Frequently Asked Questions
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How do you pronounce your last name?
Although my last name is of German origin, I was born in Ohio like my father before me. We use an Americanized pronunciation: "Unger-rite".
Why do you write parodies?
I grew up in a family of writers who enjoyed music and comedy. How could I not start writing parodies?
How long have you been writing parodies?
My first feeble attempts were in the mid to late 1970's. Although I continued writing occasional parodies over the years, I did not start writing parodies for public consumption until 2004.
Do you make a lot of money writing parodies?
Not yet, but if you want to produce an album of my work and make both of us famous and rich, I would not be opposed. You can also make a donation by clicking on the Donate button below. All donations go toward the expenses of this website.
Can I sing one of your parodies at my club meeting, company party, family reunion, or other function?
Sure! Everyone is welcome to perform my parodies. If you can, please send me a recording of the performance - I would love to hear it! And let me know if I can post your recording on this website. You can email me at parodyman@parodyman.com.
Which parody writers influenced you the most?
Far and away, Tom Lehrer is the greatest influence on my parody writing, followed by Stan Freberg. And I would probably never have become as involved with parody writing as I am today if it weren't for The Dr. Demento Show, which showed me that there is a vast community of parody writers, and AmIRight.com, which provides a forum for parody writers to share their work.
Why don't all of your parodies have mp3's?
I am not a musician. I am not a singer. (My vocal range is so small I can only sing two songs - one of them is "Mack the Knife" and the other isn't.) Therefore, I have to wait for others to perform my lyrics and provide me with mp3's or other recordings (and give me permission to post them).
How often do you write parodies?
I am constantly working on parodies. Starting at the end of 2004, I have typically completed one to five parodies per month.
How long does it take to write a parody?
It varies greatly. I have written several parodies in less than an hour, while others can sit around for weeks, months, or even years waiting for me to find the right words to finish them.
Are all of your parodies posted on this website?
No. Some parodies I write for specific audiences, and those are not posted here. You can see and hear some of those parodies on AmIRight.com, The Black Knight and Squire G Show, and the Below Average Dave Parody Network.