ghost

Ghostly Tales: A Hauntingly Fun History of Ghost Music

Ghost music isn’t a genre, but a captivating theme that’s resonated through the ages. From spectral folk ballads to spooky rock anthems, the fascination with the otherworldly has always inspired musicians.

A History of Spooks:

• Folklore and Balladry: Long before electricity, stories of ghosts and spirits were passed down orally, becoming ingrained in folk songs. The chilling “The Unquiet Grave” (circa 1600) tells of a lover’s grief and haunting apparition, while “The Ballad of Tam Lin” (circa 1400) features a young woman who rescues her beloved from a supernatural realm.

• Romantic Era: The 19th century saw a surge in gothic literature and music, emphasizing the macabre and mysterious. Composers like Hector Berlioz (“Symphonie Fantastique”) and Franz Liszt (“Totentanz”) embraced the dramatic, reflecting the anxieties of the era.

• 20th Century Blues & Jazz: The blues, with its themes of hardship and the supernatural, became a fertile ground for ghost songs. Leadbelly’s “The Midnight Special” (1930s) and Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads” (1930s) both evoke a chilling encounter with the paranormal. Jazz, too, took on ghostly nuances in the improvisations of musicians like Charlie Parker.

• Rock and Roll’s Ghosts: In the 1960s and beyond, rock embraced the supernatural, from the haunting sounds of The Doors’ “The End” to the spooky blues of The Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil.” Bands like Blue Oyster Cult (“Don’t Fear the Reaper”) and The Moody Blues (“Nights in White Satin”) explored the themes of death, loss, and the afterlife.

Funny Ghost Facts:

• John Lennon’s “Ghost” Letter: John Lennon once wrote a song about a ghost, but never recorded it. He did, however, write a letter to his then-wife Yoko Ono about “a ghost in the apartment” that only she could see.

• The Real “Ghostbusters”: Did you know the original Ghostbusters theme song was written and performed by Ray Parker Jr. in just one day? The band itself, though, was actually named after the film’s fictional crew, who were never musicians in the movie.

• A Hauntingly Funny Duo: The comedy duo “The Ghostbusters” featured real-life ghost hunter Ed “Big Ed” Lee and paranormal investigator/musician, Danny “The Ghostbuster” Bonaduce. Their act was less about busting ghosts, and more about poking fun at the paranormal.

• The “Ghost” of Elvis: Rumors abound about Elvis sightings and ghostly appearances at Graceland. While these stories are debated, one thing is certain: Elvis’ music, though ghostly in its impact, continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.

The Music Lives On:

Ghost music continues to resonate today, from modern electronic artists like Burial and Purity Ring to the haunting sounds of metal bands like Ghost BC. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the unknown, and the human desire to explore the realms beyond the ordinary. So put on your headphones, crank up the volume, and let the ghosts of music take you away.