Biography
Bobby 'Boris' Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers was the project of Robert George Pickett, an American singer-songwriter and comedian born in Somerville, Massachusetts, on February 11, 1938. Growing up, Pickett was immersed in classic horror films, thanks to his father's job as a movie theater manager, which inspired his lifelong love of monster movies and his talent for impersonating Hollywood stars like Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. After serving in the U.S. Army, Pickett moved to Hollywood to pursue acting and sang with local bands, where his Karloff impression became a crowd favorite.
In 1962, Pickett co-wrote the novelty song 'Monster Mash' with Leonard Capizzi, spoofing both the era's dance crazes and classic horror tropes. The song, produced by Gary S. Paxton and featuring musicians such as pianist Leon Russell and drummer Mel Taylor, was released under the name 'Bobby (Boris) Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers.' Despite initial rejections by major labels, 'Monster Mash' became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become a perennial Halloween anthem, re-charting multiple times over the decades. Pickett continued to record parodies and appeared in various media, but never matched the commercial success of his signature hit. He published an autobiography in 2005 and remained a pop culture figure until his death from leukemia in 2007.
Pickett's musical style is characterized by novelty, humor, and theatricality, blending doo-wop, rock and roll, and spoken-word impersonations. His legacy endures through 'Monster Mash,' which remains a staple of Halloween celebrations and has influenced generations of musicians and entertainers who embrace humor and camp in music.
Fun Facts
- 'Monster Mash' was banned by the BBC in the UK for being 'too morbid,' but later became a hit there in 1973.
- The iconic sound effects in 'Monster Mash' were created with everyday objects, such as blowing through a straw in water for bubbling sounds and pulling a nail from wood for creaking doors.
- Pickett wrote 'Monster Mash' in about 30 minutes, and the song was recorded in a similarly short session.
- Leon Russell, later a rock legend, played piano on the B-side of the original single but arrived too late for the main track.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Boris Karloff - Stylistic influence; Pickett's impersonations of Karloff were central to his performances and songwriting. ('Monster Mash', stage monologues) [1950s-1960s]
- Classic Hollywood Horror Actors (e.g., Bela Lugosi) - Inspirational figures; Pickett frequently referenced and impersonated these actors. ('Monster Mash', live performances) [1950s-1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Leonard Capizzi - Co-writer and bandmate; co-wrote 'Monster Mash' and performed together. ('Monster Mash', The Original Monster Mash album) [1962]
- Gary S. Paxton - Producer and engineer; produced 'Monster Mash' and assembled the Crypt-Kickers. ('Monster Mash') [1962]
- Leon Russell - Session pianist; played on the B-side 'Monster Mash Party.' ('Monster Mash Party' (B-side)) [1962]
- Mel Taylor - Session drummer; member of The Ventures and played on 'Monster Mash.' ('Monster Mash') [1962]
Artists Influenced
- Weird Al Yankovic - Inspired by Pickett's novelty and parody approach to music. (General influence on comedy/parody music) [1980s-present]
- Numerous Halloween-themed musicians and novelty acts - Set the template for Halloween novelty songs and campy performances. (Various Halloween compilations and covers) [1970s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Original Monster Mash | 1962 | Album |
| Monster Mash and More Ghoulish Greats | 2012-06-01 | Album |
| Graveyard Shift | 2021-08-18 | Album |
| Monster Mash | 2015-02-04 | Album |
| Monster Mash | 2011-03-01 | Album |
| Sinister Stomp | 2021-08-18 | Album |
| The Original Monster Mash | 2020-01-06 | Album |
| Ghost Stories (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | 2018-04-13 | Album |
| The Original Monster Mash | 1962 | Album |
| The Original Monster Mash | 1962 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Monster Mash (The Original Monster Mash)
- Monster Mash (Monster Mash)
- Monster Mash
- Sinister Stomp (The Original Monster Mash)
- Skully Gully (The Original Monster Mash)
- Transylvania Twist (The Original Monster Mash)
- Monster Mash - Cats ‘n Bats Version (Monster Mash (Cats 'n Bats Version))
- Monster Mash
- Monster Mash - Monster Chase Version (Monster Mash (Monster Party Spoooky Versions))
- Monster Rap (Radio Edit) (Monster Rap)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Bobby 'Boris' Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2025 | 19:42 | Transylvania Twistfrom The Original Monster Mash | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri |