How long has Halloween music been around? Well, my spooky friends, that all depends on what you consider Halloween music.
Most of the Halloween music you’re familiar with – Monster Mash, Thriller, Ghostbusters theme – is exclusively a product of the 20th and 21st centuries. Vintage Halloween songs these are not.
Sure, we can stretch back into music history to pick up classical pieces like “Tocata and Fugue in D Minor” – an arrangement that often finds its way onto Halloween playlists (including my own!) for its drama and darker notes – but this iconic Baroque song was never intended to celebrate Halloween.
In fact, most of the music featured in today’s playlist probably wasn’t either. I think that’s what makes all of these songs fun and unexpected additions to any collection of Halloween music.
After doing a bit of research, I’ve dug up a collection of 40+ songs with spooky titles and lyrics from the 1900s – 1940s. Many are Big Band era tunes. Some are blues classics, and others are folk songs. A few are more modern recordings, but they all have a fantastic vintage vibe that will add a little something different to your Halloween playlist.
Vintage Halloween Songs
If Spotify is not your preferred method for streaming music, here is the complete playlist so you can create it yourself:

![]()
Which vintage Halloween songs will you add to your playlist?
Share them in the comments!
Happy listening,



Mr. and Mrs. Halloween
Excellent playlist!
Something about the music from the past gets us in a nostalgic mood that’s perfect for Halloween!
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
I couldn’t agree more! Glad you guys enjoyed it.
Ladyfair
This is rad, I love me some Rosemary Clooney. Good job.
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Glad you enjoyed it!
Amy Remington
I added all the songs! Love this playlist!
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Amy.
Chelsea Celaya
These are certainly my favorites when it comes to Halloween songs! Proud to say that I have quite a few of these already in my playlist, but I’m excited there are some new ones to add to it too! Especially Heebee Jeebees by Louis Armstrong. I’m surprised it’s not in my arsenal, but happy to add it!
Did you know Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney were actually huge lovers of the Halloween holiday? Although Halloween in the 40’s and 50’s wasn’t celebrated like it is today, there was still quite the love of dressing up as spooks and spirits and hunting for tricks and treats. Both music stars hosted a handful of Halloween-themed radio shows (and Rosemary even did a Halloween television special with Boris Karloff). They’re very fun soundbites if you ever come across them!
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
That is SO cool! I didn’t know that about Bing Crosby or Rosemary Clooney, but it definitely explains why they recorded such cute and endearing songs about our favorite holiday. Thanks for sharing, Chelsea! :)
Clark Ford
Love your Halloween playlists! Here’s a new fun retro Halloween song to consider adding to it, a song that I wrote that has recently been professionally recorded. I think it will become a Halloween classic!: “Spiderwebs in My Hair!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXK4s7s68Z4
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Very cool – thanks for sharing, Clark! Digging the song.
Bibi Farber
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfXCx6KB3aA
Hello– just wanted to say I appreciate this collection of VINTAGE Halloween tunes! I am a musician and fan of the genre and recorded The Headless Horseman myself in fact, in a retro rock style. The above link is to the video. Thanks for this collection- I’ll mine it for more ideas! Best, BIbi Farber
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Thanks Bibi!
CAROLITA ORNELAS
This is very Informative because I’m always looking for RARE & Hard to Find Halloween songs and this is right up my alley. A Big THANK YOU for sharing it with us whom Love Halloween.
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Glad you enjoyed this playlist, Carolita!