MONSTER MASH, Bobby (Boris) Pickett, (Garpax #44167) 1962

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MONSTER MASH, Bobby (Boris) Pickett, (Garpax #44167) 1962
Flipside: MONSTERS’ MASH PARTY – Here is one of the really great horror dance songs of all time. Robert George Pickett was born February 11, 1938 in Somerville, Massachusetts. Also known by the name Bobby "Boris" Pickett, he was an American singer, songwriter, actor, and comedian known for co-writing and performing the 1962 hit novelty song "MONSTER MASH" at age 24!

As a result of his father's position as a local movie theater manager, Pickett watched many horror films. He started improvising impressions of Hollywood film stars at a young age.

At a turning point in his career, Pickett was a vocalist for local swing band Darren Bailes and the Wolf Eaters. He would later serve from 1956–1959 in the United States Army, stationed in Korea for a period of time.

He co-wrote his signature song "MONSTER MASH" with Leonard Capizzi in May 1962 as a spoof of the popular contemporary dance crazes. Pickett's performances include impersonations of Boris Karloff (‘The Mummy’ - 1932) and Bela Lugosi (‘Dracula’ - 1931), and although major labels declined to distribute the song, Gary S. Paxton (Garpax Records) finally agreed to release it across the United States.

"MONSTER MASH" became a million seller. It charted nationally on Billboard in October 1962 for 14 weeks and reached #1. It stayed #1 for 2 weeks!

Though Pickett never achieved the same success as he did with "MONSTER MASH" on the charts, he continued to lend his voice to further parodies and other songs throughout the rest of his life.

Pickett also made appearances on television, film, and radio as a guest star, narrator, actor, and disc jockey. He released an autobiography, “MONSTER MASH: HALF DEAD IN HOLLYWOOD” in 2005.

Sadly, at age 69, Bobby Pickett died of leukemia on April 25, 2007 in Los Angeles, CA.

I’m uploading “MONSTER MASH” this Halloween 2022 on our channel to wish all our subscribers and their families a great and safe “Happy Halloween. Now, when you’re out in your neighborhoods taking your kids and your grandchildren around getting candy, please save some Kit Kats for me. LOL. “HAPPY HALLOWEEN” from The Mints!

Enjoy this really great horror dance song “MONSTER MASH” by the late great Bobby (Boris) Pickett. The musicians who played on it were pianist Leon Russell and The Ventures’ drummer Mel Taylor (shown on the label as “The Crypt-Kickers).