Spooky songs to add to your Halloween playlist

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As a child of the 80s who grew up listening to my parents’ old vinyl records from the 50s and 60s, I can say with absolute certainty that these timeless Halloween songs have been the soundtrack of my spooktacular life! From “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead” to “Monster Mash,” these tunes have a magical way of transporting me back to the crisp autumn evenings of trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, and ghostly tales told around the campfire.

Each autumn, countless kids don costumes and pose the classic query, “Do you have any treats?” For many, Halloween ranks high among their favorite celebrations, while others might not share the same level of enthusiasm for the haunting festivities.

Back in the groovy days of the ’50s and ’60s, I found myself immersed in some spooktacular tunes that celebrated good old Halloween. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual observer of this ghoulish holiday, these tracks are sure to get your spirits soaring!

Let’s explore some of the best songs to enjoy on October 31st.

Timeless Halloween songs of the 1950s and 1960s

6. “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead”

Indeed, the tune traces back to “The Wizard of Oz,” which was released in 1939. However, it was reimagined as a groovy ’60s pop hit by The Fifth Estate in 1967. To everyone’s surprise, their rendition of the iconic movie song climbed up the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching the Top 15. The Fifth Estate’s interpretation is lively, infectious, and perfect for family-friendly Halloween celebrations. This timeless tune is a must-have in my playlist!

5. “The Purple People Eater”

By the close of the 1950s, rock ‘n’ roll dominated the musical landscape, with Elvis Presley holding court as its reigning monarch. Reflective of the youthful vibe of the times, “The Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley made its debut in 1958. This song tells the tale of a friendly purple alien who lands on Earth with dreams of joining a rock ‘n’ roll group. Known as a novelty track, it offers a peek into how deeply ingrained rock music had become by the end of the decade.

In the classic tune “The Purple People Eater,” hit singles like “Short Shorts” and “Tequila” were given a nod. Despite his questionable eating habits, he certainly had an appreciation for good music! That’s one thing we can definitely agree on. This catchy song has been a beloved Halloween tradition for over six decades.

4. “(You’re The) Devil In Disguise”

Even Elvis Presley himself contributed a song to the Halloween canon. This classic early rock record was released back in 1963 and remains one of his most popular hits. It eventually reached the Top 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was introduced to a completely new generation with Disney’s Lilo and Stitch. As a die-hard Elvis fan, I’d be amiss if I didn’t include this amazing song. An upbeat track, “(You’re The) Devil in the Disguise,” is perfect for a 50s/60s Halloween playlist.

3. “Witch Doctor”

Did you know that before creating Alvin and the Chipmunks, David Seville (also known as Ross Bagdasarian) released a famous Halloween tune called “Witch Doctor” back in 1958? This song has become a classic and is often played during October. The popularity of “Witch Doctor” inspired Bagdasarian to compose more unique tunes.

This resulted in him producing the Chipmunks and their renowned Christmas tune, “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”. Every Halloween playlist should include “Witch Doctor”. If you asked Victor Frankenstein or Count Dracula, they would concur.

2. “The Great Pumpkin Waltz”

During the early 1960s, Vince Guaraldi, an Italian-American composer, created numerous jazz classics for Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts animated specials. One of his most beloved compositions, “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” stood out as a musical highlight in the show titled “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

For my part, whenever I listen to that tune, it stirs up autumnal emotions and nostalgic recollections from my childhood. I always make sure to watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” annually, and I can’t imagine Halloween without it.

1. “Monster Mash”

1962 saw the release of Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s timeless Halloween hit, “Monster Mash.” By October that year, it had climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart! Today, it remains a staple on every Halloween playlist. Regardless of age, “Monster Mash” is an enchanting dance tune perfect for any Halloween bash! Who hasn’t heard this classic? Case closed.

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2024-10-30 16:00