The song of the day for Saturday, October 15, 2016 is “That Old Black Magic.”
About This Song
One of the great songs by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, “That Old Black Magic” was written in 1942 and first recorded by Glenn Miller. It was also used in the 1942 movie Star Spangled Rhythm. It’s been recorded many times and used in several films, including the 1956 film Bus Stop, where it was sung by Marilyn Monroe.
About This Version
Today’s version of “That Old Black Magic” is very special. It’s from the 1962 concert for the White House interns and features Tony Bennett with the Dave Brubeck Trio, which featured Brubeck on piano, Eugene Wright on bass and Joe Morello on drums. The tape had been thought long-lost, but it was found in classical music (?) archives shortly after Brubeck’s death in 2012. The album Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions Live 1962 was released in 2013.
“That Old Black Magic,” as well as Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions Live 1962, is available from iTunes.
About Today
Sorry for missing some days this past week. I have a pinched nerve that has shut down my left arm and so reduced to typing one-handed. I haven’t typed this slow since the first day of typing class.
Our video today features Tony Bennett singing “That Old Black Magic” live at the Hollywood Bowl on August 3, 2013, in honor of his 87th birthday.
Hope you feel better Suzanne. I’m still enjoying your posts everyday since we met at the Monterey Jazz Festival when you were just starting this. I often am humming your song of the day during the day.
Nina
Hi Nina,
Great to hear from you. My arm is much better!
I am honored that you still read the blog after all these years.
Lucky me. I get to go see Tony in a couple of weeks.
Suzanne