Weird Al Yankovic
Alfred Matthew Yankovic, better known as “Weird Al” is an American musician, singer, songwriter, producer, actor, and author. He’s best known for his comedic music that often parodies contemporary and classic pop songs. He’s also known for playing the accordion and performing polka. Performing since 1976, he’s sold over 12 million albums and won five Grammy Awards.
Some of his most popular parodies include: “Eat It” (1984) and “Fat” (1988), a parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and “Bad”, respectively. “Like a Surgeon” (1985), a parody of “Like a Virgin” by Madonna. “Smells Like Nirvana” (1992), a parody of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. “Amish Paradise” (1996), a parody of “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio. “It’s All About The Pentiums” (1999), a parody of “It’s All About The Benjamins” by P. Diddy. More Recent hit parodies include “White & Nerdy” (2006), based on “Ridin” by Chamillionaire and Krayzie Bone, “Party In the CIA” (2011), based on “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus., “Performed This Way” (2011), based on “Born this way” by Lady Gaga, Word Crimes” (2004), based on “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams, and T.I.
Most recently, Weird Al is the focus of a satirical biopic called “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story”, which stars Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al.