Happy birthday to “Weird Al” Yankovic, who turns 62 today (October 23). Though we’re not sure if that makes us old or young? But Weird Al would probably prefer us confused that way.
In history, perhaps no one on earth has done more to promote the parody song genre as the great Weird Al. With his long wavy, flowing hair, accordion, and brand of outlandish, often provocative lyricism, Weird Al has made a name, career, and big bank account out of getting listeners to giggle.
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Whether getting into spats with artists like Coolio or dressing up in fat suits for a Michael Jackson-inspired song, Weird Al is a genius of the people. And below are the Downey, California-born artist’s Top 10 songs.
10. “White & Nerdy”
9. “Tacky”
8. “Yoda”
7. “Headline News”
6. “Smells Like Nirvana”
5. “Polka Face”
4. “Like A Surgeon”
3. “Fat”
2. Eat It
1. “Amish Paradise”
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These 1970s parody songs beat all the "real" music on the charts. They blurred the lines between fake song and true hit. -
AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 01: Photo of AC DC and Angus YOUNG and AC/DC and Mark EVANS and Bon SCOTT; Mark Evans, Angus Young (playing Gibson SG guitar), Bon Scott – performing live onstage, c.1975/1976 (Photo by Bob King/Redferns) -
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Don Gibson Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 2 — Pictured: Musical guest Boz Scaggs performs on September 25, 1976 — Photo by: NBCU Photo Bank -
Barry Manilow in concert at the Bottom Line, NYC during Barry Manilow Achive Images – 1975 in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Bobby Bank/WireImage) -
(Original Caption) Charlie Daniels (3rd from left), the entertainer who dedicated his last album to "gun-rotting whiskey and hellatious fights" says he will not play gentle music just to please "damn Yankees drinking martinis" 1/20 at Jimmy Carter's inaugural reception. Daniels said he plans to play the same brand of foot-stomping Southern music he and his band have always produced. They are (from left), Charlie Hayward, Tom Crain, Daniels, Joel Digregorio, Don Murray and Fred Edwards.
