The Memory Palace – Episode 150: "Late One Night"

Release Date: October 17, 2024
Host: Nate DiMeo

Introduction and Book Announcement (00:00 – 04:24)

In the opening moments of Episode 150, Nate DiMeo shares exciting personal news with his listeners. He announces the forthcoming release of his book, set to debut on November 19, 2024. Drawing parallels to beloved childhood collections like Ripley's Believe It or Not and Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends, Nate expresses his desire to compile the captivating stories from The Memory Palace podcast into a tangible book. He emphasizes the magic of revisiting these stories over time, offering new perspectives with each reading.

Nate DiMeo [00:21]: "I grew up loving these old paperback collections... something that you can hold in your hands, give as a gift, and something that could live on your shelf."

Nate also underscores the importance of supporting independent media amidst a landscape dominated by media consolidation and corporate interests. He appeals to listeners to contribute financially, ensuring the continued production of The Memory Palace and other Radiotopia shows.

Nate DiMeo [02:15]: "Listener support provides the foundation of each of these shows... It allows me to keep the lights on at the Memory Palace even in times like these when ad revenue is vanishing."

Main Story: Bobby Boris Pickett and the Monster Mash (04:24 – 18:56)

The heart of Episode 150 delves into the fascinating story of Bobby Boris Pickett, the creator of the iconic novelty song "Monster Mash." Narrated with vivid detail, the episode chronicles Pickett's journey from his humble beginnings to unexpected fame.

Early Career and Creation of Monster Mash

Bobby Pickett, a young artist fresh out of high school in Boston, moves to Hollywood with dreams of stardom. Amidst the vibrant entertainment scene, Pickett collaborates with his friend Lenny to craft what would become one of Halloween's most enduring hits. The spontaneous creation of "Monster Mash" took only 30 minutes:

Narrator [07:08]: "It took him 30 minutes, just half an hour when they could have been doing anything else but decided to write a goofy song about monsters."

Pickett's dedication is evident as he adopts various monster personas, including Dr. Frankenstein and Dracula, to bring the song to life in the recording studio.

Narrator [14:22]: "Bobby named the band at the Monster Party of the Coffin Bangers. Lenny named the backup singers the Crip Kicker 5."

Rise to Fame and Immediate Success

Upon its release in August 1962, "Monster Mash" swiftly climbed the Billboard singles chart, even catching the attention of legendary artist Elvis Presley—albeit critically.

Narrator [14:57]: "The record company threw in the Boris to make it sound spookier... Monster Mash was released on Garpax Records... It was at the top of the Billboard singles chart."

Pickett's fame burgeoned as he appeared on popular platforms like American Bandstand and secured roles in pilots and game shows. His unique blend of humor and catchy tunes resonated with a broad audience, solidifying his place in pop culture.

Challenges and the One-Hit Wonder Dilemma

Despite the initial success, Pickett struggled to replicate the magic of "Monster Mash." The demand to replicate the novelty hit led to a series of derivative songs that failed to capture the same charm.

Narrator [16:45]: "Instead, he ended up dashing off an LP's worth of monster Mashed Clones, Blood Bank Blues, Graveyard Shift... It sold okay, but... shouldn't he have taken a risk, tried to rebrand himself instead of chasing the same high."

Personal and professional setbacks further compounded Pickett's challenges. From losing a child and experiencing divorce to dabbling in risky ventures that led to legal troubles, his journey was fraught with adversity.

Narrator [17:30]: "He lost a child. He got divorced. One time he and some friends bought a bunch of cocaine in Colombia... he ended up going home with nothing."

Legacy and Resilience

Despite these hurdles, Pickett's legacy endured. The resurgence of "Monster Mash" in 1973 reaffirmed his impact, bringing him back into the public eye and reinforcing the song's timeless appeal.

Narrator [18:10]: "Once in 1973, out of nowhere, he never really figured out why they re-released Monster Mash and it took off again. Brought him back to the top 40, peaked at number 10, 11 years later."

Pickett continued to perform, embracing the joy his music brought to audiences worldwide, particularly during the Halloween season. His story serves as a testament to the enduring power of a single creative spark.

Narrator [18:50]: "To get to do something you love at 45 or 55 as a 63-year-old man... can feel like a miracle."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts (18:56 – 20:35)

As the episode wraps up, Nate DiMeo transitions from the captivating narrative back to personal reflections and updates. He provides credits to his research and production team, while reiterating his gratitude to listeners.

Nate DiMeo [18:56]: "This episode of the Memory palace was written and produced by me, Nate DeMaio... You can follow me on Twitter and Facebook @TheMemory palace..."

Nate emphasizes the importance of his upcoming book, "The Memory Palace: True Short Stories of the Past," highlighting its unique blend of podcast favorites and exclusive new content. He encourages pre-orders before the release date to bolster initial momentum.

Nate DiMeo [19:20]: "I am extremely proud of this book... It collects favorite stories from the podcast, has new stories that will only appear in the book... Thank you for being a part of this thing with me."

The episode concludes with a heartfelt thank you, promising more engaging stories in future installments of The Memory Palace.

Nate DiMeo [20:20]: "Thank you for listening. And there are more stories to come."

Notable Quotes

• Nate DiMeo [00:21]: "I grew up loving these old paperback collections... something that you can hold in your hands, give as a gift, and something that could live on your shelf."

• Narrator [07:08]: "It took him 30 minutes, just half an hour when they could have been doing anything else but decided to write a goofy song about monsters."

• Narrator [18:50]: "To get to do something you love at 45 or 55 as a 63-year-old man... can feel like a miracle."

Final Thoughts

Episode 150 of The Memory Palace skillfully intertwines Nate DiMeo's personal milestones with the rich, historical narrative of Bobby Boris Pickett. By blending heartfelt announcements with engrossing storytelling, Nate crafts a compelling episode that both informs and inspires. Listeners are invited to reflect on the enduring impact of creative endeavors and the importance of supporting independent media voices.

For more stories and updates, follow Nate DiMeo on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Substack. Pre-order "The Memory Palace: True Short Stories of the Past" now at Random House or your preferred book retailer.