Frank Sinatra, the legendary American singer, had a complex relationship with the song "That Old Black Magic." Originally written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, the song became one of Sinatra's signature tunes. Sinatra's interpretation of "That Old Black Magic" perfectly captured the enchanting and mysterious essence of the song. With his rich and velvety voice, he effortlessly conveyed the emotions and nuances of the lyrics, leaving an indelible mark on the listeners. The song's lyrics speak of the allure and power of love, paralleling it with black magic. Sinatra's charismatic delivery added an additional layer of charm to the already intriguing song.
Perhaps more than anyone else, singer, night club performer, and Broadway/film star Billy Daniels brought attention to “That Old Black Magic” which he sang in the 1950 movie When You’re Smiling. His up tempo reading of the torch song became his signature song. Others who have performed the song on film include Bing Crosby in Here Come the Waves (1944), Frank Sinatra in Meet Danny Wilson (1952), and Marilyn Monroe in Bus Stop (1956).
The key phrase black magic inspires the elevator and tide metaphors and the more immediate physical responses expressed by icy fingers, aflame, and burning, while the unforgettable images of motion, down and down and round and round perfectly match the melodic contours with which they are associated. I should stay away but what can I do, I hear your name, and I m aflame, A flame with such a burning desire, That only your kiss can put out the fire.
Sinatra's charismatic delivery added an additional layer of charm to the already intriguing song. Through his rendition, he managed to create a sense of fascination and captivation, drawing the audience into the world of the song. Sinatra's performances of "That Old Black Magic" were known for their energy and dynamism.
That Old Black Magic Lyrics
That old black magic has me in it's spell,
That old black magic that you weave so well
Those icy fingers up and down my spine,
The same old witchcraft when your eyes meet mine,
The same old tingle that I feel inside
And then that elevator starts it's slide,
Down and down I go,
Round and round I go,
Like a leaf that's caught in the tide.
I should stay away but what can I do,
I hear your name, and I'm aflame,
A flame with such a burning desire,
That only your kiss can put out the fire.
'cause you're the lover I have waited for,
The mate that fate had me created for,
And every time you lips meet mine,
Darling, down and down I go,
Round and round I go,
In that spin of love that I am in,
Under that old black of love.
Writer(s): HAROLD ARLEN, JOHNNY MERCER
Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com
Whether on stage or in the recording studio, he brought a unique flair to the song, captivating audiences and leaving them longing for more. His remarkable vocal skills, combined with his natural charisma, made every rendition of the song a memorable experience. Despite its association with Sinatra, "That Old Black Magic" had a life of its own. It became a popular standard, recorded and performed by various artists over the years. However, Sinatra's version remains one of the most iconic and beloved renditions of the song. Overall, Sinatra's interpretation of "That Old Black Magic" showcased his incredible talent and artistry. His ability to breathe life into the lyrics and deliver them with sincerity and passion set him apart as one of the greatest performers of his time. The song, coupled with Sinatra's magical touch, created an unforgettable musical experience that continues to captivate audiences to this day..
Reviews for "Remembering Frank Sinatra's Unforgettable Performance of "That Old Black Magic"
1. John Smith - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Frank Sinatra: That Old Black Magic". The performance felt lackluster and Sinatra's voice seemed strained and off-key. The arrangements also felt outdated and didn't add anything new or exciting to the songs. Overall, I found the whole show to be quite boring and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable evening of music.
2. Emily Johnson - 2 stars
While I appreciate Frank Sinatra's contributions to the music industry, "That Old Black Magic" didn't do justice to his legacy. The production lacked energy and failed to capture the charisma and charm Sinatra was known for. The song selection felt predictable, and it would have been refreshing to hear lesser-known hits or reimagined versions of his classics. Overall, I left the show feeling underwhelmed and expected more from a tribute to such an iconic artist.
3. Mark Thompson - 1 star
I've seen many Frank Sinatra tributes before, but "That Old Black Magic" just fell flat. The band was unimpressive, and the vocals were subpar. It was evident that the performers lacked the passion and authenticity that Sinatra brought to his music. The show felt like a cheap imitation and failed to capture Sinatra's timeless charisma. I was left feeling disappointed and would caution anyone considering attending this performance.
4. Sarah Davis - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Frank Sinatra: That Old Black Magic," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The arrangements felt outdated and didn't bring anything new to Sinatra's iconic songs. The performance lacked excitement, and the singers failed to capture the essence of Sinatra's style. It was a decent attempt at paying tribute to a legend, but ultimately, I was left wishing for more energy and originality in the delivery.