Behind the Music

Celebrate the Seventieth Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz with sheet music!

Posted on Sep 23, 2009 by Monica.

0

Based on a book entitled The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, the stunning musical The Wizard of Oz was produced seventy years ago today. Historically, the 1939 movie production starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan and Ray Bolger is considered one of the greatest films of all time and has inspired musicals like The Wiz and Wicked. Both the film production and the musical soundtrack have a rich history filled with interesting trivia. Did you know that the Tin Man’s makeup was toxic? Or how about the fact that Shirley Temple was also considered for the lead of Dorothy?

Musicnotes.com is thrilled to celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the Wizard of Oz by featuring beautifully-arranged sheet music and a gorgeous songbook. We’ve just received a brand new sheet music book entitled The Wizard of Oz: 70th Anniversary Deluxe Songbook from Alfred Music Publishing. This full color book marks the first time some songs from The Wizard of Oz sheet music have been published in over a century. Arranged and transcribed by Tod Edmonson and Ethan Neuburg, you’ll find movie stills, two songs from the 1903 Broadway musical production of The Wizard of Oz that include lyrics by original Oz author L. Frank Baum, biographies, fact-filled essays and more!

Cary Ginell, who works for Alfred Music Publishing, wrote the history essay for the newly published sheet music book. Not only is he a music historian, musician and author of five books on American music, he has a deep love of music that shines through his writing. We would like to extend our thanks to Cary and all the folks over at Alfred for sharing the news with us about this collector’s item, and offer our congratulations on a beautiful book. Here are a few more points we’d like to share about this sheet music book:

For the first time, all the songs from The Wizard of Oz are presented in their original keys.
Songs are newly arranged from rare M-G-M studio manuscripts & the original motion picture soundtrack.
Includes biographies of songwriters Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, as well as music director/conductor Herbert Stothart.
The “Munchkinland Musical Sequence,” is presented for the first time as it appears in the film: as an uninterrupted operetta, with all songs, dialog, and themes included.
Music is included for “The Jitterbug,” a rare song that was deleted from the original film.

In addition to this collector’s item, we also offer the songs through our digital sheet music format.

The Wizard of Oz Digital Sheet Music

For those of you who enjoy downloading sheet music from our site, we also offer many of these songs as a digital sheet music download. If you’re a big fan of The Wizard of Oz, you can also check out our selection of The Wiz sheet music and Wicked sheet music, too.

Here’s a list of some signature song titles from The Wizard of Oz that we recommend:

We’re Off to See the Wizard
If I Only Had a Heart
Over the Rainbow named “Song of the Century” by the RIAA!
Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead
The Lollipop Guild
If I Only Had a Brain
If I Only Had the Nerve
The Merry Old Land of Oz

Be sure to place your order today for this spectacular collection of sheet music from The Wizard of Oz. We hope you take the time to watch the film or read the books, too!

Continue Reading

Mark the Anniversary of WWII with Music

Posted on Sep 01, 2009 by Monica.

0

WW II soldiers Today marks the seventieth anniversary of the beginning of World War II. Even though the 1940s were a tragic time in the world’s history, this was also a very important period for music, too. Popular songs were used to boost morale and entertain troops, but they were also written to fill the hearts of those waiting at home as well.

Performed by big bands, orchestras and solo artists, there are many memorable songs from the 1940s that continue to resonate through the years. For example, there are quite a few songs from the Irving Berlin sheet music repertoire from this period, as well as several more from the collection of sheet music for songs by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra.

In addition to music written in this era, there is no shortage of powerful movie scores and songs for films set during this time period. Sheet music for Schindler’s List and the collection of songs from the Sound of Music are just two examples, but there are several others.

Here are some popular songs from this time period that we recommend:

If you haven’t already, be sure to read Before You Go a Patriotic Song’s Story, for a moving story behind a song written to honor veterans from WWII and other wars.

Continue Reading

Sheet Music for Schoolhouse Rock & Back to School

Posted on Aug 11, 2009 by Monica.

0

Get ready to break out your sheet music and practice your instruments – school is almost back in session. Believe it or not, going back to school can be a lot of fun because there are a ton of great songs for you to play and perform. Why not get a head start and play some school-inspired songs to get in the mood to learn music?

For starters, you could groove to School of Rock Guitar Tab. This song was featured in a comedy film by the same name, starring Jack Black. To help you learn this song, we also have a Guitar Guru Session of School of Rock, too. Remember, every session comes with an accompanying guitar tab so you can play this song well after you’ve mastered it.

Not into hard rock? That’s okay, we understand that you might think we don’t need no education, but we still think you do. Don’t want to keep Waitin’ in School? Maybe you should Grease back your hair and get ready for a High School Musical. After all, you don’t want to be a Beauty School Dropout, do you? If the first HSM isn’t enough, you might want to try High School Musical 2. What’s that you say? You want to Scream “I Want It All Right Now!” Okay…don’t worry! We have what you want in this High School Musical 3 Collection.

Well, before you Walk Away, you might want to study up on your lessons with Schoolhouse Rock!

Schoolhouse Rock Sheet Music

Do you remember Schoolhouse Rock? From songs like Conjunction Junction to I’m Just a Bill, Schoolhouse Rock has brought animated humor and a whole lot of fun to help teach topics like politics, science, grammar, money, math and technology.

In this money-saving Schoolhouse Rock Song Collection you can enjoy ten popular songs for only $26.95, which saves you $23.15.

Here are ten songs from Schoolhouse Rock that you might enjoy playing or singing:

What songs get you in the mood to learn your instrument or master your singing lessons? Share your favorites in the comments below!

Continue Reading

Michael Jackson and His Music Legacy

Posted on Jun 26, 2009 by Monica.

10

thriller-3 Yesterday, we were stunned by the news that Michael Jackson had passed away at the early age of 50. Musicnotes.com would like to extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Michael Jackson.

In honor of Michael Jackson’s music and the legacy he left behind both as an individual performer and his early work with the Jackson 5, we would like to share with you some of our music-related memories for this legendary performer, and also comment on how your fellow music lovers have reacted to the news.

Starting at the tender age of 11, Michael Jackson’s first professional performance was with the music group called ‘The Jackson 5,’ performing hit songs like I’ll Be There, ABC as well as the popular Christmas song I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.

Shortly after his success as a member of the family group, Michael launched his solo career. As an individual performer, Michael Jackson had fourteen number one song titles from 1972 through 1995. These songs ranged from Ben to Billie Jean to You Are Not Alone. His discography, available through Rolling Stone Magazine, is a trip down memory lane for many of us here at Musicnotes.com, because several of his albums were a part of our childhoods. Of course, these memories are tied to his elaborate music videos where we watched Michael perform while wearing a glove and a red leather jacket, sing Say, Say, Say with Paul McCartney and dance with a horde of zombies and monsters in Thriller.

From fast-paced songs like Beat It to meaningful songs like Heal the World, perhaps one of the reasons why Michael Jackson’s music is so powerful in our minds is because of his versatility as a songwriter and as a performer.

In addition to his own music, there is another song that a few of us were remembering today. As part of a massive charity effort for USA for Africa, several performers banded together to perform We Are The World. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and performed by well over a dozen music icons, this song quickly became a worldwide hit. As a powerful song, we still remember the lyrics to We Are The World and the strange and wonderful sight of performers working together for a common, noble goal. Performers included Huey Lewis, Stevie Wonder, Steve Perry, other members of the Jackson 5 and many more.

While we were reminiscing, we decided to put together a collection of sheet music for some of our favorite Michael Jackson songs. What are your favorite songs? Do you play them with a synthesizer sound or on piano?

Of course, we are not the only music lovers or professionals who are mourning the passing of this pop music legend. Music publisher Sony released a press release commenting on Michael Jackson’s passing, expressing their shock and grief.

Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: “Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences.”

Many of you have felt the impact of Michael Jackson’s passing as well, because the world of sheet music is definitely not the same today as it was yesterday. Today, Michael Jackson sheet music is the number one searched for item on our site, and many of you are downloading songs like Black or White and Remember the Time. According to Billboard Magazine, the death of Michael Jackson has also had an immediate impact on music through iTunes, Amazon.com and Twitter. To us, this phenomenon shows the powerful impact the King of Pop’s passing has on music lovers everywhere — us included. Michael may be gone, but his musical legacy will continue to be a part of our hearts and minds for years to come.

Songs from the Michael Jackson Memorial

Since Michael Jackson’s memorial earlier this week, we have received a lot of requests from customers looking for sheet music for songs performed. To aid those customers in finding these selections, we’ve listed them below, with links to the sheet music.

Smile by Charlie Chaplin and Michael Jackson. Performed by Jermaine Jackson.
I’ll Be There by the Jackson 5. Performed by Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz.
Jesus is Love by Ben Tankard. Performed by Lionel Richie.
Soon and Very Soon by Andrae Crouch. Performed by Andrae Crouch Choir.

Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer by Stevie Wonder. Performed by Stevie Wonder.
Will You Be There by Michael Jackson. Performed by Jennifer Hudson.
Human Nature by Michael Jackson. Performed on guitar by John Mayer.
Gone Too Soon, performed by Usher.
Who’s Loving You by the Jackson 5. (Composed by Smokey Robinson.) Performed by Shaheen Jafargholi (Singer from Britain’s Got Talent.)
Heal the World by Michael Jackson. Group performance.
We Are the World by USA for Africa. Group performance.

For more about Michael Jackson and his music, visit the official Michael Jackson website or watch his music videos through the Michael Jackson Channel on YouTube!

Continue Reading

Ask Musicnotes for Beginner Piano Players

Posted on Apr 30, 2009 by Monica.

4

Are you learning to play piano? From asking questions related to playing piano with both hands to learning how to play for the first time, many of you are interested in how you can play piano sheet music. While there is no musical wand we can wave to help you play like Peter Cincotti or William Joseph in a matter of days, there is one thing that you can do to help get your fingers used to practicing.

speech-bubble Beginner Piano Playing Tip: It’s not uncommon for beginner piano players to experience difficulty playing songs with both hands. To help strengthen your fingers and learn how to play with both hands, try “practicing” your sheet music on a counter-top or hard surface.

Why is this helpful? Well, if you’re focusing on a hard surface instead of a keyboard, you’ll concentrate on how your fingers work together instead of worring about hitting the right notes. Over time, you’ll begin to notice when your hands go “flat” and correct your form, too!

Remember, practicing is really the only way to get through some of your greatest challenges while you learn. It does take time to master an instrument. For example, many of our Musicnotes YouPerform contest winners have been playing for several years.

Here are two more questions we’d like to address that were very similar to several others we received, regarding proper fingering and recommendations for books:

ASK MUSICNOTES

What is the proper finger numbering for scales up 3 octaves and back? The entire circle of fifths and more. Thanks! – Stowell

There are a number of books that teach players how to practice scales, arpeggios and other music theory fundamentals. These books are called “method books” and help piano players learn how to play using a number of different techniques. We feature piano method books on Musicnotes.com, but here are a few we recommend that might help with proper fingering. The book pictured here is called “The Complete Book of Scales, Chords, Arpeggios and Cadences.” One of the reasons why we recommend this particular book, is because this is a good piano method book for both beginning and advanced piano players to use as a resource.

If you have a keyboard, there are a few method books that have been written specifically for you. One of those books is the Master Scale & Chord Guide for Keyboard; another is the Keyboard Guide – Chords, Scales & Modes In All Keys.

If you want to learn how to play guitar, we’d also like to point out that we do offer guitar method books as well.

ASK MUSICNOTES

Is there a book that I could buy and some great software that will help me learn now to play the piano? Thank You! – Derrick

One of the great things about new technology, is that many music publishers have embraced new ways to help you learn how to play piano. Alfred’s Teach Yourself To Play Piano is one book that we recommend, because it offers you the ability to learn multiple styles of music and comes with a CD. Here’s a little bit more about this piano-learning book:

The Entertainer

Amazing Grace

Well, that’s all the time we have to answer your questions today. Whether you’re just learning how to play piano or you’re an experienced pianist, we hope you enjoyed this edition of Ask Musicnotes. Don’t be afraid to keep your questions coming or chime in with your thoughts below!

Continue Reading

Did you Ask Musicnotes? Read about the Melodic Minor

Posted on Apr 14, 2009 by Monica.

2

speech-bubble While many of your questions were related to transpositions, music notation and symbols, and learning how to play piano or guitar, there were a few that were quite technical like this question about the melodic minor. We’d like to address this question here today for our advanced music lovers out there.

I have been teaching piano for over 15 years and have taught the 3 kinds of minor scales, but I have never understood the origin or the purpose of the melodic minor. I have continued to teach it along with the natural and harmonic minor scales so that if my students continue on with their music education they will know it and hopefully find someone to explain it to them later—perhaps in a college theory class?! I have asked many music-minded people over the years and have never received a satisfactory answer as to WHY we even have the melodic minor, let alone an example of a song with it in it. Any ideas??!

Sincerely,
Curious in Spokane, WA

Do you know what a melodic minor is? A melodic minor scale is based on a natural minor, but the sixth and seventh tones in the melodic minor scale will be raised by a semi-tone (half step) when the melody is moving upward toward the root note (tonic). The trick is that a melodic minor is the same as a natural minor when you play the descending scale.

Both the harmonic and melodic minor scales are used to increase the “weight” of a desire to resolve to the tonic. In the harmonic minor scale, the 7th is raised to make it a half-step below the tonic where it is referred to as a “leading tone.” If you’re in A minor and play a G sharp, you get a tangible sense that it REALLY wants to resolve upward to A – even more so than a G-natural due to proximity. Plus, the raised 7th gives us the traditional V7-i cadence.

The harmonic minor scale does present a problem, though: it creates an awkward augmented 2nd interval (3 half steps) between the 6th and 7th. Historically, going all the way back to early music and chant, this interval was considered dissonant (both melodically and harmonically) and was to be avoided or resolved immediately. By raising the 6th along with the 7th (melodic minor) this awkward interval could be avoided. The raised 6th also serves to further emphasize the upward motion toward a resolution to the tonic.

However, if you’re descending melodically in the scale – moving AWAY from the tonic, there’s no need to build “upward” motion or tension toward that resolution. The raised 6th and 7th can actually be confused for a major scale if you play them descending, resulting in a sense of tonal ambiguity. That is why the 6th and 7th in the melodic minor scale are usually employed as “raised ascending/natural descending.”

Many songs may employ the melodic minor as a phrase-shaping tool, so it can be challenging to find examples of a song that uses the melodic minor consistently. Typically, the melodic minor is usually used to shape singular phrases or passages when it is convenient for the harmony.

Have a question for our team here at Musicnotes.com? Don’t be afraid to “Ask Musicnotes!”

Continue Reading

Love Piano Sheet Music? Learn about Types of Notation!

Posted on Apr 13, 2009 by Monica.

8

piano-keyboard Notation is the way music is represented by written symbols. Symbols can include notes or other markings that indicate how to play your song. A few of you had asked what some of those musical symbols mean, and our production team recommended this list of modern musical symbols which includes everything from a “staff” to the “fermata” symbol, which looks like a bird’s eye.

Did you know that sheet music is a form of music notation? There are several different ways that a song can be written into sheet music. Often, the notation may change depending upon the arrangement, complexity and musicians involved in the piece. For example, our Singer Pro sheet music features an independent vocal line that is separated from the piano accompaniment. Whenever possible, our Singer Pro piano accompaniments are notated just as you hear on your favorite artists’ recordings. As another example, there are multiple ways that music notation for guitarists can be rendered, too.

Piano Music Notations

Here are some other piano sheet music notations that you might be interested in learning more about.

Notation Style	Example
Piano/Voice/Guitar (PVG) Typically, this notation offers the piano part, vocal line and guitar chord frames. You might also see the vocal part repeated in the piano part. Piano/Vocal/Chords (PVC) Typically the music notation offers the piano part, vocal line, and chord names above the staff. You might also see the vocal part repeated in the piano part.
Piano Solo This type of music notation doesn’t offer a vocal line, because it’s meant to be performed as a piano solo. These notations may or may not offer chord names as well.
Easy Piano This type of music notation is geared toward beginning to elementary level piano students. Sheet music may often includes lyrics, but isn’t listed as a separate vocal line. Did you know that easy piano arrangements can almost always be performed as a piano solo? However, easy piano arrangements are “abridged” and do not always contain complete lyrics. Like the piano solo notation, you may or may not find chord names above the staff.
Five Finger Piano If you’re learning how to play piano, you know how important fingering is! In this style of piano music notation, notes are numbered by finger and hands stay in one place over the same keys throughout. Typically, five finger piano notation offers the melody line of your favorite songs, but it also might include an optional teacher accompaniment.
Big-Note Big-Note notation refers to sheet music that features larger notes. These songs may include notation for easy level piano, but not necessarily. Big-Note notation is more about the “size” of the notes than the level of complexity. We recommend reviewing any songs you wish to download with big-note notation before you purchase them to ensure that the song fits your level of playing ability.
Letter or E-Z Play Today If you’re looking for the easiest type of music notation that we sell, then you’ll want to look for Letter or E-Z Play Today notation. Typically, these arrangements only focus on the right hand melody of your favorite songs and include large notes with the letters printed right in the notes.

Continue Reading

Download “(I’ll be With You) In Apple Blossom Time” for Free!

Posted on Mar 31, 2009 by Monica.

0

apple-blossom Composed by Fleeson and Von Tilzer, this song was first performed in the 1920s. (I’ll be With You) In Apple Blossom Time is a perfect wedding song for Spring. Our piano sheet music version contains a full set of lyrics with a voice solo line. The guitar tab version of the song primarily focuses on the main chorus of the song, and is great for beginning guitarists.

Although this song originated in the 1920s, the most popular version was performed by “The Andrews Sisters” during WWII. The song has been recorded by a number of artists ncluding Nat King Cole, Barry Manilow, The Platters, Jo Stafford, Wayne Newton and several others.

This song is now available for free through April 30th through our free sheet music download page, for guitarists, vocalists and pianists. Remember, if you’re curious about Guitar Guru, you can try the software with your free Guitar Guru session, too!

Here are the lyrics included with the piano/vocal (aka the Singer Pro) edition of the free sheet music! Remember, you can download your copy all throughout the month of April!

Lyrics to (I’ll be With You) in Apple Blossom Time

First Verse

I’m writing you dear,
Just to tell you
In September, you remember
‘Neath the old apple tree
You whispered to me
When it blossomed again, you’d be mine.

I’ve waited until I could claim you,
I hope I’ve not waited in vain.
For when it’s spring in the valley,
I’m coming my sweetheart again!

Chorus:

I’ll be with you in apple blossom time,
I’ll be with you to change your name to mine.

One day in May I’ll come and say,
“Happy the bride the sun shines on today!”

What a wonderful wedding there will be,
What a wonderful day for you and me!
Church bells will chime
You will be mine,
in apple blossom time.

Second Verse

I hope that you meant
what you promised
in September, you remember
and I’ve thought of the day
I’d take you away
just to have and to hold, for my own.

It’s such a long time since you kissed me
and told me that you would be true
but when the orchard is blooming
my sweetheart I’m coming to you.

Chorus:

I’ll be with you in apple blossom time,
I’ll be with you to change your name to mine.

One day in May I’ll come and say,
“Happy the bride the sun shines on today!”

What a wonderful wedding there will be,
What a wonderful day for you and me!
Church bells will chime
You will be mine,
in apple blossom time./ul>

Continue Reading

Want to Become a Better Musician? Musicnotes Wants to Help!

Posted on Mar 05, 2009 by Monica.

46

speech-bubble Are you an aspiring musician? Need help with learning your sheet music? We want to help. Just ask Musicnotes!

Musicnotes.com employs a wide range of talented individuals who are as passionate about music as you are. From professional arrangers to educators to just plain old music lovers, everyone here is dedicated to bringing sheet music to life in one way or another. We’d like to share our knowledge with you by opening the floor to your questions.

Here’s how we’d like to help you in your music endeavors:

Trying to learn music and need answers? Write down your question related to learning music or music performance and send your question to this email address: musiclovers AT musicnotes DOT com. Please put “Ask Musicnotes” in your email subject line.

We’ll choose questions to answer here on the blog, and will provide you with a detailed answer. In the interest of time, not every question may be answered. How often (and how quickly) we respond to your questions will depend on scheduling and you!

If you’re looking for ideas on what types of questions to ask, you might start by reading our tips for sight-reading post to help inspire you.

Continue Reading

Sheet Music Sight-Reading Tips for Singers and Musicians

Posted on Feb 18, 2009 by Monica.

4

Can you sight-read sheet music? Enjoy singing unfamiliar pieces at holidays? Learning to read sheet music at first glace can be pretty challenging, because sight-reading doesn’t just depend upon your musical proficiency. For singers, it can be really difficult because different vocal techniques sometimes require practicing the song measure-by-measure rather than in its entirety. If you play an instrument that uses vibrato or other modifying techniques, trills, phrasing and fast tempos can throw a wrench into your sight-reading ability.

Here are some tips to help you improve your sight-reading of new sheet music that you’re interested in playing or singing. Two of these tips were recommended to us by Twitter user @kittskrafts, and we’d like to thank her for taking the time to mention these tips.

The more you practice sight-reading the easier it gets! From Twitter @kittskrafts
Be sure of your key signature before you begin. From Twitter @kittskrafts
For singers, chant or speak the lyrics to the beat before you start singing, so you get a feel for the song’s rhythm.
Clap out beat by beat–including rests–to distance yourself from the notes so you can get the time signature down right before you play.
Try playing the piece your first time through without all the bells and whistles. Skip phrasing, trills and other embellishments to focus on getting the notes right.
If you have a really complicated piece for two hands, play through the piece focusing on just one or the other.
Attempting to speed up your fingering skills? Try playing the piece in a slower tempo before attempting a presto pace.
If you’re listening to what the song sounds like before you’re playing it, fiddle with your stereo dials to amplify the vocal line.
To ensure you’re singing is in tune, try practicing a perfect fifth or a third. For example, sing an “f” to a “b-flat.” That way, no matter what song you’re trying to sing, you’ll have a starting point.

Some of our Musicnotes YouPerform contest winners offered their tips when they were describing how they read the sheet music for our contest. You can read more about their tips on our Musicnotes YouPerform contest page. Just look for the previous contest winners.

Are you an excellent sight-reader? Have you more tips to share? We invite you to comment and share your thoughts!

Continue Reading

Read about the Song History behind “Monster Mash”

Posted on Jan 19, 2009 by Monica.

0

Musicnotes.com is proud to feature an article about the song “Monster Mash.” This brilliantly-written article has been brought to you by the HFA, and has been reprinted with permission. For more about the HFA, be sure to visit the HFA website.

Behind the Song: “Monster Mash” – Bobby “Boris” Pickett and Lenny Capizzi

Written by David Schneider, HFA Publisher Services Agent

For almost 50 years, as Halloween season rolls around, a quirky, infectious tune starts pulsating through sound-systems across the country. “Monster Mash” first topped the charts on October 20, 1962, and it has remained a favorite ever since. The enduring appeal of the song can be attributed not only to a catchy melody and charmingly theatrical lyrics, but also to a sharp publishing acumen strengthened by the belief that a “novelty” song can transcend the cultural tastes of its time.

Bobby “Boris” Pickett launched his ghoulish legacy on a whim one night by suddenly imitating the voice of Frankenstein actor Boris Karloff onstage. Inspired by the audience’s enthusiastic reception as well bandmate Lenny Capizzi’s encouragement, Pickett tweaked the narrative and, along with Capizzi, fashioned it in the bouncy “mash potato” style that was popular at the time. The track was recorded in one take by a band calling themselves “The Cryptkickers,” which included Gary Paxton, a guitarist who had experienced his own novelty hit with “Alley Oop” in 1957. Paxton pitched the final cut to a several labels. No one was interested, so he pressed the record himself and started taking it directly to radio stations — and started his kooky Halloween legacy.

“Monster Mash” charted in the Billboard top 10 twice more in 1970 and 1973, and inspired dozens of covers, parodies, adaptations, and spin-offs. The song is currently published by Si Songs and the Estate of Lenny Capizzi. Neil Gillis, President of Si Songs, explains, “We definitely see it as an evergreen. The usages are amazing It’s clearly as much of an iconic song as any.” Not only has “Monster Mash” been covered by a diverse bevy of artists ranging from The Misfits to The Beach Boys, but it has become even more firmly embedded in pop culture consciousness through placements in Happy Days, Cheers, and The Simpsons. It has even been performed on the Jimmy Kimmel Show as a costumed duet of Bobby Brown and Mike Tyson. It’s remarkable that a song which so powerfully recalls the signature style of specific era has grown to transcend every demographic in American culture for multiple generations. As Gillis notes, “It’s like an American Songbook song, a gift that keeps on giving. It will last forever.”

During his lifetime, Pickett, who passed away last year, was as instrumental as his publishers in nourishing the longevity of his creation. He released the Christmas-themed “Monsters’ Holiday” in 1962 as well as “Monster’s Rap” in 1985, which expanded upon the monster’s story in the newly popularized hip-hop style. In 1995 he starred in Monster Mash: The Movie, and in 2005 he adapted the idea for a derivative work called “Climate Mash” designed to educate listeners about the issue of global warming. Gillis reports that Si Songs is currently negotiating a line of “Monster Mash”-inspired, Halloween-themed toys, and has also entered into an exclusive deal with a film company to produce an animated film featuring characters from the song. “Monster Mash” has gone from novelty to classic, and it’s a sure bet that it will remain the theme for Halloween as long as stores are stocking candy.