Thriller Laugh Apr 2026

: Suggested by Peggy Lipton (wife of producer Quincy Jones), Price was invited to the studio and reportedly nailed his performance in just two takes.

In the realm of music history, few moments are as chillingly effective as the final seconds of Michael Jackson’s "Thriller." As the heavy bass fades, a deep, velvet voice delivers a ghoulish rap that culminates in a bone-chilling, maniacal laugh. That iconic performance belongs to none other than the legendary horror actor Vincent Price . The Story Behind the Recording

: Despite the "bad move," Price remained lighthearted about it, later joking with Johnny Carson about the sheer scale of the album's success. Why It Lasts Thriller Laugh

: Temperton wrote the famous "Darkness falls across the land..." verse in a taxi on the way to the recording session.

The inclusion of a "talking section" was the brainchild of songwriter Rod Temperton , who wanted a famous horror voice to close the track. : Suggested by Peggy Lipton (wife of producer

One of the most famous pieces of trivia surrounding the track is Price's payment. He was offered a choice: a flat fee of or a percentage of the album's royalties. The Choice : Price chose the cash upfront.

The Man Behind the Monologue: Vincent Price and the Iconic "Thriller" Laugh The Story Behind the Recording : Despite the

: Price’s delivery—described as "elegant yet ominous"—perfectly blended theatrical darkness with a pop aesthetic. The $20,000 Decision