Monster Mash Legend Bobby Pickett
Bobby “Boris” Pickett performing in full monster mode during a Halloween show
🧛♂️ Bobby “Boris” Pickett (1938–2007) was the mastermind behind one of the most enduring novelty hits in music history—“Monster Mash.” Known for his theatrical Vincent Price-style voice and horror-movie parodies, Pickett turned a Halloween gag into a pop culture phenomenon. But he was more than just a one-hit wonder—he was a seasoned performer, writer, and stage presence with a career that spanned decades and crossed paths with some of the biggest names in oldies entertainment.
Born Robert George Pickett on February 11, 1938, in Somerville, Massachusetts, he grew up obsessed with classic horror films, especially those starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. That fascination, combined with his love of music and natural talent for impressions, would eventually shape the quirky persona that made him famous. He later moved to Los Angeles, where he pursued acting while performing in local bands on the side.
His big break came in 1962 when he co-wrote and recorded “Monster Mash” with Leonard Capizzi, blending a doo-wop melody with spooky narration and mad scientist flair. Released just in time for Halloween, the song shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, driven by radio DJs and teenage curiosity. With its ghoulish sound effects and Karloff-inspired vocals, “Monster Mash” was an instant holiday classic—and it wouldn’t be the last time it hit the charts.
Early Life
Bobby Pickett grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. His father managed a local theater, which gave young Bobby early exposure to movies—especially the classic horror films of the 1930s and ’40s. He became fascinated by stars like Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, and Bela Lugosi, and began imitating their voices as a child. These early impressions would later become the cornerstone of his act.
He served in the U.S. Army after high school and then moved to Los Angeles in the late 1950s to pursue acting. While working toward that goal, he sang with a doo-wop group called The Cordials. It was during a performance with them that he first broke into his Karloff voice mid-song—causing the audience to erupt in laughter. That reaction sparked an idea: combine horror voices with rock and roll. With encouragement from fellow musician Leonard Capizzi, the seeds for “Monster Mash” were planted.
Music Career
After that fateful night on stage, Bobby Pickett and Leonard Capizzi co-wrote “Monster Mash,” recording it with their band The Crypt-Kickers, which included studio musicians like Gary S. Paxton (who produced it) and even a young Leon Russell on piano. Released in 1962, just ahead of Halloween, the song’s spooky voice impressions, novelty lyrics, and eerie sound effects turned it into a massive hit. It shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a seasonal staple that still gets radio play every October.
Remarkably, “Monster Mash” wasn’t just a one-time hit. The song re-charted in 1970 and again in 1973, making it one of the rare novelty singles to reach the Hot 100 multiple times across different decades. Its enduring popularity gave Pickett a long-lasting place in pop culture, and he leaned into the monster theme with follow-ups like “Monster’s Holiday” (a Christmas-themed sequel), “Blood Bank Blues,” and “Graduation Day (for Monsters).” While none matched the original’s success, they cemented his role as the king of horror-novelty music.
In later years, Pickett continued to ride the “Monster Mash” wave, performing at oldies shows, TV specials, and Halloween events. He often shared the bill with fellow throwback legends like Donnie Brooks, Tiny Tim, Jerry Corbetta, Micky Dolenz, and Pat Upton, where his mad-scientist persona remained a crowd favorite. He also released parody songs about environmental issues, including “Monster Slash” (a takeoff about deforestation) in 2004, showing he still had bite decades after his big hit.
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Explore the Biographies of Iconic Music Stars
Film and Television
Bobby “Boris” Pickett's talents extended beyond music into film and television, where he leveraged his horror-comedy persona. In 1967, he co-wrote and starred in the stage musical "I'm Sorry the Bridge Is Out, You'll Have to Spend the Night," which enjoyed productions in local theaters across the United States. This musical later served as the basis for the 1995 film "Monster Mash: The Movie," in which Pickett reprised his role as Dr. Frankenstein. The film featured a cast including Candace Cameron, Jimmie Walker, and Mink Stole, blending classic monster characters with musical comedy.
Pickett also appeared in the 1967 beach party film "It's a Bikini World," showcasing his versatility as a performer. Additionally, he made guest appearances on various television shows, often performing "Monster Mash" and embracing his cult status within the horror and novelty music genres.
Tragic End
Bobby “Boris” Pickett continued performing well into his later years, always embracing the campy, spooky persona that made him famous. He remained active in the oldies circuit, where he was a beloved figure—especially during Halloween season. Even when novelty hits faded from radio rotation, “Monster Mash” kept him connected to fans young and old.
In his final years, Pickett battled leukemia, eventually succumbing to the illness on April 25, 2007, at the age of 69 in Los Angeles, California. His passing received warm tributes from fellow musicians, horror enthusiasts, and Halloween fanatics alike. Though best known for a single iconic song, his ability to turn that novelty into a full-fledged career showed both charm and hustle.
Pickett once joked that “Monster Mash” was “the hit that wouldn’t die”—and in many ways, he was right. Even after his death, his voice rises from the airwaves every October like clockwork, keeping his legacy undead and unforgettable.
Legacy
Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s legacy lives on in every Halloween playlist, haunted house, and novelty music countdown. “Monster Mash” is more than a song—it’s a seasonal tradition. From school dances to spooky radio specials, Pickett’s voice remains a fixture of fall pop culture. Few novelty records have achieved that kind of lasting power, and fewer still have made their creator such a recognizable character in his own right.
Beyond the song’s success, Pickett helped carve out a permanent space for comedy and camp in pop music. He paved the way for acts like Weird Al Yankovic, Elvira, and even theatrical performers like Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie, who mixed humor with horror. Pickett also embraced his fame without irony, making personal appearances, creating parody songs like “Monster Slash,” and starring in his own cult musical-turned-film, Monster Mash.
Though he’s no longer with us, Bobby Pickett’s creation rises from the grave every year, ensuring his place in music history. He didn’t just perform the Monster Mash—he became it. And in doing so, he turned a single seasonal hit into a legacy of laughter, fright, and timeless fun.
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.