Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers

Bobby “Boris” Pickett was an actor, playwright, comedian, disc jockey, singer, and songwriter best known for writing the Halloween novelty classic “Monster Mash.” ∙ The Crypt-Kickers featured the piano playing of Leon Russell, who went on to a successful solo career, including writing the 1970 standard “A Song For You.” ∙ “Monster Mash” hit the Billboard Hot 100 three different times, reaching No. 1 in 1962, No. 91 in 1970, and No. 10 in 1973. ∙ Pickett wrote and produced the 1967 stage play I’m Sorry The Bridge Is Out, You’ll Have To Spend The Night, which was later adapted as the cult film Monster Mash: The Movie. ∙ In 2004, he released “Monster Slash,” a song that protested the Bush administration’s environmental policies, with proceeds benefiting the Defenders Of Wildlife Action Fund. ∙ Legendary DJ Dr. Demento devoted an episode of his radio show to Pickett’s life and career after his death in 2007.