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.

The inclusion of a "talking section" was the brainchild of songwriter Rod Temperton , who wanted a famous horror voice to close the track.

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

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.

: 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 : Suggested by Peggy Lipton (wife of producer

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

: Given that Thriller went on to sell over 110 million copies, he missed out on millions in potential earnings. He was offered a choice: a flat fee

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