Monster Mash - The Only Halloween Song? Quiz

Answer:

The "Monster Mash" is a novelty song that was released in August 1962. Bobby "Boris" Pickett wrote and sang it with his band, the Crypt-Kickers. The "Mashed Potato" had become a huge dance craze and Pickett, an aspiring actor who loved horror movies, needed some cash (some Monster Cash). In his comedy routines he frequently imitated Boris Karloff during his acting monologues. People loved the impression, so Pickett decided to combine his vocal talent with the popular dance trend. The song was an instant smash (a Monster Smash), reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart just before Halloween that same year.

The success of the song trapped Pickett in his own creation. He spent the rest of his life trying to recreate that initial lightning in a bottle, but his follow-ups failed to catch on. He rushed out a Christmas version called "Monster's Holiday" in late 1962, but it was basically a carbon copy of the original and was complete trash (Monster Trash). Later, he released desperate variations like "The Monster Swim" in 1964 which failed to make a splash (a Monster Splash). Later "Monster Rap" in 1984 which was just a rehash (a Monster Rehash). He even put out an environmental protest track called "The Climate Mash" in 2005 which was total hash (Monster Hash). Pickett never found mainstream success as a serious actor or musician. He eventually embraced his role as a one-hit wonder and performed the song at horror conventions until he died of leukemia in 2007.

Today, the legacy of "Monster Mash" is truly and sadly unmatched. It is the definitive (and only?) Halloween anthem. The song returned to the music charts multiple times, including a major resurgence in 1973. It has appeared in movies, television shows, and holiday playlists (as the only real Halloween song) for over sixty years. Pickett toured and performed the song for the rest of his life, fully (and finally) embracing his identity as the "Monster Mash" guy. The track remains a staple of pop culture because...well...because there just isn't anything else out there.