MUSIC MONDAYS: ROCK STAR HALLOWEEN

There's a joke that people like to repeat from time to time about Michael Jackson. Actually it's not so much a joke as it is an attempt at a comical statement. Sometimes it's "Back when Michael was Black" or perhaps it's "Michael Jackson is an alien." While I think MJ is fair game for jokes, I don't personally believe he's either an alien or a white man. What I find so fascinating is that this sort of thought process about Michael Jackson translates into tons and tons of Michael Jackson costumes come Halloween time.

I know a thing or two about Halloween music icon costumes, since I attempted to go as Prince one year. It didn't quite work out that well because someone had stolen the top half of the Purple Rain costume. Instead all I had was a wig and some purple pants. I did my best but when I got pulled over by the cops at the Pentagon they had no idea who I was. (Very long but very true story).

It got me thinking of some of the more obscure Rock and Pop figures who nonetheless have distinct styles. So even though we're several months early for Halloween, consider this a preliminary guide to music costumes that'll have everyone saying "who are you supposed to be?" This obviously doesn't include your Elton Johns or David Bowies or George Clintons since they are not exactly obscure.

LEON RUSSELL

If you don't know this nutball singer-songwriter's fantastically eclectic oeuvre, you probably know some of the songs he wrote. "Superstar" "This Masquerade" "Song for Your" to name a few. You could be retro and go as 70s Leon or up the mystique and go as Leon now.

70s



Now




SCREAMIN JAY HAWKINS

I'm sure you've heard "I Put A Spell On You" in commercials. He's one of those beloved cult singers actually worth the hype. Voodoo swamp music. Damn good shit, and a damn good look.



SUN RA

The genius Jazz/R&B pianist/bandleader from another planet. Depending on the time frame, he had a vast array of looks. Usually there was some sort of Egyptian motif though.



BETTY DAVIS

Miles Davis' one-time wife (and influence on his funk fusion sound). Betty is possibly the funkiest artist in the history of funk. Yeah that's a huge statement, especially with the Sly Stones and Funkadelics of the world. Not saying she's the best, but in terms of funk by the pound, she may have the crown. Just as Allen Iverson is the best pound-for-pound baller of all time, Betty Davis is pound-for-pound funkiest singer ever.



Please post other costume ideas in the comments section, unless of course your idea is Devendra Banhart