Novelty music is a genre characterized by its humorous or quirky nature, often featuring unusual sounds, lyrics, or subject matter designed to entertain or amuse. Emerging in the early 20th century with artists like Spike Jones and Allan Sherman, it has remained a niche yet enduring part of the music landscape. Notable works within the genre include "Purple People Eater" by Sheb Wooley and "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!" by Napoleon XIV. Despite its often lighthearted presentation, novelty music has influenced mainstream pop culture and has occasionally achieved significant commercial success.