That Old Black Magic - Judy Garland
"That Old Black Magic" is a 1942 popular song written by Harold Arlen, with the lyrics by Johnny Mercer. They wrote it for the 1942 film Star Spangled Rhythm when it was sung by Johnny Johnston and danced by Vera Zorina. The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1943 but lost out to "You'll Never Know".
The song was published in 1942 and has become an often-recorded standard, with versions that include the original single release by Glenn Miller, by the singers Margaret Whiting, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Mercer himself, and others. Mercer wrote the lyrics with Judy Garland in mind, who was, on occasion, an intimate partner.
Garland recorded the song for Decca Records in 1942. Mercer recalled wanting to write a song about magic, and while composing, asking Arlen to write more music so the song could go on longer, but that they still wrote the whole song in about three hours.
Who did it better? Let me know in the comments below. Also do not forget all the other black magic happing over at The Countdown To Halloween.
Sammy wins it hands down - I like the way he picked the tempo.
ReplyDeleteI agree his version is fun!
DeleteI agree with Lady M that Sammy Davis Jr's faster tempo and jazzier delivery takes the cake, although at times the arrangement is overproduced -- like WTF is up with the introductory passage from Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance", that's just plain weird.
ReplyDeleteHad to get those feet jumping back in the day is my guess.
DeleteI keep up with your blog through subscription. I played Monday's Music again this week too. I watch Sven most times. The tarantula this week was...ey.
ReplyDeleteI will go with Sammy too but Sinatra always gets me.
Master Crypt Keeper, Michelle
Sammy seems to be the winner yet I'm more of a fan of big bands lol oh well as always thanks for stopping by!
Delete