Ella Fitzgerald, also known as the First Lady of Song, was an American jazz singer who had a remarkable career spanning six decades. One of her standout performances was her rendition of the classic song "That Old Black Magic." "That Old Black Magic" is a popular song written by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The song was originally written for the 1942 film "Star Spangled Rhythm." However, it gained widespread popularity when it was recorded by numerous artists, with Ella Fitzgerald's version becoming one of the most beloved interpretations. Fitzgerald's rendition of "That Old Black Magic" showcases her exceptional vocal skills and impeccable improvisation abilities.
Fitzgerald's rendition of "That Old Black Magic" showcases her exceptional vocal skills and impeccable improvisation abilities. Her smooth and velvety voice effortlessly glides through the song's melody and explores the nuances of the lyrics. The way she effortlessly navigates through the song's various tempo changes and dynamic shifts further demonstrates her mastery as a jazz vocalist.
That Old Black Magic Lyrics
That old black magic's got me in its 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 when that elevator starts its ride
Darling 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
Aflame with
such a burning desire
That only your kiss can put out the fire
You're the lover
I have waited for
The mate that fate had me created for
And everytime your lips meet mine
Darling down and down I go,
Round and Round I go
In a spin, I'm loving the spin that I'm in
I'm Under that old black magic called love
I should stay away but what can I do
I hear your name, and I'm aflame
Aflame with
such a burning desire
That only your kiss can put out the fire
You're the lover
I have waited for
The mate that fate had me created for
And everytime your lips meet mine
Darling down and down I go,
Round and Round I go
In a spin, I'm loving the spin that I'm in
I'm Under that old black magic called love
Writer(s): HAROLD ARLEN, JOHNNY MERCER
Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com
Ella Fitzgerald's interpretation of "That Old Black Magic" is characterized by her distinct scat singing style. Scat singing, a technique where the singer improvises nonsense syllables instead of lyrics, was one of Fitzgerald's trademarks. In this song, she effortlessly weaves in and out of scat solos and lyrical sections, showcasing her ability to create intricate melodies and rhythms on the spot. Moreover, Fitzgerald's phrasing and ability to convey emotions through her singing make her interpretation of "That Old Black Magic" truly captivating. Her delivery perfectly captures the essence of the song, with lyrics that speak of the enchantment and allure of love. Fitzgerald's performance draws listeners in and evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, thanks to her ability to infuse her singing with both joy and vulnerability. Overall, Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of "That Old Black Magic" has become a quintessential version of the song. Her impeccable vocal technique, scat singing prowess, and emotional delivery make this performance an enduring classic in the world of jazz music. Whether you're a fan of jazz or simply appreciate great vocal performances, Ella Fitzgerald's take on "That Old Black Magic" is undoubtedly one that should be experienced and cherished..
Reviews for "From the Vaults: Unearthed Stories Behind Ella Fitzgerald's Recording of "That Old Black Magic"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed by Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of "That Old Black Magic". I've always been a fan of Fitzgerald's jazz sound, but this particular performance fell flat for me. Her vocals lacked the energy and passion that I've come to expect from her, and it felt like she was just going through the motions. The arrangement was also lackluster, with the instrumentation failing to capture the mysterious allure of the song. Overall, I found myself bored and unimpressed by this rendition.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - I can appreciate Ella Fitzgerald's talent and the technical skill she displays in her rendition of "That Old Black Magic", but personally, it didn't resonate with me. While her vocals were undeniably impressive and showcased her range, I found the delivery to be a bit over-the-top. It felt like she was trying too hard to inject emotion into the song, and as a result, it came across as a bit forced. Additionally, the tempo seemed a bit off, and it disrupted the flow of the song. Overall, it wasn't a bad performance, but it didn't captivate me as much as I had hoped.
3. Michael - 2 stars - Ella Fitzgerald's version of "That Old Black Magic" left me underwhelmed. While her vocal abilities are unquestionable, I found her interpretation of the song to be lacking depth. It felt too polished and sanitized, with little room for improvisation or experimentation. The arrangement was too safe and predictable, and it didn't offer anything unique or exciting. I much prefer other artists' renditions of this song, which bring a rawness and intensity that Fitzgerald's version seemed to lack. Overall, it was a forgettable performance for me.
4. Jessica - 2 stars - I've always been a fan of Ella Fitzgerald, but I must admit that her rendition of "That Old Black Magic" failed to impress me. While her technical ability is astounding, this particular performance felt overly theatrical and dramatic. It lacked the subtlety and nuance that I appreciate in jazz music. The arrangement and instrumentation were also quite generic, and it felt like a missed opportunity to create something truly memorable. Overall, I found this rendition to be mediocre and unremarkable compared to Fitzgerald's other works.