one of Yankovic's comedy songs was aired on The Dr. Demento Radio Show, marking an early milestone in his career.
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1987: Diet for a New America Published
In 1987, the book Diet for a New America was published by John Robbins.
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1992: Becoming a Vegetarian
In 1992, Yankovic became a vegetarian after being influenced by the book "Diet for a New America".
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1998: Undergoing LASIK Eye Surgery
In 1998, Yankovic underwent LASIK eye surgery to correct his near-sightedness and decided to shave off his trademark mustache.
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1999: Flea's Disapproval of "Bedrock Anthem"
In 1999, Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea expressed his disappointment with "Weird Al" Yankovic's 1993 song "Bedrock Anthem", stating that he found it "unimaginative".
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1999: Unveiling a Radically Changed Look
In 1999, with the debut of Running with Scissors, Yankovic unveiled a new look, shedding his glasses, shaving his mustache, and growing out his hair.
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2000: Recurring Jokes: Frank's 2000" TV
One of Yankovic's recurring jokes involves the names Frank. For example, "Frank's 2000" TV".
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2001: Marriage to Suzanne Krajewski
In 2001, Yankovic married Suzanne Krajewski after they were introduced on a blind date by Bill Mumy.
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2003: Birth of Daughter Nina
In 2003, Yankovic and his wife, Suzanne, welcomed their daughter, Nina.
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April 9, 2004: Death of Yankovic's Parents
On April 9, 2004, Yankovic's parents died due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. He chose to perform his concert in Wisconsin that night as a coping mechanism.
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2005: Art competition
In 2005, an art competition was held as part of the "Make the Rock Hall 'Weird'" campaign to support Yankovic's nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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April 11, 2006: Live benefit show
On April 11, 2006, a live benefit show was held to raise money for the Weird Al Star Fund.
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May 26, 2006: Star Fund hits target
On May 26, 2006, the Weird Al Star Fund campaign hit the $15,000 target, before the May 31 deadline to submit paperwork.
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2006: Petition drive
From 2006 to 2007, a petition drive to support Yankovic's nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame raised over 9000 signatures.
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2006: Reconciliation with Coolio
In 2006, "Weird Al" Yankovic and Coolio made peace at the Consumer Electronics Show, resolving the past controversy surrounding "Amish Paradise".
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February 9, 2007: Hollywood Chamber raises price
On February 9, 2007, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce raised the price to sponsor a new star to $25,000, causing the Weird Al Star Fund to need additional fundraising.
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September 2007: Induction as Friend of the Legion
In September 2007, "Weird Al" Yankovic was inducted as a "Friend of the Legion" by the 501st Legion in appreciation for inviting members on stage during performances of his Star Wars-themed songs.
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2007: Petition drive continues
From 2006 to 2007, a petition drive to support Yankovic's nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame raised over 9000 signatures.
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2007: Recollection of Coffeehouse Performances
In 2007, Yankovic recalled playing at local coffeehouses, disrupting the mellow atmosphere with his accordion performances.
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2008: Not included among inductees
In 2008, Weird Al Yankovic was not included among inductees for the Hollywood Walk of Fame despite the Weird Al Star Fund resubmitting his application for consideration in 2007.
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2009: Rolling Stone poll
In 2009, a Rolling Stone poll named Weird Al Yankovic as the top artist that should be nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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December 2010: Price raised again
In December 2010, the price to sponsor a new star was raised again to $30,000, requiring additional fundraising for the Weird Al Star Fund.
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2011: Clarification of Diet
In a 2011 interview with OnMilwaukee, Yankovic clarified that he is still a vegetarian and tries to be a vegan, but occasionally cheats.
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2013: Rush inducted into Hall of Fame
In 2013, Rush was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after being in the top artists that should be nominated in a 2009 Rolling Stone poll, in which Weird Al was the top artist.
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2014: Coolio's Public Apology
In 2014, Coolio publicly apologized for his initial reaction to "Weird Al" Yankovic's parody, "Amish Paradise," admitting he was wrong to refuse permission at the time and that he now considered the parody "actually funny as shit."
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2014: Reflection on Parent's Death
In a 2014 interview, Yankovic cited the deaths of his parents as the worst thing that had ever happened to him.
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2016: Prince's Death
In 2016, following the death of Prince, it became publicly known that Prince had repeatedly refused "Weird Al" Yankovic permission to parody his songs.
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June 2017: Star on the Walk of Fame
In June 2017, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced that Yankovic would receive a star on the Walk of Fame as one of the 2018 inductees.
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August 27, 2018: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On August 27, 2018, Al Yankovic received the 2,643rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during an official induction ceremony.
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2018: The Moody Blues inducted into Hall of Fame
In 2018, The Moody Blues were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after being in the top artists that should be nominated in a 2009 Rolling Stone poll, in which Weird Al was the top artist.
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2022: Beck Regrets Denying Parody
In 2022, Beck stated that he regretted refusing "Weird Al" Yankovic permission to parody his song "Loser" with "Schmoozer", saying he now believes it would have been an amazing video.
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