Who Sings the Monster Mash? The Iconic Tale behind Bobby "Boris" Pickett's Hit

Ever heard the spine-tingling tune of "Monster Mash" and wondered, "Who sings the monster mash?" Well, grab your garlic and wooden stakes, because we're diving into the graveyard to uncover the story behind this Halloween classic! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and who sings the monster mash.

The Man behind the Mash: Bobby "Boris" Pickett

So, who sings the monster mash? The man responsible for this spooktacular hit is Bobby "Boris" Pickett. But he wasn't always a monster-mashing musician. Born Robert George Pickett in 1938, he was an aspiring actor with a knack for impersonating the famous horror film actor, Boris Karloff. Hence, the moniker "Boris" was born.

A Career Shift

Pickett's acting career was going steady, but he yearned for something more. He wanted to create a unique, fun song that would capture the essence of horror movies and Halloween. Little did he know, his monster mash would become a Halloween anthem that continues to haunt the airwaves every October.

The Birth of the Monster Mash

In 1962, Pickett was staying at the Castaways hotel in Hollywood. One night, he and some friends were brainstorming song ideas. Pickett suggested a song about monsters, inspired by the monster movie craze of the '50s and '60s. His friends loved the idea, and Monster Mash was born.

Writing the Lyrics

Pickett penned the lyrics in just 15 minutes. He drew inspiration from classic monsters like Dracula, Wolfman, Frankenstein, and the Mummy. The song tells the tale of a monster dance party hosted by Dracula, with special guest DJ Wolfman Jack on the decks.

Recording the Monster Mash

With lyrics in hand, Pickett approached Leonard Steinberg, a record producer and owner of Garpax Records. Steinberg loved the song and agreed to produce it. They assembled a group of session musicians, including Larry Knechtel on piano and Dennis McCarthy on guitar. Pickett, with his Karloff-inspired voice, laid down the vocals.

The Iconic Intro

The song's iconic intro, featuring a monster groaning and a coffin creaking open, was added in the studio. It was a last-minute addition that would become one of the song's most recognizable elements.

The Rise of the Monster Mash

Monster Mash was released in August 1962, just in time for the Halloween season. It was an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It sold over one million copies and earned a gold disc from the Recording Industry Association of America.

The Follow-up

Pickett and Steinberg quickly recorded a follow-up song, Monster's Holiday, but it couldn't replicate the success of Monster Mash. Nevertheless, Pickett's monster mash legacy was secured.

The Legacy of the Monster Mash

Monster Mash has become a Halloween staple, played annually on radio stations worldwide. It has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beach Boys, The Misfits, and Bobby "Boris" Pickett himself (in a 1973 re-recording).

Pop Culture Influence

The song has also made its mark on pop culture. It was featured in movies like Scary Movie 2 and The Nightmare Before Christmas. It even inspired a Monster Mash dance craze in the '60s.

Bobby "Boris" Pickett's Legacy

Pickett continued to act and write music until his death in 2007. But his monster mash legacy lives on. Every Halloween, as the sun sets and the pumpkins glow, you can hear his voice booming, "I was working in the lab late one night..."

So, the next time you hear Monster Mash and wonder, "Who sings the monster mash?" remember the tale of Bobby "Boris" Pickett, the man who gave us the ultimate Halloween jam.