"Weird Al" Yankovic's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of "Weird Al" Yankovic. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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.

1983: Release of First Album and "Ricky" Single

In 1983, Yankovic's first self-titled album was released, and the single "Ricky" gained exposure on MTV, leading him to quit his job and pursue music full-time.

April 14, 1984: "Eat It" Peaks on Billboard Hot 100

On April 14, 1984, "Eat It" peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Yankovic's highest-charting single at the time.

1992: Rejection of "Snack All Night" and Inspiration from Nirvana

In 1992, Michael Jackson denied Yankovic's parody of "Black or White" called "Snack All Night". Later in 1992, Yankovic wrote "Smells Like Nirvana," a parody of Nirvana's hit, and secured their permission. The song revitalized his career.

1992: MTV Video Music Awards Nomination

In 1992, the music video for "Smells Like Nirvana" contended with Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" at the MTV Video Music Awards for Best Male Video, demonstrating the impact and recognition of Yankovic's parodies.

2004: Eligible for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2004, Weird Al Yankovic became eligible for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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.

October 2006: "White & Nerdy" Peaks at No. 9

In October 2006, "White & Nerdy" placed at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, surpassing "Eat It" as Yankovic's highest-charting single.

2006: Release of "White & Nerdy" and Straight Outta Lynwood

In 2006, Weird Al released the top 10 single "White & Nerdy" and the album Straight Outta Lynwood, contributing to his continued success and helping him escape the one-hit wonder stigma often associated with novelty music. This marked a significant career milestone for Yankovic in 2006.

2006: Release of "Straight Outta Lynwood" and "White & Nerdy"

In 2006, Yankovic released his first top ten Billboard album, "Straight Outta Lynwood", and single, "White & Nerdy", achieving significant mainstream success nearly three decades into his career.

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.

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.

February 20, 2011: When I Grow Up Reached NY Times Bestseller List

For the week of February 20, 2011, Weird Al Yankovic's book "When I Grow Up" reached the No. 4 position on The New York Times Best Seller list for Children's Picture Books.

2011: Lady Gaga Gives Permission for "Perform This Way"

In 2011, after initially being denied permission to parody Lady Gaga's "Born This Way", Lady Gaga gave Yankovic permission to release "Perform This Way" after its release on YouTube and subsequent spread via Twitter, calling it a "rite of passage" for her career.

May 31, 2014: ACE Award from National Cartoonists Society

On May 31, 2014, Weird Al Yankovic won the ACE Award (Amateur Cartoonist Extraordinaire) from the National Cartoonists Society.

2014: Release of Mandatory Fun

In 2014, Yankovic released "Mandatory Fun", which became his first No. 1 album on the Billboard charts, supported by viral music video releases.

2014: Release of Eight Music Videos for Mandatory Fun

In 2014, to promote his album Mandatory Fun, Yankovic produced eight music videos and released them over eight consecutive days, utilizing social media portals to cover production costs and achieving significant views, which helped the album reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

2014: "Word Crimes" Reaches Billboard Top 40

In 2014, with "Word Crimes" from Mandatory Fun debuting at No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100, "Weird Al" Yankovic became the third musical artist after Michael Jackson and Madonna to have a song in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 over each decade since the 1980s.

2015: Album Sales Milestone

By 2015, Yankovic had sold more than 12 million albums, demonstrating his enduring popularity and success in the music industry.

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.

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.

2018: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2018, after fan campaigns, Yankovic received his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

August 2020: Billboard Names Yankovic Top Music Video Artist

In August 2020, Billboard named "Weird Al" Yankovic No. 15 of the top 100 music video artists of all time, highlighting the importance of his video parodies to his success.