Clear-cut musical comedy is something Al Yankovic has mastered and perfected the art of musical parody.

Al’s material can often be heard on Sirius 105 Laugh USA.

I first heard Al while I was in Elementary school. A classmate brought his music to my attention explaining the concept of someone changing the words of top 40 hits and making them funny. What was even more funny was that many of these top 40 songs only became enjoyable when Weird Al put his special spin on them.

The madman of the rock and roll accordion is well known across the world for his parodies. Subsequently, Al has inspired countless others to write their own parodies and spoofs of any kind of music. Al’s brave risks have paid on in major dividends which have given him 7 grammy nominations and 2 grammy awards.

Al’s original music has also been significantly popular just on its own weight. Al will infuse his own accordion and polka background with clever melodies to come up with catch and funny tracks that will stick with listeners. Al is someone who has never been  afraid to take chances even in the face of some adversity. Most notable of that adversity is when he recorded the brilliant “Amish Paradise”, which was a parody of rapper Coolio’s “Gangster’s Paradise”. Coolio denied permission for Al to record the song, but his record company thankfully gave Al the go-ahead.

A wonderful performer, gifted improviser and tremendous human being, I am thankful for the humour of Weird Al Yankovic.