HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES WHALE!

James Whale, born July 22, 1889, and went on to become one of classic horror's legendary directors. James Whale has a long list of films he directed, from westerns to musicals, but he will always be remembered as the man who brought us the classics FRANKENSTEIN (1931), its sequel THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1935), THE INVISIBLE MAN (1933) and THE OLD DARK HOUSE (1932). James Whale died at the age of 67, but his work will never be forgotten....often mimicked but never duplicated! Happy Birthday James!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCREAMIN' JAY HAWKINS!

Considered by many (including myself) to be the Godfather of Shock Rock, Jalacy Hawkins was born July 18, 1929. Going by the stage name of "Screamin' Jay Hawkins", he was well trained in classical piano, and also played guitar. His most successful record to date is "I Put A Spell On You". With it's bluesy riff and Jay's wild screams and moans, it quickly became a staple of horror novelty songs. Jay went on to have minor success with some other songs, "Feast Of The Mau Mau", "Frenzy" and "Constipation Blues". Alot of Jay's music was rooted in blues, but was never able to shake the label of a novelty performer, with his macabre stage antics. Jay is also considered to be a huge influence on many artists, ranging from The Rolling Stones and Alice Cooper, to Black Sabbath and Marilyn Manson. Sadly, Jay passed away on February 12, 2000. Happy Birthday to the original Wild Man!

America For Me - Vincent Price

Ok, so I obviously missed the boat on this one, but in my defense I completely forgot I had this. I'm a week late for the 4th of July, but I suppose it's still relevant. Here is Vincent Price reading the poem "America For Me" written by Henry Van Dyke. Just click on the image of the U.S. Flag above to listen to the wonderful voice of Vincent Price as he reads "America For Me". ENJOY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRED GWYNNE!

Born July 10, 1929, Frederick Hubbard Gwynne went on to become one of America's most lovable characters, Herman Munster! Fred unfortunately passed away a week shy of his birthday, on July 2, 1993. Happy Birthday Mr. Munster!

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

I Just want to wish everyone a very safe and Happy 4th of July!

MONSTER SPOOKSHOW RADIO No. 26!

Hell-o there boils and ghouls!

Welcome to the latest installment of

MONSTER SPOOKSHOW RADIO!

The year is half over already, and we're one month closer to Halloween! Just 3 short months away!
In the meantime, I hope my little musical treats will do the trick!

This month's spine-tinglers are:

MONSTER RADIO - The Dead Vampires
GHOST RIDES TO WEST - Messer Chups
SHE'S A HUNCHBACK - The Dickies
THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT - The Ghouls
CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LEATHER LAGOON - The Cramps
GRAVEYARD TREE - The Koffin Kats
WITH HER HEAD TUCKED UNDERNEATH HER ARM - Rudy Vallee & His Connecticut Yankees
EERIE BEACH - The Munsters
MONSTER IN BLACK TIGHTS - Screaming Lord Sutch
PUMPKINHEAD - Groovie Ghoulies
GRAVEYARD BOOGIE - Buster Doss and his Arkansas Playboys
SURFIN' ZOMBIE - The Zombie Surfers
GRAVES - Lugosi's Morphine
21st CENTURY FRANKENSTEIN - The Hangmen
LAUGHING OVER MY GRAVE - Ray Stevens
A FISTFUL OF TERROR - The Bomboras
FRANK AND DRAC ARE BACK - Zacherle
LUST FOR A VAMPIRE - The Quintessentials
MORTAL MONSTER MAN - The Savoys
TAKE A TRIP TO MY GRAVE - Gutter Demons


Just click on the image above to get the latest installment of

MONSTER SPOOKSHOW RADIO!

Enjoy......Happy Haunting!

George Van Orsdel

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAY HARRYHAUSEN!

Jason And The Argonauts, The Golden Voyage Of Sinbad, Mysterious Island, The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms, Mighty Joe Young,...these are just a small handful of the amazing list of films Ray Harryhausen is responsible for. Ray Harryhausen, born June 29th, 1920, is a true pioneer in the world of stop-motion animation. At a young age, Ray was inspired by the work of Willis O'Brien, the man responsible for creating KING KONG. After that, Ray dedicated his life to improving the art form, with different techniques and amazing creature designs. His work on the Greek mythology films, and the Sinbad series, is highly regarded as some of the best stop-motion work ever done in the motion picture field. Computers have taken over now with their elaborate CGI, but in my opinion, nothing beats a good time watching a Ray Harryhausen film! Happy Birthday to one of the greatest creature creators of all time!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETER LORRE!

Born Laszlo Lowenstein, Peter Lorre was born on June 26, 1904 in what is now Slovakia. Known to many as Vincent Price's comedic sidekick in the American International films of the 60's, Peter started his film career in 1929. Peter also starred in several horror and thriller films in his early days, working with such stars as Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, and was also known as Mr. Moto in the famous detective film series, before he got his roles in both Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon, both starring Humphrey Bogart. Peter went on to act in over 70 films, and is probably one of the most recognized voices and faces in film, most prominently his bugged eyes, spoofed in many films and cartoons. Happy Birthday Peter!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GLENN DANZIG!

Ghoul Rock, Death Rock, Horrorpunk, call it what you will, but Glenn Danzig had his hand in creating what it is today. Born Glenn Allen Anzalone, on June 23rd, 1955, Danzig went on to become one of music's originators of the Horrorpunk genre. With his group The MISFITS, Danzig inspired and influenced more bands than I could possibly even name,..bands like Metallica and AFI have all named The Misfits and Glenn Danzig as influences. With his band The Misfits, then later with SAMHAIN and his current band DANZIG, have made him a progenitor of the horror punk subgenre of music. Make sure you pick up Danzig's latest album, DETH RED SABAOTH, which was released yesterday...if you're a Danzig fan, I HIGHLY recommend it! Happy Birthday to the Prince of Horror Rock!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRUCE CAMPBELL!

Bruce Campbell, was born on this day, June 22, 1958. Of course many of you know who Bruce is, thanks to his many wonderful and mostly humorous roles in horror and mainstream films. Bruce got his first film break starring in Sam Raimi's now classic EVIL DEAD. Bruce went on, not only to make 2 sequels to Evil Dead (Evil Dead 2 and Army Of Darkness), but Bruce went on to become one of the most recognized and lovable character actors in horror films. With roles in such movies as Bubb-Ho-Tep, Maniac Cop, The Man With The Screaming Brain, and the self-deprecating My Name Is Bruce, he has proven that not only can he pull off horror, but he can pull it off with tongue planted firmly in cheek, and with a physical humor that is unmatched. Many of you also know Bruce from his stints on television, on such shows as Hercules, Xena, and his own starring show The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr. Recently, Bruce has been starring on TV's Burn Notice, where I had the pleasure of meeting Bruce on the set of the show. Bruce, may you continue having a successful career, and may you have a very Happy Birthday! Hail to the king baby!!