Vincent Price was much more than a cinematic icon. He was the legendary actor whose mellifluous voice and debonair menace defined a generation of horror cinema. Beyond the chilling pronouncements of classic films like House of Wax, The Fly, and the Roger Corman-directed Edgar Allan Poe series, Price cultivated a significant and diverse discography. He left behind a rich legacy of spoken-word albums. These albums showcased his unparalleled vocal talents and wide-ranging intellectual interests.
While his film career often pigeonholed him as the master of the macabre, Price was a highly cultured individual. He was an avid art collector and historian. Additionally, he was a passionate gourmand. These facets of his personality often appeared in his record releases. They went far beyond the realm of ghouls and goblins.
A Voice for Literature and Learning
Price’s early forays into recorded sound often involved classic literature. His resonant voice was perfectly suited for delivering poetry and prose, bringing life to the works of literary giants. Albums such as “Poems of Shelley” (1956) and “America The Beautiful – The Heart of America in Poetry” (1961) highlighted his ability to convey emotion and atmosphere through his distinctive elocution. He even contributed to educational records like “Sounds of Freedom: Patrick Henry to William Jennings Bryan” (1958), narrating historical speeches.
Venturing into the World of the Occult
Unsurprisingly, given his cinematic persona, Price also delved into the more esoteric and spooky side of the spoken word. One of his most notable and enduring albums in this genre is “Witchcraft – Magic: An Adventure In Demonology” (1969). This captivating, and at times unsettling, recording saw Price explore the history and lore of witchcraft, magic, and the occult with a scholarly yet theatrical flair. It became a cult classic, further solidifying his association with the supernatural.
Following the success of “Witchcraft,” Price continued to explore themes of terror and mystery. He released albums like “Tales Of Witches, Ghosts And Goblins” (1972), “A Coven Of Witches’ Tales” (1973), and “A Graveyard Of Ghost Tales” (1974). These records were often released on labels like Caedmon Records. They became staple Halloween listening for generations. This showcases his mastery of storytelling and his ability to conjure vivid, chilling images with his voice alone. He also lent his voice to adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe’s works, such as “Edgar Allan Poe: The Gold-Bug” (1975) and “Edgar Allan Poe: The Imp of the Perverse and Other Tales” (1975), demonstrating his innate connection to Poe’s dark and poetic world.
Unexpected Culinary and Cultural Explorations
Perhaps less known, but equally fascinating, are Price’s ventures into the world of cuisine and culture on record. As an accomplished chef and author of several cookbooks, it was only natural for him to share his culinary passions. He narrated albums like “Dining at Versailles” (1977). He also narrated “The Bard’s Board / Food from Shakespearean Times” (1977). These albums offer a unique blend of historical anecdotes and gastronomic insights. He even had a series of audio recordings related to various cuisines, packaged in a 12-cassette boxed set titled Beverly Hills Cookbook – Cookbook of the Rich and Famous, Your Host Mr. Vincent Price. These albums reveal a delightful and unexpected dimension to his public persona.
Beyond the Albums: Singles and Special Appearances
Full-length albums form the core of his discography. Price also released singles. He made memorable vocal contributions to other projects. In 1977, he released a cover version of Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s iconic novelty song, “The Monster Mash.” He added his signature theatricality to the Halloween classic. Of course, no discussion of Vincent Price’s vocal work would be complete without mentioning his legendary, chilling rap on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” (1982), which introduced his distinctive voice to a whole new generation and cemented his status as a cultural icon.
Vincent Price’s record albums offer a captivating auditory journey into the mind of a truly multi-faceted artist. They are a testament to his intelligence and his love of performance. His enduring ability to entertain, whether through a spine-tingling ghost story or a delightful culinary lesson, shines through. For fans of the horror legend or simply those who appreciate the art of the spoken word, exploring his discography is a rich and rewarding experience that goes far beyond the silver screen. Sources