# 64 Years Later, This Monster-Sized Halloween Hit Still Generates an Estimated $1 Million a Year

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/64-years-later-this-monster-sized-halloween-hit-still-generates-an-estimated-1-million-a-year/
- Published: 2026-10-31T23:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T23:11:59+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/64-years-later-this-monster-sized-halloween-hit-still-generates-an-estimated-1-million-a-year/
- Topics: Entertainment, Horror, Music

## Key points

- “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.

## Summary

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.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.