Sammy Davis Jr. was a legendary American entertainer who is particularly remembered for his talent as a singer, dancer, and actor. One of his most famous songs is "That Old Black Magic," which became closely associated with him throughout his career. "That Old Black Magic" is a jazz standard that was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer in 1942. The song describes the enchantment and allure of love, comparing it to a mystical and irresistible force. It has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, but Sammy Davis Jr.
Factoring in profitability and performance, building the Rune was an impossibility. So, Honda simply threw those considerations away. As a halo bike, a production Rune would elevate both the related Gold Wing and Valkyrie motorcycles. It's estimated that each Rune cost Honda in the neighborhood of $150,000 to build. When new, each bike sold for $25,000.
He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. The concept s beautiful radiator slits were only theoretically capable of handling the cooling duties for a 20- to 30-hp engine, but the production Rune s 1832cc flat-six makes 118 horsepower, so Honda had to use ultra-conductive alloy to make the radiator shed enough heat.
It has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, but Sammy Davis Jr.'s rendition is often regarded as one of the best. Davis's performance of "That Old Black Magic" perfectly showcases his charisma, vocal range, and versatility as an entertainer.
2004 Honda Rune
In 2000, Honda released the T2 Concept as a preview of what they could do if they went nuts with some ideas for a cruiser. The public response was what you’d expect with a crazy concept – it looked interesting but if it ever became a production bike then it would be diluted. Well, we were wrong. Honda released the Rune in 2004 and it’s still probably the craziest production motorcycle they’ve ever built.
Photo from Honda.
Some styling cues for the Rune actually go back to 1995, when Honda debuted the Zodia concept bike:
The official name was actually the Honda Valkyrie Rune as it was heavily based on the Valkyrie, itself a naked evolution of the venerable Gold Wing. The Rune was specifically designed for the American market and was built at Honda’s plant in Marysville, Ohio. In a check out this “Memorable Motorcycle” profile from Moto-USA, Frank Melling notes that “each Rune left the American Honda Plant at Marysville, Ohio, costing the company a reported $100,000 – and sold for just a quarter of that price.”
Honda utilized the Gold Wing’s engine but beefed it up with six throttle bodies (versus two), more aggressive camshafts, and different tuning. Claimed output was 118 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 121 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Also notable was the suspension – the rear Unit Pro-Link was derived from the RC211V MotoGP bike and the front was visually striking due to the trailing link setup.
Paint options on the distinctive bodywork were Candy Black Cherry and Pearl Chromium Purple (also known as Illusion Blue).
Manufactured in May of 2003, this example is VIN: 1HFSC530X4A000313, engine #: SC53E2000635. It was accepted as a trade-in by our friends at Bartel’s Harley-Davidson, so the history is not well-known.
The odometer shows 7,535 miles.
Modifications:
This Rune is completely stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop D861 tires with date codes of 2817 and 3317.
The sale includes two keys.
The sale also includes the original Honda Rune book.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Marina Del Rey, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired in August 2022. Per the DMV website, it would cost $207 to make registration current through August 2023. Please note that there is a Texas license plate on the bike from a previous owner and it was left on as this was a display bike.
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His smooth and silky voice, combined with his impeccable timing and stage presence, captivated audiences around the world. The song became one of his signature tunes and was often a highlight of his live performances. Beyond his musical talents, Sammy Davis Jr. was also a trailblazer in breaking down racial barriers in the entertainment industry. As an African American artist, he faced discrimination and adversity throughout his career but managed to rise above it and achieve great success. "That Old Black Magic" serves as a symbol of Davis's ability to enchant and mesmerize audiences, transcending racial and cultural boundaries. In addition to being an accomplished singer, Sammy Davis Jr. was also an acclaimed dancer and actor. His performances on stage and screen earned him critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award and an Emmy Award. He was a true icon of the entertainment world and left a lasting legacy in the industry. Even though Sammy Davis Jr. may no longer be with us, his music and performances continue to inspire and uplift audiences to this day. The power and magic of his rendition of "That Old Black Magic" will forever be remembered as a testament to his talent, charm, and the indelible mark he left on the world of entertainment..
Reviews for "Sammy Davis Jr's Unforgettable Recording Sessions for "That Old Black Magic"
1. John - 2 stars - I found "Sammy Davis Jr: That Old Black Magic" to be underwhelming and unoriginal. The song selection was predictable, and Davis' performance lacked the energy and charisma that he is known for. It felt like he was just going through the motions and didn't bring anything new or exciting to the classic songs. Overall, I was disappointed and expected more from such a legendary performer.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I was really looking forward to "Sammy Davis Jr: That Old Black Magic," but it fell flat for me. The arrangements were cheesy and outdated, and Davis' voice sounded strained and tired. It almost seemed like he was past his prime and unable to hit the high notes he used to effortlessly reach. The album lacked the magic and charm that I associate with Davis' performances, and I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied. I would not recommend this album to anyone looking for a true representation of Sammy Davis Jr's talent.
3. Michael - 2 stars - As a fan of Sammy Davis Jr, I was excited to listen to "That Old Black Magic," but it didn't live up to my expectations. The album felt like a cash-grab attempt, with Davis going through the motions and putting in minimal effort. The songs lacked the passion and emotion that Davis is known for, and it felt like he was just going through the motions. Overall, I was left wishing for more and felt let down by this release.
4. Emily - 1 star - "Sammy Davis Jr: That Old Black Magic" was a disappointing album for me. The arrangements were uninspired and lacked the energy that Davis is famous for. His voice sounded tired and strained, and it seemed like he was struggling to hit the right notes. The album felt like a collection of forgettable performances, and I found myself skipping through most of the songs. Overall, I would not recommend this album to anyone looking to experience the true talent of Sammy Davis Jr.