ICYMI: The 90s Most Unlikely Hit (with Baz Luhrmann)

Published: July 5, 2022, 9 a.m.

b'In 1999 filmmaker Baz Luhrmann released the song \\u201cEverybody\\u2019s Free To Wear Sunscreen,\\u201d a 7-minute-long graduation speech set to downtempo electronic music. It was a highly unlikely hit that made its way across continents and eventually into the ears of a young Avery Trufelman via the album NOW That\\u2019s What I Call Music Volume 2. For over 20 years, Trufelman has applied the song\\u2019s advice to her daily life: \\u201cwear sunscreen\\u2026 be nice to your siblings\\u2026 do one thing every day that scares you.\\u201d This unusual song has left a lasting impression, and yet for Trufelman, it makes no sense that \\u201cThe Sunscreen Song\\u201d was commercially successful. We investigate the song\\u2019s many architects \\u2014\\xa0novelist Kurt Vonnegut, Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich and Baz Luhrmann himself \\u2014 to unpack one of the internet\\u2019s first conspiracy theories that turned into Billboard\\u2019s greatest outlier.\\xa0\\nWe need your help. We are conducting a short audience survey to help plan for our future and hear from you. To participate, head to vox.com/podsurvey, and thank you!\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices'