The Monster Mash Single That Inspired A Career In Broadcasting
The Halloween favorite, “The Monster Mash,” was originally released in 1962 on the Garpax record label. The novelty song was by artist Bobby “Boris” Pickett. “The Monster Mash” made it all the way to number one and charted more than once over the years. The studio producers used sound effects (like the sound of a coffin opening) that were imitated by a rusty nail being pulled out of a board. The sound of a cauldron bubbling was simulated by water being bubbled through a straw.
Monster Mash A Halloween Favorite
The Halloween favorite has been clawing its way on the charts every year since. It’s been covered by maybe the most eclectic group of bands of any song ever (the Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Vincent Price, Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Smashing Pumpkins, and The Misfits, but the original is still the preferred classic. Also when it comes to lists of the best of Halloween music. The song tops almost all the lists.
The B-side of Monster Mash. The Monster Mash Party
How The Monster Mash Inspired A Career In Broadcasting
In 1968 my favorite Aunt Linda Randall went to Michigan State University in the broadcast arts and other fields. Which amazed me and gave me some of her record albums and 45′ records she had when she came to visit. In the stack of 45’s was The Monster Mash. on the original label. First pressing record. To some that doesn’t seem much, but to a record collector it means everything. Some recordings change over the years as some records are released with different recordings of the song. I was so happy to get these records and looked up to my Aunt Linda as an inspiration for what I wanted to be later in life. Who would have guessed it would turn into a forty-year career in radio?
The Monster Mash Record
The Groove
The condition of the 45, if it were graded, is pretty poor. I played it on so many nonconventional record players and it was not kept in a sleeve for many years. I do have a better copy of the song. Something about the old worn-out grooves on this record brings back memories of listening to records in my room or in my basement which doubled as a floor hockey rink. Still sounds great and during this Halloween season, Pickett is getting played once again.
I’m not the only one feeling the Halloween spirit… check out what Doni has going on.
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