It is All Hallows' Eve, which, alas, means Rocktober is coming to a close. Please be sure to tune in tomorrow and all next month for Gnomevember -- a daily look at suburban lawn ornaments and the assholes who cherish them.
But for now, we still rock. I couldn't have a Rocktober celebrating the '60s without one of the most famous Halloween and novelty songs ever. In 1962, aspiring actor and musician Bobby Pickett wrote and recorded "Monster Mash" with a backing band called The Crypt Kickers. He had done some Boris Karloff impressions during shows with his regular band, and that had gone over well, so he and another bandmate decided to write "Monster Mash" (and a whole album full of monster-themed songs). They recorded the song and album in May 1962, with future Rock and Roll HOFer Leon Russell on piano and Mel Taylor of surf rockers (and also future Rock and Roll HOFers) The Ventures on drums, among others. Backing vocals on the song are provided by The Blossoms, featuring future Rock and Roll HOFer Darlene Love.
"Monster Mash" has been a Halloween staple since then. It was released in August 1962 and hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October of that year. It has been re-released a few times, and even hit #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973.
Happy Halloween, you ghouls.
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