Spooky songs to add to your Halloween playlist

Every fall, millions of children dress up as they ask the age-old question, trick or treat? Halloween is a favorite holiday for some, while others may not get as excited for the spooky season.

Whether you're a Halloween enthusiast or not, plenty of great songs from the 1950s and 1960s pay tribute to the holiday.

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"

Yes, this song originated from The Wizard of Oz in 1939. However, it received a great 60s pop cover from The Fifth Estate in 1967. Their version of the classic film song rose all the way to the Top 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming an unexpected smash. The Fifth Estate's cover is fun, catchy, and great for family Halloween parties. Perfect for all ages, this song is definitely on my playlist!

5. "The Purple People Eater"

In the late 1950s, rock 'n' roll was everywhere, and Elvis was king. In the spirit of the era's youth culture, Sheb Wooley's "The Purple People Eater" was released in 1958. The song discusses a purple people-eating alien who comes to visit Earth not to harm others but to join a rock 'n' roll band. A classic novelty track, the song is just a glimpse into how profound rock became at the end of the decade.

Throughout "The Purple People Eater," popular records such as "Short Shorts" and "Tequila" were given a shoutout. Yes, the alien had horrible eating habits, but at least he had an ear for great music! Gotta give it to him there. A fun song, it has been a Halloween staple for more than 60 years.

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"

Remember Alvin and the Chipmunks? Before Ross Bagdasarian (more commonly known as David Seville) partnered with his furry little friends, he released an iconic Halloween song in 1958. "Witch Doctor" is legendary and one of the most frequently played records in October. The song's success encouraged Bagdasarian to write more novelty songs.

This led to his creation of the Chipmunks and their Christmas classic, "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)." No classic Halloween playlist would be complete without "Witch Doctor." Ask Victor Frankenstein or Count Dracula and they'll agree.

2. "The Great Pumpkin Waltz"

In the early 1960s, Italian-American composer Vince Guaraldi contributed multiple jazz masterpieces for Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts cartoon specials. "The Great Pumpkin Waltz," one of his most endearing, was the musical highlight of "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."

At least for me, whenever I hear this instrumental, it evokes feelings of fall and beautiful childhood memories. I love watching "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" every year, and no Halloween would be complete without it.

1. "Monster Mash"

In 1962, Bobby "Boris" Pickett released perhaps the most famous Halloween song of all time, "Monster Mash." That October, the song rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100! Still iconic, it is included on pretty much every Halloween playlist. Whether you're young or young at heart, "Monster Mash" is a spooktacular dance song for every party! Who doesn't know this one? Nuff said.

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