That Old Black Magic - The Marcels
"That Old Black Magic" is a classic doo-wop song originally recorded by The Marcels in 1961. The song's theme revolves around the idea of being under the spell of love, with the lyrics describing the intense feelings and emotions that come with falling for someone. The composition of the song features a catchy melody, harmonized vocals, and a lively, upbeat rhythm that is characteristic of the doo-wop genre. The Marcels' unique and energetic performance of the song helped propel it to the top of the charts, where it became a popular hit. One notable fact about "That Old Black Magic" is that it was actually a cover of a song originally written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1942 movie "Star Spangled Rhythm." The Marcels' version gave the song a fresh new sound and helped introduce it to a new generation of listeners. Overall, "That Old Black Magic" is a timeless classic that continues to be loved by fans of doo-wop music for its catchy melody, harmonized vocals, and infectious energy.
The Marcels
The Marcels were an American doo-wop group formed in 1959 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The original members of the group were lead vocalist Cornelius Harp, Fred Johnson, Gene Bricker, Ron Mundy, and Richard Knauss. The group was named after a popular hairstyle of the time, the "marcel wave." The Marcels rose to fame with their 1961 hit single "Blue Moon," a doo-wop version of the classic song originally recorded by The Marcels. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a timeless classic in the doo-wop genre. Following the success of "Blue Moon," The Marcels released several more hit singles, including "Heartaches" and "My Melancholy Baby." They were known for their energetic live performances and distinctive harmonies, which set them apart from other doo-wop groups of the time. The Marcels' impact on music was significant, as they helped popularize doo-wop music in the early 1960s. Their unique sound and style influenced many future artists and groups in the doo-wop and R&B genres. Despite their early success, The Marcels faced challenges in the changing music landscape of the 1960s. The group went through several lineup changes and struggled to replicate the success of their early hits. However, they continued to perform and record music throughout the decades, leaving a lasting legacy in the doo-wop genre. The Marcels' music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of doo-wop and classic R&B. Their timeless hits have stood the test of time and remain popular among music lovers of all ages. The Marcels will always be remembered as one of the pioneering groups in the doo-wop genre, with their harmonious vocals and infectious energy leaving a lasting impact on the history of music.