Ted Mills Blue Magic is a term used to describe the unique musical style and talent of the American singer and songwriter, Ted Mills. Known for his smooth and soulful voice, Mills is best known as the lead vocalist of the R&B and soul group, Blue Magic. Blue Magic, formed in Philadelphia in 1972, quickly rose to fame with their self-titled debut album in 1974. The album featured their hit single "Sideshow," which became an instant classic in the R&B and soul genre. Ted Mills' vocals on "Sideshow" showcased his incredible range and emotive delivery, solidifying his status as a powerhouse vocalist. The success of Blue Magic's debut album led to a string of hits for the group, including "Three Ring Circus" and "Stop to Start.

R.I.P. Richard Pratt, co-founding member of Blue Magic

We received sad news this morning via a post from legendary Blue Magic singer, Ted “Wizard” Mills, that Blue Magic co-founder Richard Pratt has died.

It is with a Heavy Broken Heart that I have lost my Brother/Best Friend Richard Pratt. He was my friend Before our group Blue Magic was ever Formed. Its so hard losing one of the Orginal Blue Magic memebers. My prayers go out to his Wife who called me early this morning. I was trying to be strong for her. Please keep us all in your prayers. May Richard Sleep well in Paradise .

While not the most flamboyant member of the iconic Philly group, Pratt was a key to the act’s success, helping to make Blue Magic one of the truly great vocal acts of the 1970s, and Philadelphia soul royalty.

We received sad news this morning via a post from legendary Blue Magic singer, Ted “Wizard” Mills, that Blue Magic co-founder Richard Pratt has died.

It is with a Heavy Broken Heart that I have lost my Brother/Best Friend Richard Pratt. He was my friend Before our group Blue Magic was ever Formed. Its so hard losing one of the Orginal Blue Magic memebers. My prayers go out to his Wife who called me early this morning. I was trying to be strong for her. Please keep us all in your prayers. May Richard Sleep well in Paradise .

While not the most flamboyant member of the iconic Philly group, Pratt was a key to the act’s success, helping to make Blue Magic one of the truly great vocal acts of the 1970s, and Philadelphia soul royalty.

Formed by Temple University student Ted 'Wizard' Mills, with some friends, the group scored an early hit with Mills' composition "Spell." When the other members who participated in the recording balked at touring, Mills merged with local band Shades of Love (Pratt, along with Vernon Sawyer, Wendell Sawyer, and Keith 'Duke' Beaton) to form the nucleus of Blue Magic that would top the charts for years to come.

Signed to Atlantic Records in 1973, the group came out with several hit singles on the way to creating a debut album. Blue Magic became one of the earliest acts produced by veteran Philly guitarist Norman Harris, who spent most of the decade in the shadow of Gamble & Huff but who masterminded a number of great albums for artists from the Trammps to the Temptations.

Blue Magic's debut album included a number of quality tunes, perhaps the most surprising of which was "Look Me Up," an infectious stepper highlighted by Mills' clear falsetto, and which created early comparisons with the Stylistics. But real crossover success came with "Sideshow," a now classic Philly forlorn ballad that topped the Soul charts and made the Pop top 10. The rather contrived follow-up, "Three Ring Circus," was musically another solid ballad that did well despite its obvious attempt to mimic "Sideshow" (even beginning with the same carnival barker). Over the next three years Blue Magic became know mostly for smooth ballads, and the group stayed high on the Soul charts with "Stop to Start" and "Chasing Rainbows" before landing a big hit with the dance tune "Magic of the Blue."

Blue Magic's fortunes faded as the 70s came to an end, and Pratt left in the early 80s. And o ver the past twenty years, Blue Magic splintered into multiple groups each led by one or more original members, with Pratt fronting his own version of the group, Richard Pratt Blue Magic. The five members of Blue Magic reunited in 2018 for an episode of TV One's music biography show, Unsung. It was the first time they had all been together in nearly three decades, and they mulled over the possibility of a full reunion, though that has not materialized.

We will be praying for Mr. Pratt’s family, even as we celebrate the half century of musical greatness he brought.

By Chris Rizik

R&B Legend, Original Blue Magic Lead Singer Ted Wizard Mills Rescues Man from Burning Car in Hillside

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM MILLS: God is good for sure. The video of me running to save someone's life give me the chills. I pray he lives".

Information coming into our news space from sources are updating our weekend crew that the heroic person that dived over a concrete barrier and rescued a man from a burning car is R&B Legend and Original Lead Singer from Blue Magic Mr. Ted Wizzard Mills.

According to preliminary information that made it into our information space, Mills left his vehicle that was in the westbound lanes and lept over the barrier before pulling a severely burned man from the overturned car at approximately 7:30 a.m. Saturday.

**"It was like MAGIC when he came!"**

According to reports, several other Good Samaritans assisted Mills in carrying the burned man off to the side of the road before the vehicle exploded into flames.

Ted Wizard Mills and the other Good Samaritans waited with the man until emergency responders arrived and extinguished the flames.

Messages sent to the Union County Prosecutor's Office and Hillside authorities for a wellness check of the victim was not immediately answered.

According to published reports, Blue Magic was formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1972 when former member of The Delfonics, Randy Cain, brought in singer-songwriter Ted Mills to do some writing with the Philly-based WMOT production company to create a new band.

During the 1970s, there were few first tenors with the power and grace of Ted "Wizard" Mills, the lead singer of the legendary group, Blue Magic. His soaring falsetto graced such songs as "Sideshow," "Look Me Up" and many other hits according to soultracks.com

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

**INFO/IMAGE CREDIT:** Wikipedia, soultracks.com

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The success of Blue Magic's debut album led to a string of hits for the group, including "Three Ring Circus" and "Stop to Start." Mills' ability to convey both vulnerability and strength in his performances became a defining feature of the group's sound. His velvety vocals combined with Blue Magic's harmonies created a distinct and timeless sound that captivated audiences.

Blue Magic

Blue Magic is an R&B group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania whose original members consisted of lead singer Ted Mills, brothers Vernon & Wendell Sawyer, Keith Beaton & Richard Pratt.

The group was formed in 1972 when Randy Cain (a former member of R&B group The Delfonics) brought in Ted Mills to do some writing with the WMOT production company to create a new band. A short time later, a music group called Shades of Love (which featured Keith Beaton, Richard Pratt and Vernon & Wendell Sawyer) came into audition.

Originally, Ted recorded with a music group called the Toppicks, but they were replaced by Shades of Love and the group was renamed Blue Magic. They later signed a record deal with the ATCO Records label.

In 1972, they released their debut single “Spell” which peaked at #30 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 4 weeks. In 1973, the group’s second charting single “Look Me Up” peaked at #36 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The group’s next single “Stop to Start” peaked at #74 on the Billboard Hot 100 (making their first charting single on the Hot 100) and #14 Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.
In January of 1974, Blue Magic released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #45 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The last single released from the album “Sideshow” became a hit for the group, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, #35 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and topped Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart for a week in June of 1974, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. It became their only highest charting song to date.
In December of 1974, the group released their sophomore album “The Magic of the Blue” which peaked at #71 on the Billboard 200 and #14 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single from the album “Three Ring Circus” peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100, #26 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and #5 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The follow-up single “Love Has Found Its Way to Me” peaked at #45 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks, but missed the Hot 100.
In September of 1975, Blue Magic released their third album “Thirteen Blue Magic Lane” which peaked at #50 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single released from the album “Chasing Rainbows” peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. The second single “What’s Come Over Me” (featuring singer Margie Joseph) fared better on the charts, peaking at #11 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

During that same year, Blue Magic went on a world tour that lasted for 42 weeks, traveling to the United States, Europe, the Philippines and the Virgin Islands.
In 1976, Blue Magic’s song “Grateful” (which was the b-side to the single “I Like You”) managed to peak at #4 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #15 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
In 1976, they released their fourth album “Mystic Dragons” which peaked at #170 on the Billboard 200 and #44 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The first single from the album “Freak-N-Stein” peaked at #73 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.
The follow-up single “It’s Something About Love” peaked at #48 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. The last single released from the album “Summer Snow” peaked at #40 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
During that same year, the group was part of a live double album set which was recorded at the Latin Casino in New Jersey which featured singers Major Harris and Margie Joseph. By the late ’70s, Blue Magic’s popularity began to wane due to rise of disco music and the changes of various music styles.
In 1978, they released their fifth album “Message From the Magic” which failed to make the charts at all nor did the lone single “I Waited.”

The group would eventually leave Atco Records. By the early ’80s, Richard left Blue Magic and later on, Vernon & Wendall left as well, leaving only Ted and Keith as the remaining members of the group.
In 1981, Blue Magic released their sixth album “Welcome Back” on Capitol Records, but unfortunately, it didn’t appear to make much impact on the charts.

The only song to make the charts was “Land of Make Believe” which peaked at #77 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.
In 1983, they released their seventh album “Magic #” on the Mirage Records label which managed to peak at #52 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The only charting single, the title song peaked at #69 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
In 1988, the original line-up of Blue Magic reunited and they released their eighth album “From Out of the Blue” on the Def Jam Records’ label, OBR which peaked at #48 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The lead single from the album “Romeo and Juliet” which peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. It also managed to peak at #89 on the UK Singles chart.
The follow-up single from the album “It’s Like Magic” peaked at #31 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. They also appeared on rapper Big Daddy Kane’s album “It’s a Big Daddy Thing.”

By the ’90s, Ted Mills had left Blue Magic and went on to pursue a solo career; the other members of the group brought in a new lead singer named Rod Wayne.

In 1993, they released a single called “Past, Present & Future” on the Big East Entertainment ‎which featured the tracks “That’s the Kind of Love I Need” & “We Had a Fight Last Night.” It’s unknown how much impact the single made at all.

Rod Wayne continued to perform with Blue Magic until 2004. He pursued a teaching career at Tennessee State University, but sadly, he passed away in 2016.

These days, the current line-up of Blue Magic consists of the Sawyer brothers, Keith Beaton and new lead singer, Wade Elliott. They continued to perform in soul music shows and also make occasional appearances on television.

As for Ted Mills, he is still continuing his solo career and performing in multi-act soul music shows. Richard Pratt is still performing as well with his own version of Blue Magic.

To see Richard Pratt’s Facebook page (featuring his version of Blue Magic), go to:
https://www.facebook.com/Blue-Magic-with-Richard-Pratt-420797281399874/

To see a fan-made video for “Sideshow,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Spell,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Look Me Up,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Stop to Start,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Three Ring Circus,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Love Has Found Its Way to Me”, go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Chasing Rainbows”, go to:

To see a fan-made video for “What’s Come Over Me” (featuring Margie Joseph), go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Grateful”, go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Freak-N-Stein”, go to:

To see a fan-made video for “It’s Something About Love”, go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Summer Snow”, go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Land of Make-Believe”, go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Magic #”, go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Romeo and Juliet”, go to:

To see the music video for “It’s Like Magic”, go to:

Beyond his work with Blue Magic, Ted Mills has also released solo material, showcasing his versatility and talent as a solo artist. His solo work often delves into more intimate and introspective themes, allowing him to showcase his vocal abilities in a different light. Ted Mills' Blue Magic continues to be celebrated and appreciated by fans of R&B and soul music. His smooth vocals and timeless performances have left an indelible mark on the genre. Whether as part of Blue Magic or as a solo artist, Mills' musical talents continue to captivate audiences and solidify his place as an R&B legend..

Reviews for "Ted Mills and Blue Magic: A Retrospective on Their Greatest Hits"

1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to reading "Ted Mills Blue Magic" as I had heard so many great things about it. However, I found myself disappointed. The story felt disjointed and the characters lacked depth, making it difficult for me to become invested in their journeys. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with parts of the book dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this novel and wouldn't recommend it to others.

2. John - 1/5 - "Ted Mills Blue Magic" was a complete letdown for me. The writing was amateurish and lacked any sort of creativity or originality. The plot was predictable and uninteresting, following cliched tropes that I've seen countless times before. The dialogue was forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with any of the characters. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of my time and would not recommend it to anyone.

3. Emily - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Ted Mills Blue Magic" as it had received some positive reviews, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The story felt convoluted and muddled, with too many subplots that didn't tie together cohesively. The characters were forgettable and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to care about their fates. Additionally, the writing style was uninspiring and failed to engage me as a reader. I was disappointed with this book and didn't find it worth the hype it had received.

4. Michael - 1/5 - "Ted Mills Blue Magic" was simply a mess. The narrative was confusing and hard to follow, with sudden jumps in time and perspective that left me feeling disoriented. The author seemed to prioritize style over substance, using flowery language and unnecessary metaphors that added nothing to the story. The pacing was off, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed and unsatisfying resolutions. Overall, I found this book to be a frustrating and incomprehensible read, and I regretted picking it up.

Blue Magic's Undeniable Talent: An Interview with Ted Mills