64 Years Later, This Monster-Sized Halloween Hit Still Generates an Estimated $1 Million a Year
Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s “Monster Mash” remains a recurring Halloween hit, reportedly earning about $1 million in royalties each year. Its continued popularity shows how a novelty song can become a seasonal tradition and provide lasting income for its creators.
Pickett wrote the song with Cordials bandmate Lenny Capizzi, drawing on his Boris Karloff impression and love of horror films; Gary S. Paxton produced it. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 just before Halloween in 1962 and held the top spot for two weeks. Pickett later said it had helped pay his rent for 36 years.
In short
- “Monster Mash” reportedly earns about $1 million in royalties annually.
- It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in 1962.
- Bobby Pickett co-wrote it with Cordials bandmate Lenny Capizzi.
Explained simply
“Monster Mash” is a comic song about a laboratory creature whose dance becomes a hit with other monsters. Bobby “Boris” Pickett wrote it with Lenny Capizzi, drawing on his impression of horror film actor Boris Karloff; Gary S. Paxton produced the recording.
Released in 1962, the song reached number one in the United States shortly before Halloween. Its spooky theme and dance beat helped it become associated with the holiday, bringing it back to listeners each year.
Royalties are payments made when music is played, sold or used. A song that returns to the charts each Halloween can keep earning long after its release, and Pickett said the song helped pay his rent for 36 years.