That old black magic song is a popular American jazz standard that was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. It was first featured in the 1942 movie "Star Spangled Rhythm" and has since become a timeless classic. The song's lyrics describe the enchanting and magical effects that love can have on a person. It uses vivid and imaginative language to paint a picture of the powerful allure and allure of love. The opening line, "That old black magic has me in its spell," sets the tone for the song by suggesting that love can be both mysterious and intoxicating. Throughout the song, the lyrics evoke images of moonlit nights, stars, and other romantic imagery to convey the passion and intensity of love.
The song is essentially a celebration of freedom and the demise of a wicked figure. In “The Wizard of Oz,” the Wicked Witch of the East is killed when Dorothy’s house lands on her, and the Munchkins joyously sing “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead” to express their relief and delight. Similarly, The Fifth Estate’s rendition captured the spirit of the civil rights movement and the counterculture of the 1960s.
Gavin became the Demen s manager, and in 1964 he helped them score a deal with Veep Records, who persuaded the band to change their name to the easier-to-pronounce D-Men. Harburg was a big reason why; Judy Garland s barnyard performance of Over the Rainbow locked up the Best Song award at the 1940 Oscars and a remake by Bronx-based vocal group The Demensions was a hit in 1960, shortly after a yearly tradition of special television broadcasts of the film began that triumphed in the ratings for decades.
Throughout the song, the lyrics evoke images of moonlit nights, stars, and other romantic imagery to convey the passion and intensity of love. The chorus repeats the line, "That old black magic that you weave so well," emphasizing the idea that love is a kind of sorcery or magic that can captivate and enthrall. In addition to its lyrical beauty, "That old black magic" is also known for its memorable melody.
The Fifth Estate
Best known for their playful rearrangement of "Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead," which became a hit in 1967, the Fifth Estate were a rock band from Stamford, Connecticut that started out playing garage rock, later evolving into a more adventurous sound incorporating folk-rock and baroque psychedelia. The group's story began in 1963; a teenaged keyboard player named Wayne Wadhams began hosting regular jam sessions in his basement, and a core of musicians coalesced from his musical workouts, including guitarists Rick Engler and Bill Shute, bassist Doug Ferrara, and drummer Ken Evans. The five players formed a band called the Decadants; before long, the group changed the name to the Demen, and they caught the ear of Kevin Gavin, who saw them play an all-ages show and was impressed with their songs and their ability to work an audience. Gavin became the Demen's manager, and in 1964 he helped them score a deal with Veep Records, who persuaded the band to change their name to the easier-to-pronounce D-Men. A pair of singles for Veep and one for Kapp earned East Coast airplay but didn't become hits, and while touring the Midwest, the group ran across a Michigan-based underground newspaper called The Fifth Estate. The D-Men liked the name and its subversive subtext, and when they signed to Red Bird Records in 1965 after the addition of singer Chuck LeGros, they adopted the Fifth Estate as their new handle. Red Bird went out of business not long after the release of "Love Is All a Game," and by the time the Fifth Estate landed their next record deal, LeGros was out of the band.
The group had been working with lyricist Don Askew (he wrote songs with Wadhams that were recorded by the Brothers Four and Reparata & the Delrons), and when Askew quipped one day that any song could be made into a hit with the right studio treatment, the Fifth Estate cheerfully took him up on the challenge. They came up with a glossy but clever baroque pop arrangement of "Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead," which first appeared in the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, and after Jubilee Records heard the demo, they signed the group to a contract. In 1967, record buyers proved Askew was right when the Fifth Estate's interpretation became a major hit, rising to number 11 on Billboard's singles charts. The Fifth Estate toured and recorded steadily over the next two years, but while their work was strong, "Ding Dong!" proved to be their only Top 40 hit, and the bandmembers found themselves at odds with Jubilee when the label released a pair of singles credited to the Fifth Estate that were actually the work of session musicians, with no input from the band. By the end of 1970, the Fifth Estate had broken up and Jubilee was out of business. Most of the members remained active in music, and they reunited in the 21st century, releasing two new albums, 2011's Time Tunnel and 2014's Take the Fifth; both albums were co-produced by Shel Talmy, and featured Bob Klein on keyboard and guitar, who joined the band after the death of Wayne Wadhams in 2008. A comprehensive collection of the band's music, Anthology, Vol. 1: The Witch Is Dead, was released by Fuel 2000 Records in 2012.
The song has a smooth and catchy tune that has been covered by countless artists over the years. Some notable versions include recordings by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr. Each artist brings their own unique interpretation to the song, adding their own personal touch to its timeless appeal. "That old black magic song" has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic in the American music canon. Its enchanting lyrics and captivating melody continue to resonate with audiences of all generations, reminding us of the enduring power and allure of love. Whether performed by jazz legends or contemporary artists, the song remains a testament to the magic of music and the eternal nature of love..
Reviews for "That Old Black Magic: An Ode to Forbidden Love"
1. John - 1 star
I found "That old black magic song" to be incredibly boring and repetitive. The melody was unoriginal and lacked any sort of catchiness. The lyrics were lackluster and didn't engage me in any way. I couldn't wait for the song to end and it left me feeling disappointed.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I didn't enjoy "That old black magic song" at all. The vocals were weak and lacked emotion. The instrumentals were uninspiring and didn't add anything to the overall song. It just felt like a generic and forgettable track that I wouldn't choose to listen to again.
3. Mark - 2 stars
"That old black magic song" didn't leave a lasting impression on me. The production felt dull and the song lacked energy. The repetitive chorus became annoying after a while and I found myself losing interest halfway through. Overall, it just wasn't a memorable or enjoyable experience for me.
4. Emily - 1 star
I couldn't connect with "That old black magic song" at all. The melody was forgettable and the lyrics didn't resonate with me. The vocals were bland and lacked any sort of passion. I found myself skipping the song after listening to it for a minute as it failed to captivate my attention.
5. David - 2 stars
"That old black magic song" didn't live up to my expectations. The overall composition felt flat and unoriginal. The song failed to evoke any strong emotions or make me feel engaged. It simply passed by without leaving a lasting impact. I was left disappointed and underwhelmed by this song.