Casper's Groovy Ghost Show

Casper’s Groovy Ghost Show is a 1980 hip-hop and disco single by American artist Casper, released by AVI Records. It is often recognized as one of the first hip-hop records to emerge from Chicago and is noted for blending elements of funk, disco, and early rap in a novelty-themed concept single. The song draws on the imagery of Casper the Friendly Ghost, delivering a Halloween-inspired party track in the style of early 1980s pop rap.

Background and release

The single was released in the United States in 1980 on AVI Records in multiple formats, including a 12-inch vinyl at 33⅓ RPM, a 45 RPM promotional version, and a 7-inch edition. The track was distributed with three parts on the 12-inch version: “Groovy Ghost Show Pt. I,” “Pt. II,” and “Pt. III,” with total playtime exceeding 20 minutes. The 7-inch version included a shorter Part I version and a B-side edit. Catalog numbers associated with the release include AVI-40001 and AVI-40002, depending on the version and pressing.

The artist credited as Casper is believed to be a pseudonym, with some sources identifying him as Howard Tucker or associating the project with Vincent de Goede. The song was produced and arranged by Terry Marshall, with executive production by Ray Harris and Ed Cobb.

Musical style

“Casper’s Groovy Ghost Show” features a disco-influenced rhythm section with syncopated bass lines and funky guitar licks, over which the artist performs rap vocals in a playful and performative manner. The lyrics introduce the character of Casper as a party ghost, combining humor, fantasy, and crowd-interaction tropes. The record’s novelty elements and genre-blending style place it in the lineage of early rap singles that drew heavily from disco aesthetics, such as Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang.

Historical significance

Though not a national hit, the single holds historical significance as possibly the first hip-hop record released by a Chicago artist. At the time, hip-hop was still heavily centered in New York City, and regional scenes were only beginning to develop.

Legacy

The record has become a cult item among vinyl collectors and early hip-hop historians. Its campy theme, rare pressings, and pioneering status in the Chicago scene contribute to its appeal. Copies appear periodically on resale platforms such as Discogs and eBay, where it is cataloged under funk/soul, disco, and rap categories.