Novelty songs formed a big part of the pop music charts in the fifties, sixties and some in the seventies. So popular were they that many reached No 1 on the charts. Monster Mash (Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett), Purple People Eater (Sheb Wooley) and ‘My Old Man’s A Dustman’ were huge sellers. The most popular Australian international hit ever was ‘Shaddap You Face’ (Joe Dolce) which managed to reach Number 1 in fifteen countries.

PLAYLIST

* Along Came Jones – The Coasters

* Farewell Aunty Jack – Graham Bond & Rory Donaghue

* Monster Mash – Boris ‘Bobby’ Picket

* My Old Man’s A Dustman – Lonnie Donegan

* Mr Custer – Larry Verne

* Disco Duck – Rick Dees

* Shaddap You Face – Joe Dolce

* Duncan – Slim Dusty

* Short Shorts – Royal Teens

* Hello Muddah Hello Faddah – Alan Sherman

* Witch Doctor – David Seville

* Purple People Eater – Sheb Wooley