25 August, 1962.

Of all the Hallowe’en themed songs, this is the one my head picks? Still, at least it’s in context with the day.

A chart topping novelty record born from a Boris Karloff impersonation that Pickett performed live on stage with his band the Cordials one night. Following a positive response from the audience, fellow band member Lenny Capizzi and Pickett composed this track.

The song reached number one in the US but in the UK it was banned on it’s original release for being too morbid. A re-release in 1973 saw it climb to number three in the UK charts whilst achieving success in the US for a second time when it reached number ten.

Now, over fifty years later this is still a favourite for Hallowe’en.