The Content
It elevated the absurd.
These early YouTube hits turned unknowns into Internet sensations. We tracked down five surprise superstars to see how they've capitalized on their fame.
“Evolution of Dance"
Date uploaded 2006
Views to date 137 million
Motivational speaker Judson Laipply first performed his pop-dance montage as the finale of his act. Now it's the second-most watched clip on YouTube. His popularity bumped up his speaking fees and inspired him to publish a self-help book, Might As Well Dance.
“Numa Numa"
Date uploaded 2006
Views to date 42 million
Gary Brolsma's spirited lip sync to a techno tune inspired legions of imitators -- including a spoof on South Park. He has since launched his own Numa Network and appeared in a Vizio commercial during the Super Bowl. The 24-year- old still lives at home with his mom.
“Here It Goes Again"
Date uploaded 2006
Views to date 50 million
When LA band OK Go couldn't afford to make a video, singer Damian Kulash tapped his sister, rookie filmmaker Trish Sie, to shoot it. The band's treadmill moves won the vid a Grammy, and the album sold more than 250,000 copies in the US. Sie now directs TV commercials.
“Winnebago Man"
Date uploaded 2006
Views to date 1.5 million
VHS copies of a 1989 sales video featuring foulmouthed pitchman Jack Rebney were circulating in the '90s, but YouTube made them into a viral hit. The reclusive Rebney, age 80, is now the subject of a documentary, Winnebago Man, due out this summer.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
