The song of the day for Monday, November 18, 2024, is “That Old Black Magic.”
About Today
We are remembering Johnny Mercer on the anniversary of his birth in Savannah, Georgia, on November 18, 1909.
About This Song
“That Old Black Magic” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer in 1942 for the film Star Bangled Banner. It was first recorded in 1942 by Glenn Miller. It’s been recorded many times and used in several films, including Bus Stop in 1956, where it was sung by Marilyn Monroe.
About This Version
Tony Bennett and The Dave Brubeck Trio (Brubeck on piano, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums) recorded “That Old Black Magic” live on August 28, 1962, at the White House Seminar American Jazz Concert, organized by The White House and President John F. Kennedy. Tony Bennett, with his trio, and Dave Brubeck with his quartet played sets at the concert. After the last set. Bennett and Brubeck and his trio did an impromptu four-song set, including “That Old Black Magic.”
Although the concert was taped, the tape appeared to be lost somewhere in the Columbia vaults. It was discovered in the classical music section of the vaults in 2013, just a few weeks after Brubeck’s death on December 12, 2012. Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions Live 1962 was released on May 28, 2013.
FYI: The concert was originally to be held in the White House Rose Garden, but they were forced to relocate to the Sylvan Theater grounds near the Washington Monument due to the size of the audience.
“That Old Black Magic,” as well as Bennett/Brubeck The White House Sessions Live 1962, is available on Apple Music.
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