9 Ways Pittsburgh Pop Culture Shaped Our View of Life

Growing up in Pittsburgh has given us a unique view of pop culture. Our beloved singer performs at Penguins games. Our heartthrob graduated from St. Bernards and our version of Al Roker, while still treasured by all, is now retired. We put together a list of who (and what) makes Pittsburgh pop culture so unique. Keep in mind, this is all in good fun, so please read with a humorous eye!

1. Justin Bieber? We’ve got Jeff Jimerson.

Jeff Jimerson has been the Penguins National Anthem singer for decades, and also performs with Airborne, a Pittsburgh-based band. Bieber? He wore a Pens jersey once and almost cost us the Cup.

Pittsburgh Pop Culture

 

 

Pittsburgh Pop Culture

2. Our Adele? America’s Got Talent winner Jackie Evancho.

Adele is one of the greatest singers in the world, but 17-year-old Jackie Evancho is not yet 20 and can sing like this. Oh, and she also grew up in Pittsburgh, beginning her education at Pine-Richland schools.

Pittsburgh Pop Culture Pittsburgh Pop Culture

3. Our version of Al Roker—the great Joe DeNardo.

Sure, Al Roker is a great meteorologist, but there’s just something about knowing “Joe said it would.”

Pittsburgh Pop Culture

Pittsburgh Pop Culture

4. Our Grammy Awards take place every spring; they’re called the Kelly Awards.

The annual Gene Kelly Awards celebrating high school musicals are entertaining and inspiring to youth interested in maybe someday actually earning a Grammy.

Pittsburgh Pop Culture Pittsburgh Pop Culture

5. Brad Pitt? Eh, we have Joe Manganiello.

That beautiful of a man and wearing a Steelers jersey–you just can’t beat it!

Pittsburgh Pop Culture Pittsburgh Pop Culture

6. Whatever horror movie of the moment has nothing on the camp and spookiness of “Night of the Living Dead.”

George Romero’s small independent horror movie “Night of the Living Dead” became a huge hit, and many modern horror movies have used it as inspiration.

Pittsburgh Pop Culture Pittsburgh Pop Culture

7. Snapchat? We have the original version—good neighbors you talk to all the time, not behind a screen.

Pittsburgh is known for its kind neighbors and for being full of good people. Whatever trendy app comes to fruition, well, you just can’t beat a good old-fashioned conversation with your Pittsburgh neighbor.

Pittsburgh Pop Culture

Pittsburgh Pop Culture

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