Bobby Pickett

Biography

Robert George Pickett (February 11, 1938 – April 25, 2007), known professionally as Bobby "Boris" Pickett, was an American singer-songwriter and comedian, best remembered for his 1962 novelty hit "Monster Mash." Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, Pickett was exposed to horror films early in life thanks to his father's job as a movie theater manager. This childhood fascination with classic horror greatly influenced his later work, particularly his signature impersonations of Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi.

After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Pickett moved to Hollywood in the early 1960s with aspirations of becoming an actor. While seeking acting roles, he performed with local bands such as The Cordials and Darren Bailes and the Wolf Eaters, where his Karloff impression became a crowd favorite. Encouraged by bandmate Leonard Capizzi, Pickett co-wrote "Monster Mash" as a parody of contemporary dance crazes. The song, produced by Gary S. Paxton and featuring musicians like Leon Russell and Mel Taylor, became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1962 and has since become a perennial Halloween classic, re-charting multiple times over the decades.

Though Pickett never replicated the massive success of "Monster Mash," he continued to record novelty songs, make television and film appearances, and even hosted a monster-themed radio show. He published his autobiography, "Monster Mash: Half Dead in Hollywood," in 2005. Pickett died of leukemia in 2007, but his legacy endures as the creator of one of pop culture's most enduring holiday songs.

Fun Facts

• Pickett's stage persona 'Boris' was a direct homage to horror actor Boris Karloff, whose voice he famously imitated.
• He never intended to become a singer; his original ambition was to be a movie actor, and he viewed music as a sideline.
• Despite being labeled a one-hit wonder, Pickett insisted he was not, citing a second Top 40 hit and a hit album.
• Pickett hosted a monster-themed radio show in Los Angeles and appeared in the cult film 'Frankenstein Sings!' as the mad Doctor F.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Boris Karloff - Stylistic influence; Pickett's vocal impersonations of Karloff were central to his musical persona and the success of 'Monster Mash.' ("Monster Mash" and other horror-themed performances) [1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Leonard Capizzi - Co-writer and bandmate; co-wrote 'Monster Mash' and performed together in The Cordials. ("Monster Mash") [1962]
• Gary S. Paxton - Producer; agreed to produce and release 'Monster Mash' after major labels declined. ("Monster Mash" (as Bobby (Boris) Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers)) [1962]
• Leon Russell - Session pianist; contributed piano to the original 'Monster Mash' recording. ("Monster Mash") [1962]
• Mel Taylor - Session drummer (from The Ventures); played drums on the original 'Monster Mash' recording. ("Monster Mash") [1962]

Artists Influenced

• Numerous novelty and Halloween-themed artists - Pickett's 'Monster Mash' set the template for Halloween novelty music and inspired countless covers, parodies, and themed acts. (Various Halloween compilations, covers by artists such as The Misfits) [1970s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Monster Mash (The Original Monster Mash)
2. Monster Mash (Monster Mash)
3. Monster Mash
4. Sinister Stomp (The Original Monster Mash)
5. Skully Gully (The Original Monster Mash)
6. Transylvania Twist (The Original Monster Mash)
7. Monster Mash - Cats ‘n Bats Version (Monster Mash (Cats 'n Bats Version))
8. Monster Mash
9. Monster Mash - Monster Chase Version (Monster Mash (Monster Party Spoooky Versions))
10. Monster Rap (Radio Edit) (Monster Rap)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia