Printable Biography of Weird Al Yankovic

He first took up the accordian when a salesman came around to solicit business for a music school. His parents, Nick and Mary Yankovic decided on the accordian because of polka king Frankie Yankovic (no relation). As a child and young teen, Al watched alot of TV, which formed a great inspiration for his later work. He also became a fan of such musician/comedians as Allan Sherman and Spike Jones. He became especially acquainted with these musicians through the Dr. Demento radio show, which would later become a great source of publicity for his talents. After an extraordinary career at Linwood High School, where Al graduated as Valedictorian, Al attended the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo in order to study architecture, a field he is said to have chosen because it was listed first in the catalogue (although he has said that he really chose it on the advice of a guidance counsellor). It was at Cal Poly that Al had a radio show and earned the nickname "Weird Al". Although he had sent tapes to Dr. Demento in the past, it was at Cal Poly where he recorded his first real published piece, a parody of the popular "My Sharona" by The Knack , called "My Bologna". After the astounding success of that song, forever to be known as the "bathroom recording" as it was recorded in the .. acoustically perfect mens' room, Al launched into a phenominal career that has spanned 9 albums, numerous compilations, a box set, movies, videos, and edible underwear. He has also done a great deal to advance the cause of accordian wielding weirdos, which we are all thankful for.