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.
Videos by American Songwriter
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”
More The List
-
American country singer Bill Anderson on stage, USA, circa 1970-1980. (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns/Getty Images) -
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of Phil COLLINS (Photo by Ian Dickson/Redferns) -
UNITED KINGDOM – NOVEMBER 16: WEMBLEY ARENA Photo of RADIOHEAD and Thom YORKE, Thom Yorke performing live onstage (Photo by Patrick Ford/Redferns) -
Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images -
NETHERLANDS – JANUARY 01: NETHERLANDS Photo of Liam GALLAGHER and Noel GALLAGHER and OASIS, L-R:Tony McCarroll, Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs, Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, Paul 'Guigsy' McGuigan – posed, group shot (Photo by Michel Linssen/Redferns) NETHERLANDS – JANUARY 01: NETHERLANDS Photo of Liam GALLAGHER and Noel GALLAGHER and OASIS, L-R:Tony McCarroll, Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs, Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, Paul 'Guigsy' McGuigan – posed, group shot (Photo by Michel Linssen/Redferns) -
LOS ANGELES – JUNE 12: Rock band Radiohead (Thom Yorke 2nd from left) poses for a portrait at Capitol Records during the release of their album OK Computer in Los Angeles, California on June 12, 1997. (Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
American Country musician Vince Gill plays electric guitar as he performs onstage at the Beacon Theatre, New York, New York, May 15, 1991. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
