History of "Weird Al" Yankovic in Timeline
Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic is an American comedic musician known for his parodies of popular songs. He uses his musical talent, including his signature accordion playing, to create humorous versions of well-known tracks, often directly referencing the original artists and their styles. Besides parodies, he also crafts original songs imitating various musical genres and creates polka medleys that blend together numerous popular tunes.
1917: Birth of Nick Yankovic, "Weird Al" Yankovic's Father
Nick Yankovic, "Weird Al" Yankovic's father, was born in 1917.
1923: Birth of Mary Elizabeth Vivalda, "Weird Al" Yankovic's Mother
Mary Elizabeth Vivalda, who would later become "Weird Al" Yankovic's mother, was born in 1923.
1949: Marriage of "Weird Al" Yankovic's Parents
Nick and Mary Elizabeth Yankovic, "Weird Al" Yankovic's parents, were married in 1949.
October 23, 1959: Birth of "Weird Al" Yankovic
Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic was born on October 23, 1959, in Downey, California.
1968: Death of Mary Yankovich, "Weird Al" Yankovic's Grandmother
Mary Yankovich, "Weird Al" Yankovic's paternal grandmother, passed away in 1968.
1969: Death of Matthew Yankovich, "Weird Al" Yankovic's Grandfather
Matthew Yankovich, "Weird Al" Yankovic's paternal grandfather, died in 1969.
1973: Release of Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" Influences "Weird Al" Yankovic
The release of Elton John's album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" in 1973 inspired Yankovic to learn to play rock 'n' roll on the accordion.
1976: "Weird Al" Yankovic Graduates High School as Valedictorian
"Weird Al" Yankovic graduated as valedictorian of his high school class in 1976, demonstrating his academic abilities.
1976: "Weird Al" Yankovic Submits Cassette Tape to Dr. Demento
In 1976, a 16-year-old Yankovic gave Dr. Demento a homemade cassette tape of his songs, leading to his first break.
1976: "Weird Al" Yankovic's Song Aired on The 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 the beginning of his career in comedic music.
1978: "Weird Al" Yankovic Releases First Recording, "Take Me Down"
Yankovic, under the name Alfred Yankovic, released his first recording, "Take Me Down," in 1978 as a benefit for a local organization.
1979: "Weird Al" Yankovic Records "My Bologna" and Signs Record Deal
In 1979, Yankovic recorded the parody song "My Bologna," which gained popularity and led to a record deal with Capitol Records.
September 14, 1980: "Another One Rides the Bus" Debut
On September 14, 1980, "Weird Al" Yankovic debuted his parody "Another One Rides the Bus" on the Dr. Demento Show, where he met drummer Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz.
April 21, 1981: The Tomorrow Show Appearance
On April 21, 1981, Yankovic and Schwartz performed "Another One Rides the Bus" on The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder, marking Yankovic's first television appearance.
1981: First Tour and Meeting Jay Levey
In 1981, Yankovic embarked on his first tour as part of Dr. Demento's stage show and caught the attention of manager Jay Levey, leading to the formation of Yankovic's band.
March 31, 1982: First Show with Band
On March 31, 1982, Yankovic performed his first show with his newly formed band, marking a significant step in his career.
1982: "I Love Rocky Road" and Signing with Scotti Brothers Records
In 1982, Yankovic recorded "I Love Rocky Road" which became a Top 40 hit and led to him signing with Scotti Brothers Records.
1982: Release of "The Compleat Beatles"
The documentary "The Compleat Beatles" was released in 1982.
1983: Debut Album and "Ricky" Success
Yankovic released his self-titled debut album in 1983. The music video for the single "Ricky" gained popularity on MTV, solidifying his career in music.
April 1, 1984: "Eat It" and Al TV Special
On April 1, 1984, Yankovic's "Eat It" music video and his first Al TV special premiered on MTV, contributing to the song's success.
April 14, 1984: "Eat It" Charts High
"Eat It" peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 14, 1984, becoming one of Yankovic's most successful singles.
1985: "The Compleat Al" and "The Authorized Al" Release
In 1985, the mockumentary "The Compleat Al," starring and co-written by Yankovic, was released alongside the biographical book "The Authorized Al."
1985: Release of "The Compleat Al"
Yankovic produced the satirical film "The Compleat Al" in 1985, which focused on his own life.
1986: "Dare to Be Stupid" Featured in "The Transformers: The Movie"
"Weird Al" Yankovic's song "Dare to Be Stupid" was prominently featured in the 1986 animated film "The Transformers: The Movie." The song played during the memorable introduction of the character Wreck-Gar, creating a lasting connection between Yankovic's music and the Transformers franchise.
1986: "Christmas at Ground Zero" Video Release
In 1986, Weird Al directed the end sequence of his music video for "Christmas at Ground Zero," an original song from his album "Polka Party!"
1987: Publication of "Diet for a New America"
John Robbins published "Diet for a New America" in 1987.
1987: Touring with The Monkees
Yankovic toured as the opening act for The Monkees' second reunion tour of North America in mid-1987.
1988: Collaboration with Wendy Carlos
In 1988, Yankovic narrated Sergei Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" and wrote humorous poems for "The Carnival of the Animals Part II," both recorded by Wendy Carlos.
July 1989: "UHF" Film Premiere
Yankovic's film "UHF" premiered in July 1989. While it later gained cult status, its initial release received mediocre reviews and faced stiff competition from summer blockbusters.
1989: Release of "UHF"
In 1989, "Weird Al" Yankovic starred in "UHF," a feature film he co-wrote with his manager, Jay Levey. The film, a satire of television and the film industry, was filmed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and featured Michael Richards, Fran Drescher, and Victoria Jackson. While it received high test scores for Orion Pictures, it faced challenges in theaters due to competition from summer blockbusters and mixed critical reception. The film's performance impacted Yankovic, leading to a period of creative stagnation that he later overcame.
1989: Yankovic Appears in Michael Jackson's "Liberian Girl" Music Video
Weird Al Yankovic made a cameo appearance in the music video for Michael Jackson's song "Liberian Girl" in 1989. This appearance reflects the positive relationship between the two artists, with Jackson having been supportive of Yankovic's parodies of his songs in the past.
1989: Release of "UHF" Starring "Weird Al" Yankovic
"Weird Al" Yankovic wrote and starred in the film "UHF," which was released in 1989.
1990: Work Begins on "Off the Deep End"
Yankovic began working on his album "Off the Deep End" around 1990, marking a return to the studio after the release of "UHF."
1991: Rubén Valtierra Joins the Band
Rubén Valtierra joined Yankovic's band as the keyboardist in 1991, allowing Yankovic to focus more on singing during performances.
1992: "Weird Al" Yankovic Adopts Vegetarianism
In 1992, "Weird Al" Yankovic became a vegetarian after reading John Robbins' "Diet for a New America."
1992: Yankovic's "Smells Like Nirvana" Music Video
In 1992, "Weird Al" Yankovic's music video for "Smells Like Nirvana" parodied Nirvana's iconic "Smells Like Teen Spirit" video and was nominated for Best Male Video at the MTV Video Music Awards alongside the original.
1992: "Smells Like Nirvana" Revitalizes Yankovic's Career
In 1992, Yankovic's parody "Smells Like Nirvana," after facing rejection from Michael Jackson for "Snack All Night," became a hit and helped revitalize his career following the disappointment of "UHF."
1992: Yankovic Takes Over Production
Yankovic took over production for his albums in 1992, transitioning from his previous producer Rick Derringer.
1993: "Alapalooza" Release
Yankovic released his album "Alapalooza" in 1993, featuring the lead single "Jurassic Park," a parody of "MacArthur Park."
1993: "Bedrock Anthem" Released
In 1993, "Weird Al" Yankovic released "Bedrock Anthem", a parody of Red Hot Chili Peppers' songs "Under the Bridge" and "Give It Away".
1993: Weird Al Begins Directing Music Videos
"Weird Al" Yankovic began directing his own music videos, starting with "Bedrock Anthem" in 1993.
March 1994: Weird Al on "Wheel of Fortune"
"Weird Al" Yankovic competed on an episode of the game show "Wheel of Fortune" filmed at Disney's Hollywood Studios in March 1994.
1994: U.S. Supreme Court Affirms "Fair Use" in "Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc."
In 1994, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in "Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc." upheld the "fair use" provision of copyright law. This ruling clarified the legal standing of artists like Yankovic who create parodies. Despite this legal protection, Yankovic maintains a practice of seeking permission from original artists as a courtesy and for positive professional relationships.
1996: "Bad Hair Day" and "Amish Paradise" Success
In 1996, Yankovic's album "Bad Hair Day," led by the single "Amish Paradise," achieved commercial success, becoming one of his most successful albums.
1996: Controversy Surrounds "Amish Paradise" Parody
Yankovic's 1996 parody "Amish Paradise," based on Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise," sparked controversy when Coolio claimed he never gave permission for the parody. This event led to a public disagreement, though no legal action was taken. The situation highlighted the complexities of parody in the music industry.
1997: Premiere of "The Weird Al Show"
"The Weird Al Show," a television series starring Yankovic, premiered in 1997.
January 24, 1998: LASIK Eye Surgery
On January 24, 1998, "Weird Al" Yankovic underwent LASIK eye surgery to correct his severe nearsightedness. The procedure was broadcast live on KTLA Morning News.
1998: "Weird Al" Yankovic Undergoes LASIK Surgery
In 1998, "Weird Al" Yankovic underwent LASIK eye surgery to correct his nearsightedness. Although his glasses were a trademark of his appearance, he decided against wearing fake glasses.
October 2, 1999: "Touring with Scissors" Concert Filmed
"Weird Al" Yankovic's concert, "Touring with Scissors", was recorded on October 2, 1999, at the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael, California.
1999: "Weird Al" Yankovic's New Look Debut
In 1999, with the release of his album "Running with Scissors," "Weird Al" Yankovic unveiled a dramatically different look. He shed his signature glasses following LASIK surgery and embraced a clean-shaven appearance with longer hair. Yankovic playfully acknowledged his transformation as a reinvention inspired by Madonna's frequent image changes.
1999: Kyle Carrozza Sends FAQ to Weird Al
In 1999, Kyle Carrozza, while in college, sent a FAQ to "Weird Al" Yankovic.
1999: Flea Expresses Disappointment with "Bedrock Anthem"
During an interview for Behind the Music in 1999, Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist, Flea, shared his disappointment with "Bedrock Anthem", calling it "unimaginative" despite generally enjoying Yankovic's work.
1999: Yankovic's "1999" Parody Idea
Before Prince's passing in 2016, Yankovic revealed in interviews that he had repeatedly sought permission to parody Prince's songs, including an idea for "1999" as an infomercial.
2000: Recurring Jokes in Yankovic's Work
"Weird Al" Yankovic frequently incorporates running gags into his music and videos, such as references to the number 27 and the name "Bob." This playful humor has become a signature element of his comedic style. One example is the album cover for "Poodle Hat" released in 2000.
2000: Yankovic Contributes Song to "Pokémon: The Movie 2000"
"Weird Al" Yankovic contributed the song "Polkamon" to the soundtrack of the animated film "Pokémon: The Movie 2000."
2000: "Weird Al" Yankovic Live! DVD Release
Yankovic's concert film, "Weird Al" Yankovic Live!, recorded during his "Touring with Scissors" tour in 1999, was released on DVD in 2000.
2001: "Weird Al" Yankovic's Marriage
In 2001, "Weird Al" Yankovic married Suzanne Krajewski, a marketing executive at 20th Century Fox, after they were set up on a blind date.
2001: N/A
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2003: Yankovic Denied Permission to Film "Couch Potato" Video
In 2003, Yankovic was denied permission to create a music video for his parody of Eminem's "Lose Yourself", titled "Couch Potato". Yankovic speculated that Eminem believed the video would negatively impact his image.
2003: Birth of Nina Yankovic
Nina Yankovic, the daughter of "Weird Al" Yankovic and Suzanne Krajewski, was born in 2003.
2003: Guest Appearance and Emmy Award for "The Simpsons"
In 2003, "Weird Al" Yankovic lent his voice to an episode of "The Simpsons" titled "Three Gays of the Condo." He performed "The Ballad of Homer & Marge," a parody of John Mellencamp's "Jack & Diane." The episode, centered around Marge's attempt to reconcile with Homer, went on to win an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour)."
2003: Release of "Poodle Hat"
In 2003, "Weird Al" Yankovic released his album "Poodle Hat".
2003: Yankovic's First Overseas Tour
Breaking from his previous US and Canada-centric tours, Yankovic embarked on his first overseas tour in 2003, performing eleven shows across Australia.
April 9, 2004: Death of Yankovic's Parents
On April 9, 2004, "Weird Al" Yankovic's parents tragically passed away from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning at their home in Fallbrook, California.
2004: Deaths of "Weird Al" Yankovic's Parents
Both of "Weird Al" Yankovic's parents, Nick and Mary Elizabeth Yankovic, passed away in 2004.
October 2006: "White & Nerdy" Surpasses "Eat It"
In October 2006, "White & Nerdy" became Yankovic's highest-charting single, surpassing "Eat It" which had held the record for over two decades.
2006: "Weird Al" Yankovic Achieves First Top Ten Billboard Album and Single
In 2006, nearly three decades into his career, Yankovic achieved his first top ten Billboard album with "Straight Outta Lynwood" and his first top ten single with "White & Nerdy."
2006: "White & Nerdy" Video Release
Weird Al directed all of his music videos from "Bedrock Anthem" in 1993 to "White & Nerdy" in 2006.
2006: Yankovic and Coolio Reconcile
In 2006, at the Consumer Electronics Show, "Weird Al" Yankovic and Coolio publicly reconciled after the controversy surrounding the "Amish Paradise" parody. While the details of their conversation remained private, Yankovic expressed relief and a more positive outlook on their relationship.
2006: "Weird Al" Yankovic's Continued Success
In 2006, "Weird Al" Yankovic released the hit single "White & Nerdy" and the album "Straight Outta Lynwood," achieving mainstream success and solidifying his career longevity in the music industry.
2006: Release of "Straight Outta Lynwood"
In 2006, "Weird Al" Yankovic released "Straight Outta Lynwood," an album that included the hit parody "White & Nerdy," which became his first single to reach the Billboard Top Ten.
2006: Atlantic Records Blocks "You're Pitiful" Release
Despite initially granting permission for a parody of "You're Beautiful", James Blunt's label, Atlantic Records, revoked the permission after Yankovic recorded "You're Pitiful" in 2006. This decision prevented the parody's inclusion on Yankovic's album, despite Blunt's personal approval.
September 8, 2007: Yankovic's 1,000th Live Show
A significant milestone in Yankovic's career was reached on September 8, 2007, when he performed his 1,000th live show in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
September 2007: Chamillionaire Credits "White & Nerdy" for Grammy Win
In September 2007, rapper Chamillionaire acknowledged that Weird Al Yankovic's parody of his song "Ridin'," titled "White & Nerdy," played a role in his Grammy Award win. Chamillionaire stated that the parody's popularity, particularly overseas, significantly boosted the visibility and success of the original song.
September 2007: Yankovic Becomes "Friend of the Legion"
Yankovic was honored as a "Friend of the Legion" by the 501st Legion in September 2007. This recognition stemmed from his practice of inviting members of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars fan group, on stage during performances of his Star Wars-themed songs.
2007: Guest Appearance on "Yo Gabba Gabba!"
In 2007, "Weird Al" Yankovic brought his unique style to the children's show "Yo Gabba Gabba!" He appeared as a ringmaster, helping the show's beloved characters put together a circus.
2007: "Weird Al" Yankovic Recalls Early Performances
In 2007, Yankovic reminisced about his early performances at coffeehouses where he would play unconventional music on his accordion.
October 7, 2008: Release of "Whatever You Like"
On October 7, 2008, "Weird Al" Yankovic released "Whatever You Like," a parody of the T.I. song, directly to the iTunes Store, marking his foray into digital distribution.
2008: Second Guest Appearance on "The Simpsons"
In 2008, "Weird Al" Yankovic made a second cameo appearance on "The Simpsons," this time in an episode titled "That '90s Show." In this episode, he parodies Homer's grunge song "Shave Me" with his version titled "Brain Freeze." This appearance makes Yankovic one of the few celebrities to play themselves twice on the show.
2008: Yankovic Directs Music Video for The Presidents of the United States of America
In 2008, "Weird Al" Yankovic directed the music video for the song "Mixed Up S.O.B." by the band The Presidents of the United States of America. This collaboration came after the band expressed their appreciation for Yankovic's parody of their song "Lump."
2008: Guest Appearance on RiffTrax Commentary for "Jurassic Park"
In 2008, "Weird Al" Yankovic joined forces with Michael J. Nelson for a special event on RiffTrax, providing humorous audio commentary for the film "Jurassic Park."
2008: "Straight Outta Lynwood" Achieves Platinum Certification
By 2008, "Weird Al" Yankovic's album "Straight Outta Lynwood" reached platinum certification, marking his first album to achieve this milestone by surpassing one million sales.
November 10, 2009: Guest Appearance on Rocketboom's "Know Your Meme"
On November 10, 2009, "Weird Al" Yankovic brought his comedic insights to the world of internet memes as a guest "internet scientist" on Rocketboom's "Know Your Meme" series. He joined host Jamie Wilkinson for an installment focused on Auto-Tune.
2009: Weird Al Appears on G4's "Web Soup"
"Weird Al" Yankovic was a special guest as Mark Gormley on an episode of G4's "Web Soup" in 2009.
2009: "Al's Brain: A 3-D Journey Through The Human Brain" Premieres
"Weird Al" Yankovic wrote, directed, and starred in a 3D short film called "Al's Brain: A 3-D Journey Through The Human Brain." The $2.5 million film premiered at the Orange County Fair in 2009 and included a cameo by Sir Paul McCartney.
2009: Release of "Internet Leaks" EP
Throughout 2009, "Weird Al" Yankovic embraced digital releases, putting out tracks like "Craigslist," "Skipper Dan," "CNR," and "Ringtone." These songs, along with the previously released "Whatever You Like," were compiled into the "Internet Leaks" digital EP.
January 25, 2010: Weird Al Signs with Warner Bros.
"Weird Al" Yankovic signed a production deal with Warner Bros. on January 25, 2010 to write and direct a live-action feature film for Cartoon Network.
December 2010: Yankovic's First European Mini-Tour
Expanding his performance reach, Yankovic embarked on his first European mini-tour in December 2010. The tour included a notable appearance at the All Tomorrow's Parties music festival in Minehead, England, where he was personally invited to perform by the curating band, Godspeed You! Black Emperor.
2010: Release of Funny or Die Trailer for "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story"
Eric Appel produced a comedic trailer for "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" for Funny or Die in 2010, a fictionalized take on Yankovic's life. The trailer starred Aaron Paul as Yankovic and featured a humorous, exaggerated narrative of Yankovic's career.
2010: Release of "Alpocalypse" with Music Videos
In 2010, "Weird Al" Yankovic released his album "Alpocalypse," which included music videos for every song. Four videos were released earlier with the "Internet Leaks" EP, and the rest debuted on social media and the deluxe edition of the album. These videos involved collaborations with artists like Bill Plympton and platforms such as Jib-Jab and SuperNews!
February 1, 2011: "When I Grow Up" Published
HarperCollins published "Weird Al" Yankovic's first children's book, "When I Grow Up," on February 1, 2011.
February 20, 2011: "When I Grow Up" a New York Times Best Seller
"When I Grow Up" by "Weird Al" Yankovic reached the No. 4 position on The New York Times Best Seller list for Children's Picture Books for the week of February 20, 2011.
June 21, 2011: Release of "Alpocalypse"
On June 21, 2011, "Weird Al" Yankovic released his thirteenth studio album, "Alpocalypse," featuring songs from the "Internet Leaks" EP and new tracks, including "Polka Face" and "TMZ."
October 1, 2011: "Weird Al" Yankovic Live!: The Alpocalypse Tour Premiere
Yankovic's concert film, "Weird Al" Yankovic Live!: The Alpocalypse Tour, premiered on Comedy Central on October 1, 2011.
2011: Weird Al in "Adventure Time" and "How I Met Your Mother"
In 2011, "Weird Al" Yankovic guest starred as "Banana Man" in an episode of the animated series "Adventure Time" and appeared as himself on the sitcom "How I Met Your Mother."
2011: Guest Appearance on "Batman: The Brave and the Bold"
In 2011, "Weird Al" Yankovic joined the world of superheroes by lending his voice to an episode of the animated series "Batman: The Brave and the Bold." The episode, titled "Bat-Mite Presents: Batman's Strangest Cases!," showcased Yankovic's versatility as a voice actor.
2011: Publication of "When I Grow Up"
Yankovic ventured into children's literature with his book "When I Grow Up," published in 2011.
2011: "Weird Al" Yankovic Clarifies Dietary Preferences
In 2011, "Weird Al" Yankovic clarified his dietary stance, stating he maintains a vegetarian diet while striving for veganism but occasionally indulges in non-vegan options.
2011: Lady Gaga Grants Permission for "Perform This Way" Parody
In 2011, Lady Gaga granted "Weird Al" Yankovic permission to release his parody of her song "Born This Way," titled "Perform This Way." This decision came after initial resistance from Gaga's manager and a public appeal from Yankovic. Gaga, a self-proclaimed fan, embraced the parody.
April 3, 2012: Face to Face with 'Weird Al' Yankovic Premieres
On April 3, 2012, "Weird Al" Yankovic launched a new comedic celebrity interview web series titled "Face to Face with 'Weird Al' Yankovic" on the Nerdist Podcast. The show features fake interviews with film stars in the style of Al TV.
2012: Guest Appearance on "30 Rock"
In 2012, "Weird Al" Yankovic made a guest appearance on the popular sitcom "30 Rock." The episode, titled "Kidnapped by Danger," revolved around Jenna Maroney's attempt to create a song that "Weird Al" couldn't parody.
2012: Guest Appearances on "The Aquabats! Super Show!"
In 2012, "Weird Al" Yankovic showcased his comedic range by appearing on two episodes of "The Aquabats! Super Show!" He entertained viewers by portraying two distinct characters: the superhero SuperMagic PowerMan and the President of the United States.
2012: Weird Al on "The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange"
"Weird Al" Yankovic, Alice Cooper, Bret Michaels, and Maria Menounos appeared on a Christmas special of "The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange" in 2012.
September 2013: New Album Announcement
In September 2013, "Weird Al" Yankovic announced that he was working on a new album.
2013: "My New Teacher and Me!" Published
"Weird Al" Yankovic published "My New Teacher and Me!," a sequel to his children's book "When I Grow Up," in 2013.
2013: Cartoon Network Film Scrapped
In 2013, "Weird Al" Yankovic revealed that the Cartoon Network film project had been scrapped.
2013: Publication of "My New Teacher and Me!"
Yankovic authored and published his second children's book, "My New Teacher and Me!," in 2013.
May 31, 2014: Weird Al Wins ACE Award
The National Cartoonists Society awarded "Weird Al" Yankovic the ACE (Amateur Cartoonist Extraordinaire) Award at its awards banquet in San Diego on May 31, 2014.
November 19, 2014: Weird Al in RadioShack Ad
On November 19, 2014, RadioShack uploaded an ad to YouTube featuring "Weird Al" Yankovic as a RadioShack employee.
2014: Weird Al on "Celebrity Name Game"
"Weird Al" Yankovic was a celebrity contestant in eight episodes of the game show "Celebrity Game Name" beginning in 2014.
2014: "Word Crimes" Reaches Billboard Hot 100
In 2014, "Weird Al" Yankovic achieved a significant milestone when his song "Word Crimes" debuted at No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement made him only the third artist, after Michael Jackson and Madonna, to have a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in each decade since the 1980s.
2014: Performance at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards
In 2014, "Weird Al" Yankovic brought his comedic musical stylings to the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards. He entertained the audience with a medley of songs humorously referencing the themes and characters of various Emmy-nominated shows, including popular series like "Mad Men" and "Game of Thrones."
2014: Yankovic Reflects on His Parents' Death
In 2014, "Weird Al" Yankovic opened up in an interview about the devastating impact of his parents' sudden passing, calling it the worst experience of his life.
2014: Coolio Expresses Regret Over "Amish Paradise" Dispute
In a 2014 interview, Coolio publicly apologized for his negative reaction to "Amish Paradise." He admitted his past behavior was arrogant and expressed that he found Yankovic's parody humorous, acknowledging the missed opportunity he had to embrace the situation.
2014: Innovative Music Video Release for "Mandatory Fun"
To promote his 2014 album "Mandatory Fun," Yankovic released eight music videos online over eight consecutive days. This strategic approach, without funding from RCA Records, involved partnerships with platforms like Funny or Die and CollegeHumor. The videos garnered over 20 million views within the first week, contributing to the album's No. 1 debut on Billboard.
2014: Yankovic Performs at George Fest
Yankovic participated in George Fest, a live-recorded tribute concert honoring George Harrison, in 2014.
2014: "Weird Al" Yankovic's "Mandatory Fun" Becomes His First Number-One Album
Yankovic's 2014 album, "Mandatory Fun," debuted at number one on the Billboard charts, a significant achievement in his career.
2014: Release of "Mandatory Fun"
"Weird Al" Yankovic released "Mandatory Fun" in 2014, which became his first No. 1 album. The album's success was fueled by the release of eight music videos over eight consecutive days, garnering significant viral attention.
2014: Guest Appearance on "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic"
"Weird Al" Yankovic joined the world of Equestria by voicing the character Cheese Sandwich in the fourth season of "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic." The episode, titled "Pinkie Pride," saw Yankovic's character as a rival party planner to the energetic Pinkie Pie.
April 2015: First Guest Editor of Mad Magazine
"Weird Al" Yankovic became the first guest editor for Mad magazine's 533rd issue, published in April 2015.
2015: Guest Editor of Mad Magazine
In 2015, "Weird Al" Yankovic was a guest editor for Mad magazine's 533rd issue.
2015: Mandatory World Tour Begins
Following the release of his album "Mandatory Fun", Yankovic launched the "Mandatory World Tour" in 2015. This tour marked a return to extensive touring, spanning across the US, Canada, and select international venues.
2015: Guest Appearance as Darkseid in "Teen Titans Go!"
In 2015, "Weird Al" Yankovic took on the role of the iconic supervillain Darkseid in an episode of "Teen Titans Go!" titled "Two Parter." The episode featured a humorous twist on Darkseid's character, with Yankovic's signature wit adding a unique layer to the villain's portrayal.
2015: "Weird Al" Yankovic's Career Sales Milestone
By 2015, "Weird Al" Yankovic had sold over 12 million albums, a testament to his enduring popularity and comedic talent.
2015: Weird Al on "The Odd Couple"
"Weird Al" Yankovic appeared in an episode of the sitcom "The Odd Couple" in 2015 as a yoga student.
October 2016: "Bad Hombres, Nasty Women" Music Video Release
In October 2016, "Weird Al" Yankovic and the Gregory Brothers released "Bad Hombres, Nasty Women," a music video featuring autotuned snippets from the third presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
2016: Weird Al Bandleader on "Comedy Bang! Bang!"
In 2016, "Weird Al" Yankovic became the bandleader of the IFC series "Comedy Bang! Bang!" after previously guest-starring on the show.
2016: Voice Acting Roles in "BoJack Horseman", "Milo Murphy's Law", and "Mighty Magiswords"
In 2016, "Weird Al" Yankovic continued his voice acting endeavors with roles in multiple animated series. He voiced Captain Peanutbutter, Mr. Peanutbutter's brother, in two episodes of "BoJack Horseman." He also took on the voice of Milo Murphy in the Disney XD series "Milo Murphy's Law." Additionally, he lent his voice to Papa Kotassium in an episode of Cartoon Network's "Mighty Magiswords," a series created by musician and accordionist Kyle Carrozza, a known fan of Yankovic.
2016: Yankovic Performs with Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
In 2016, Yankovic had a significant performance with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, an experience he later described as a "religious experience." This performance served as the inspiration for his 2019 "Strings Attached Tour."
2016: Prince Passes Away
Prince, the renowned musician, passed away in 2016. Yankovic had, on numerous occasions prior to his death, sought permission to parody Prince's songs, but his requests were consistently denied.
2016: George Fest DVD and Blu-ray Release
Recordings of George Fest, including Yankovic's performance, were released on DVD and Blu-ray in 2016.
2016: Mandatory World Tour Concludes
Yankovic's "Mandatory World Tour", showcasing music primarily from his album "Mandatory Fun", concluded in 2016 after a year of performances across North America and select international locations.
2017: Weird Al's Last Appearance on "Celebrity Name Game"
Weird Al's last appearance on the game show "Celebrity Name Game" was in 2017.
2017: Yankovic Performs on "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver"
In 2017, "Weird Al" Yankovic made a guest appearance on the political satire show "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," performing a new song titled "The North Korea Polka."
2017: "Weird Al" Yankovic Discusses Future Music Releases
In 2017, "Weird Al" Yankovic indicated in a "Rolling Stone" interview that he had no concrete plans for future album releases. He suggested that he might shift towards releasing singles or EPs online, allowing for more immediate release opportunities and reflecting his view that parodies can become dated quickly.
March 2018: Release of "The Hamilton Polka"
In March 2018, "Weird Al" Yankovic released "The Hamilton Polka," a medley of songs from the musical "Hamilton." This unique track became the first polka song to appear on Billboard's Digital Songs Sales Chart.
June 2018: The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour Ends
Yankovic's unique tour, "The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour", concluded in June 2018. This tour, running from February to June 2018, featured Yankovic performing mostly original, non-parody songs, and included comedian Emo Philips as the opening act.
September 2018: Weird Al in Weezer's "Africa" Music Video
"Weird Al" Yankovic appeared as the vocalist and lead guitarist in Weezer's music video for their cover of Toto's "Africa," a parody of Weezer's video for their song "Undone – The Sweater Song," published in September 2018.
2018: Cartoon Hell Theme Song
"Weird Al" Yankovic performed the theme song for the Dropout animated web series "Cartoon Hell" in 2018.
2018: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
After years of dedicated fan campaigns, "Weird Al" Yankovic received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.
2018: "Unfortunate Return Of The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour"
In 2018, "Weird Al" Yankovic embarked on his "Unfortunate Return Of The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour", which focused on his lesser-known songs.
2018: Yankovic Releases "The Hamilton Polka"
In 2018, "Weird Al" Yankovic released "The Hamilton Polka," a medley of songs from the popular musical "Hamilton."
June 2019: Strings Attached Tour Begins
Inspired by his 2016 collaboration with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Yankovic embarked on his "Strings Attached Tour" in June 2019. This tour featured Yankovic performing alongside a 41-piece orchestra at each venue, a departure from his usual band setup.
July 2020: Release of "The Hamilton Polka" Video
Following the premiere of "Hamilton" on Disney+ in July 2020, "Weird Al" Yankovic released a video version of "The Hamilton Polka" incorporating clips from the musical.
August 2020: Billboard Names Yankovic One of the Top 100 Music Video Artists of All Time
In August 2020, Billboard recognized "Weird Al" Yankovic's impact on music videos by naming him one of the top 100 music video artists of all time, acknowledging the significance of his parodies.
2020: Creation of the "Weird A.I. Yankovic" Algorithm
In 2020, Mark Riedl, a researcher at Georgia Tech, developed an algorithm capable of generating lyrics that match the rhyming patterns and syllable counts of existing songs. The algorithm was named "Weird A.I. Yankovic" as a tribute to Yankovic's skill in creating song parodies.
2020: Trump and Biden Debate Parody
"Weird Al" Yankovic collaborated with the Gregory Brothers on a video similar to "Bad Hombres, Nasty Women" after the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in 2020.
2021: Weird Al Mentioned in "Y: The Last Man"
Though he does not appear in the show, "Weird Al" Yankovic is mentioned by name in the 2021 television series "Y: The Last Man," which is based on the comic book series of the same name.
January 2022: Announcement of Biopic
In January 2022, "Weird Al" Yankovic and Eric Appel announced the production of a full-length biopic titled "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story," expanding on their 2010 Funny or Die trailer. Daniel Radcliffe was cast as Yankovic, with Evan Rachel Wood as Madonna and Rainn Wilson as Dr. Demento.
September 2022: Premiere of "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" at TIFF
The biopic "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2022.
October 2022: Yankovic's First Performance at Carnegie Hall
In October 2022, "Weird Al" Yankovic concluded his 133-show tour with his first-ever performance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.
November 2022: Release of "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story"
The biopic "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" was released on the Roku Channel in November 2022. Its soundtrack features re-recorded parodies and an original song, "Now You Know".
2022: "Weird Al" Yankovic Discusses Challenges in Identifying Parody Material
In 2022, "Weird Al" Yankovic revealed that he hadn't been creating as many parodies due to the changing landscape of popular music. He found it increasingly challenging to determine which new songs would have lasting power and broad appeal in an era characterized by niche genres and fragmented listening habits.
2022: Beck Expresses Regret over Denying Parody Permission
In 2022, Beck admitted regretting his decision to refuse Yankovic permission to parody "Loser" as "Schmoozer" early in his career. Beck explained he had been concerned about being labeled a one-hit wonder but later acknowledged the potential of the parody.
2022: Release of "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story"
In 2022, Yankovic produced another satirical film about his life titled "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story."
January 2023: New Videos Released for Older Songs
After the publication of "The Illustrated Al: The Songs of 'Weird Al' Yankovic," Yankovic collaborated with illustrators from the book to produce new videos for some of his older songs, with the first video released in January 2023.
January 19, 2023: "The Illustrated Al: The Songs of 'Weird Al' Yankovic" Published
Z2 Comics published "The Illustrated Al: The Songs of 'Weird Al' Yankovic," which compiles illustrated versions of twenty of Yankovic's songs, on January 19, 2023.