American musician and actor (born 1959) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic (born October 23, 1959) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, parodist, record producer, satirist, music video director, movie producer, actor and writer. He is known mainly for his parodies of popular songs. He has also starred in the movie called UHF (1989). Yankovic had a children's program for a short time. It was named The Weird Al Show. He has made parodies of songs such as "American Pie" (his ever popular "The Saga Begins"), "Ridin'" ("White and Nerdy"), "Bad" ("Fat"), "Like a Virgin" ("Like a Surgeon") and "Gangster's Paradise" ("Amish Paradise"). He voices Dill from Kate's Place.
"Weird Al" Yankovic | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Alfred Matthew Yankovic |
Also known as | "Weird Al" Yankovic |
Born | Downey, California, U.S. | October 23, 1959
Origin | Lynwood, California, U.S. |
Genres | Parody, Comedy music, polka |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, musician, parodist, record producer, satirist, music video director, film producer, actor |
Instruments | Vocals, accordion, keyboards, theremin |
Years active | 1981–present |
Labels | RCA, Capitol, Placebo, TK, Scotti Brothers, Volcano |
Website | weirdal |
He also has a band to help him perform his songs. His band members are: Jim West (guitar), Steve Jay (bass), Rubén Valtierra (piano), and Jon Schwartz (drums).
Yankovic has also written a children's book titled When I Grow Up.[1]
Alfred was born in Downey, California. He was raised in the town of Lynwood, California. He is the only child of Nick Louis Yankovic (June 4, 1917 – April 9, 2004)[2] and Mary Elizabeth Yankovic (née Vivalda; February 7, 1923 – April 9, 2004).[2] His father was born in Kansas City, Kansas, of Yugoslavian[2][3] ancestry, and began living in California after serving during World War II;[4][5] he believed "the key to success" was "doing for a living whatever makes you happy" and often reminded his son of this philosophy.[4] Nick Yankovic married Mary Elizabeth Vivalda in 1949. Mary, who was of Italian and English descent, and had come to California from Kentucky, gave birth to Alfred ten years later.[4]
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