What Is Weird Al Yankovic’s Net Worth?
Weird Al Yankovic has a net worth of $20 million and is an American singer, songwriter, comedian, actor, and music producer. Weird Al, sometimes described as a “musical comic,” is best renowned for making people laugh with his songs. Weird Al Yankovic has published almost 150 original songs since he began his career.
His records have sold over 12 million copies globally, making him a commercially successful musician. Six of his albums have been certified platinum. Yankovic is best known for his witty music videos, which he directs himself and uploads on YouTube.
Weird Al Yankovic Early Life
Alfred Matthew Yankovic was born in Downey, California, on October 23rd, 1959. Al’s father constantly pushed him to “do for a living whatever makes you happy” as he grew up. Yankovic took his first accordion lesson just before he turned seven years old. Al’s love of music stems from his early interest in the instrument. After three years, Al Yankovic began to teach himself how to play the accordion, and through listening to Elton John songs, he learned how to play rock n’ roll music.
At a young age, he was influenced by comedians such as Frank Zappa, Shel Silverstein, and Spike Jones. Yankovic began kindergarten a year ahead of schedule and began high school two years behind his peers. He participated in plays and joined various clubs during his high school years, including the National Forensic League and the “Volcano Worshippers Club.”
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Weird Al Yankovic Career
Al’s Weird As a 16-year-old, Yankovic got his start on Dr. Demento’s radio show, where the radio presenter aired the teen’s taped recordings of various parody songs. During this time, he began to perform in local coffeehouses on the accordion, playing songs like 2001: A Space Odyssey. Yankovic became a DJ for the school’s radio station while studying architecture at Cal Poly, earning the title “Weird Al” for the first time. Yankovic chose to “take it on professionally” despite the nickname being a negative title bestowed upon him by his classmates.
In 1978, he released his first single, “Take Me Down,” which was eventually included on the Slo Grown LP. Following the smash success of “My Sharona,” Yankovic parodied the song with “My Bologna,” which was once again performed by Dr. Demento. When The Knack’s lead vocalist heard the song, he advised that Capital Records sign Yankovic to a record deal, which they did. Weird Al Yankovic realized at this moment that music may be a job for him and that his mediocre undergraduate grades did not promise well for a future in architecture.
In 1980, he went on Dr. Demento’s radio show to record “Another One Rides the Bus,” a parody track. Another One Bites the Dust was a cover of Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust.” The song was a huge hit, and Yankovic made his first broadcast appearances as a result of it. Yankovic toured with Dr. Demento’s radio show in 1981. Following a performance by Yankovic, a manager conducted tryouts to establish a complete band for the musical comedian.
“I Love Rocky Road,” Yankovic’s following track, became a top 40 radio hit, landing him a new record deal with Scotti Brothers Records. Weird Al Yankovic followed up with his first self-titled album. He also made his first appearance on MTV and left his mailroom job to pursue a full-time music career. Weird Al Yankovic in 3-D, his next album, featured the track “Eat It,” which reached number 12 on the charts. The song “Beat It,” a spoof of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” had its own music video.
Weird Al’s album Off the Deep End, which included the track “Smells Like Nirvana,” was released in 1992. The song is considered Yankovic’s first satirical effort, and Nirvana members are said to have found it amusing. Rick Derringer produced six of Yankovic’s albums during this phase of his career, winning two Grammys for Weird Al. Yankovic, on the other hand, began making his own music in 1992. He released the album Running With Scissors in 1999. “Pretty Fly for a Rabbi” and “The Saga Begins” were two of the album’s biggest singles.
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Weird Al Yankovic claimed in 2014 that Mandatory Fun would be his final “conventional” album, as he has found more success creating songs and music videos on YouTube and other social media platforms. Mandatory Fun went on to become the first album to reach the top of the Billboard charts. Critics praised the album, which included the song “Word Crimes,” which was based on Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.” Yankovic continued to create singles after Mandatory Fun whenever he felt inspired.
Weird Al Yankovic Personal Life
Weird Al Yankovic became a vegan in 1992 after receiving a copy of Diet for a New America. Yankovic married Suzanne Krajewski, a 20th Century Fox marketing professional. They are the parents of a single child.