Trivia

Boris Karloff was so impressed with his recording of "Monster Mash" that he performed the song while hosting an episode of TV's Pop/Rock Music show Shindig! (1964) in 1965.

His first live performance backup band was a group of young relatively unknowns called The Beach Boys.

The pianist on "Monster Mash" is blues legend Leon Russell.

He wrote "Monster Mash" in about 30 minutes. He added his own sound effects: the "creaky door" is a nail being pulled from a piece of wood, the "boiling cauldron" is Pickett blowing bubbles in a cup of water with a straw and the "rattling chains" are him moving a chain necklace up and down.

"Monster Mash" was turned down by four major labels. Finally Gary S. Paxton, who was the lead singer on The Hollywood Argyles' novelty hit "Alley Oop", released it on his own label.

He was "found" by a daughter and two grandchildren he never knew he had in 1997.

In 1962 the British Broadcasting Corp. radio network banned his song "Monster Mash" as "offensive" and "unhealthy".

"Monster Mash" was written after a band-mate suggested they showcase his impression of Boris Karloff.

His last live performance of "The Monster Mash" happened at the Chiller Theatre horror convention in October of 2006 (just months before his passing). He was joined on stage by legendary horror host John Zacherle and backed by local heroes, The Dead Elvi.

Co-wrote the song "Monster Mash".

In the late 1970s on one occasion his back-up band was (a very young) Van Halen.

His tour bus broke down outside Frankenstein, MO, at a 1973 Halloween show.

Survived by his sister, Lynda; his daughter, Nancy; and his two grandchildren.

Bob Dylan was a big fan of his novelty hit.

His son died at the age of three.

Is the only active performer whose original recording reached "the top 100" on three different occasions.

When he was 28 he auditioned for The Monkees (1965). The original ad had called for ages 17-21. Casting director Eddie Foy III does note in his audition logbook next to Pickett's name, "Too old.".