History of Weird Al Yankovic

Al Yankovics Birth

Oct 23, 1959

The world is gifted Alfred Matthew Yankovic on October 23, 1959 in Downey, California

The Music of Weird Al Yankovic

Period: Oct 23, 1959 to Feb 17, 2016

First accordian lesson

Oct 22, 1966

Yankovic's destiny to becoming a star started with this lesson.

First appearance on Dr. Demento

Mar 14, 1976

Yankovic got his first exposure on Dr. Demento's radio show by having his first song played on the show, which was his first step in his career.

First single "My Bologna"

Sep 16, 1979

My Balogna
Al's parody of "My Sharona" by the Knack was recorded in September of 1979, his first real song.

Signs with Scotti Bros. Records

May 20, 1982

The first record label Al signed with and later launched his career.

Releases first album "Weird Al Yankovic"

Apr 26, 1983

I love rocky road
Released in 1983, Al's album was number 139 on Billboard 200 and reciece lukeworm reviews, with reviewers feeling that he would not last long as a novelty act.

Released Album: In 3-D

Feb 28, 1984

In 3d
This album would peak at number seventeen on Billboard 200, and recived mostly positive reviews from critics, with his most popular single "Eat it" coming from this album.

Dare to be Stupid

Jun 18, 1985

Dare to be Stupid
This album recieved mixed reception but still sold well and peaked on number fifty on Billboard. One of his more famous singles "Like a Surgeon", Parody of Madonna's "Like a Virgin", was on this album.

Polka Party

Oct 21, 1986

Living with a Hernia
Reaching 117 on Billboard, this album was a critical and commercial failure, reciving mixed reviews. Was still nominated for a Grammy in 1986.

Even Worse

Apr 12, 1988

Fat
Reaching number 27 on Billboard, this was Yankovic's best selling album. His song "Fat," a parody of Michael Jackson's "Bad," won a grammy for Best Concept Music Video in 1989.

Peter and the Wolf

Oct 4, 1988

Peter and the Wolf
A parody of Sergei Prokofiev's work Peter and the Wolf, as retold by "Weird Al" Yankovic and re-arranged by Wendy Carlos

Weird al Yankovic's Greatest Hits

Oct 18, 1988

Like a Surgeon
This album was met with mostly positive reviews from critics, but failed to reach a rank on Billboard.

UHF Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Jul 18, 1989

Money for Nothing
This album served as the official soundtrack to the 1989 film of the same name, which was not a success in theatres. Peaking at only 146 on the Billboard 200, the album was not a commercial success, and received only lukewarm critical attention.

Off the Deep End

Apr 14, 1992

Smells like Nirvana
This album was met with mostly positive reviews and peaked at number seventeen on the Billboard 200. The album also produced one of Yankovic's most famous singles, "Smells Like Nirvana," a parody of Nirvana's major rock hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

The Food Album

Jun 22, 1993

Lasagna
This album was released with Al not wishing to do so, with him feeling it was only for his record label to make money. The Food Album received mixed reviews from music critics, many of whom felt that the record was an enjoyable collection of songs, but that it was not an essential record to purchase.

Alapalooza

Oct 5, 1993

Bedrock Anthem
Alapalooza met with average to negative reception upon its release, with some critics commenting that the album seemed hurried and out of touch with contemporary music.

Permanent Record - Al In the Box

Sep 27, 1994

Another one Rides the bus
The collection was met with mostly positive critical reviews, with many appreciating the gathering of some of Yankovic's best works. However, the box set was not a high seller, and near the end of the 1990s, it ranked as Yankovic's least-purchased album. It peaked at number 104 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Weird Al Yankovic's Greatest Hits Volume 2

Oct 25, 1995

Headline NewsRicky
The compilation album was met with mostly positive critical reviews, and it managed to chart on the Billboard 200 at number 198. However, it ranks as one of Yankovic's least-selling records.

The TV Album

Nov 7, 1995

Ricky
The TV Album is a compilation CD of songs by "Weird Al" Yankovic that features songs about television and TV shows.

Bad Hair Day

Mar 12, 1996

Amish Paradise
Bad Hair Day was met with mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising "Amish Paradise," a parody of Coolio's "Gangsta Paradise," in particular.The album peaked at number fourteen on the Billboard 200

Running With Scissors

Jun 19, 1999

The Saga Begins
Running with Scissors was met with mostly positive reviews, with many critics praising "The Saga Begins," parody of Don Mclean's "American Pie." However, some felt that the album was rushed. The album peaked at number 16 on the Billboard 200.

Poodle Hat

May 20, 2003

Trash Day

Straight Outta Lynwood

Sep 26, 2006

White & Nerdy
Straight Outta Lynwood was met with mostly positive reviews, with many critics praising "White & Nerdy" and "Trapped in the Drive-Thru". Some of the original songs, however, were met with a more mixed reception. The album peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200.

The Essentail Weird Al Yankovic

Oct 27, 2009

I Lost on Jeapordy

Alpocalypse

Jun 21, 2011

Perform This Way
Alpocalypse has received moderately favorable reviews from critics, and ebuted on the Billboard 200 at number 9.

Mandatory Fun

Jul 15, 2014

Handy
After Yankovic's 32 years under contract, Mandatory Fun marks his first number one album in the United States. It received positive reviews from contemporary music critics.The album won for Best Comedy Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, Yankovic's fourth career Grammy.