We celebrate Harold Arlen week today, February 13, 2013 with That Old Black Magic as the song of the day.
About That Old Black Magic
Written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, That Old Black Magic was written in 1942 and used in the 1943 film Star Spangled Rhythm, where it was introduced by Vera Zorina and Johnnie Johnston.
This song has been very popular since it was first written, starting with the 1942 version by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Other significant recordings are by Margaret Whiting, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra. Marilyn Monroe sang the song in the 1956 Bus Stop.
About This Version
Today’s version is from 1962, with the Dave Brubeck Quartet: Dave Brubeck (piano), Paul Desmond (alto sax), Eugene Wright (bass) and Joe Morello (drums).
That Old Black Magic, as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Volume 1, is available from iTunes.
One of the best versions of this Harold Arlen sung by Benedetto was the very first recording Tony made of it for Columbia Special Products titled: Songs Frm The Late Show.
However, when Benedetto sings Arlen the results are always spectacular!