During his recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, renowned comedian John Mulaney discussed two intriguing subjects that resonate deeply with him: the joys of fatherhood and his admiration for the iconic band Steely Dan. His candid remarks captured the audience’s attention as he expressed, “I absolutely adore Steely Dan.” He acknowledged that opinions about the band can be quite polarized, saying, “Some people don’t like Steely Dan. It’s a very divisive band.” Mulaney humorously shared that having a son provided him with a fresh opportunity to introduce his child to the world of music, specifically using Steely Dan as a litmus test for his son’s musical tastes.

As Mulaney elaborated on his attempts to spark his young son’s interest in the sophisticated sounds of jazz rock, he mentioned, “He loves dancing; my son loves music.” To ignite his son’s enthusiasm, he played the catchy Steely Dan track “Hey Nineteen,” which he deemed a fun choice. This discussion highlights how parents often seek ways to share their passions with their children, making it a relatable experience for many viewers.

Typically, audiences of The Tonight Show are quick to respond to pop-culture references, especially when it comes to well-known album titles or movie names. However, in this instance, Mulaney’s mention of “Hey Nineteen” was met with an unexpected silence, which he quickly pointed out, saying, “Look at all the applause of recognition for ‘Hey Nineteen.’” This moment emphasized the comedian’s knack for observational humor, as he continued to share his playful anecdotes about his son, who at only nine months old, seemed indifferent to the allure of Steely Dan’s music.

As Mulaney continued his story, he humorously recalled the moment he switched from “Hey Nineteen” to another classic, “Gaucho,” from the album Gaucho. Once again, the audience remained silent when he referenced the 1980 album, a fact that Mulaney cleverly noted, saying, “Again, folks, sit down. Stop applauding.” His comedic timing and ability to engage the audience were evident as he described the amusing yet relatable experience of trying to connect with his son through music, only to find out his preferences were elsewhere.

When his son, showing his disinterest in Steely Dan, responded with “Ee-I-Ee-I-Oh,” Mulaney realized his child preferred the classic nursery rhyme “Old McDonald.” This humorous twist on the situation painted a vivid picture of the generational gap in musical tastes, highlighting how even as a parent, one can experience unexpected challenges in sharing personal favorites with their children, leading to laughter and camaraderie among the audience.

READ MORE: Steely Dan Albums Ranked Worst to Best

John Mulaney’s Son Develops a Fascination for Elvis Presley

In a delightful turn of events during the interview, Mulaney shared that his son has developed a keen interest in the music of Elvis Presley, which has even influenced the theme of his birthday celebrations. He remarked, “He’s a really big Elvis fan,” showcasing how children can gravitate towards the charisma and charm of classic artists. Mulaney described how his son was completely captivated while watching Elvis’s legendary 1968 comeback special, a stark contrast to popular animated films like Inside Out or Moana, which typically dominate children’s viewing experiences. “Staring at Elvis in a leather suit in the late ’60s” exemplified how the King’s timeless appeal transcends generations.

Watch John Mulaney on ‘The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon’