Pickett is, of course, the man doing the Boris Karloff impression on the Halloween hit "Monster Mash." He moved to L.A. in 1961 following his discharge from the army, hoping to become an actor. He joined a singing group called The Cordials, and after perfecting his Karloff voice, co-wrote "Monster Mash" with Cordials member Leonard Capizzi to take advantage of the Mashed Potato dance craze. The Crypt-Kickers were comprised of Leon Russell, Johnny McCrae, Rickie Page, and producer Gary Paxton. Pickett had a few other minor chart singles, but he will forever be known for his one massive hit.