Sammy Davis Jr. was an iconic American entertainer who captivated audiences with his immense talent and charisma. One of his most famous songs was "That Old Black Magic," a timeless classic that showcased his vocal prowess and charm. Released in 1955, "That Old Black Magic" became an instant hit and solidified Davis' reputation as a top-tier performer. The song's lyrics, written by Johnny Mercer, tell a tale of love and enchantment. Davis' smooth and velvety voice breathed life into the words, effortlessly capturing the emotion and allure of the song.
Davis' smooth and velvety voice breathed life into the words, effortlessly capturing the emotion and allure of the song. One of the reasons "That Old Black Magic" resonated with audiences is its seamless blend of various musical styles. The melody draws from jazz and swing influences, while the arrangement incorporates elements of pop and big band sound.
By virtue of being a woman, you are already a witch
In Wiccan lore, this time of year is known as Samhain; according to "A Witches’ Bible" by Janet and Stewart Farrar, it’s a time of “psychic eeriness,” when the veil between the living and dead is very thin. It’s supposedly a time when things that aren’t usually meant to be seen nonetheless appear, when we remember that we’re all going to die someday — so we might as well say what we want and feast and party.
In society at large, too, the veil is lifting. We are seeing how things really are, and many people are increasingly unafraid to look injustice in the face and call it what it is, no matter what that makes others think.
In the past year, it’s dawned on many women and gender non-conforming people more explicitly than ever before that we piss people off. We didn’t have to do anything to justify their animosity, just ask for kindness and rights we already had. We have always been suspect for wanting abortions, for seeking asylum, for wanting to protect our land and for needing health care and maternity leave — but increasingly we are outright vilified for it.
And in the process of that vilification, we have learned what witches have always known: even if things seem fine, they’re not. We have always been witches.
I don’t know if the witches we burned (and still burn) were actually casting hexes and draining blood sacrifices under a full moon; for the most part, I don’t think they did any of that. Any text about a witchcraft trial of yore is full of accusations of possession and casting illness but, reading between the lines, those women were often punished for being suspicious — for acting in opposition to how the dominant society thought a woman should act. They were mean; they were un-Christian; they were in some legal entanglement that made life hard for others; they were not white.
They were witches because something about their existence pissed people off.
Though there are those who claim witchiness as a religious identity, in western society "the witch" is more an identity to which people have turned when times are tough, as a symbol of unruly strength. The witch is a woman who lives apart, and knows how to thrive when she is not accepted by society. And in a patriarchal, capitalist society, women are inherently not accepted. For a while there, that was easier for some to ignore. But in the year since Donald Trump was elected, it’s far more obvious to many that the problems facing women in this country didn’t begin when Trump was inaugurated.
Women began tapping into their inner witches before Trump was elected, though; the desire for witchy things, from dark fashion to women forming actual covens, grew with this generation’s mainstream recognition of feminism. A woman who questions authority and refuses to conform was an easy identity to latch onto: As early as 2015, my "Basic Witches" co-author, Jess Zimmerman, declared witchcraft the new misandry, foreseeing a future in which we turn from being angry at men to ignoring them. We haven’t quite gotten there, but that’s the promise that being a witch provides: One day, your life and thoughts won’t be ruled by men.
I don’t remember the moment I realized I was living in a society stacked against me, but I know there was a before and after: Before, a man calling me a bitch for pushing him off me when he shoved his hands down my pants at a bar, the endless questions about why I didn’t change my name when I got married. My existence pissed people off, and I wasn’t even trying.
By virtue of being a woman, you already are a witch. You might as well embrace it.
Women today find themselves thinking about witches, I believe, because witches have nothing to lose. A witch knows people hate her and, even if it does get to her sometimes, she finds a way to live honestly and joyfully in the face of that. At a moment in which we stand to lose abortion access, health care, wildlife preserves, job protections and more, channeling our inner witches is enticing. If we speak out and fight back we risk, what, ostracization? Unpopularity? We were already there.
Being a witch doesn’t require you to put faith in a system or larger structure, which is enticing as all of our structures repeatedly let us down. Instead, a witch need only have faith in herself. She may have a coven or she may work alone, but she allows herself to feel joy and pain and anger and sadness as she fights. She is the avatar of the whole woman, the one not constrained by how we should act or care. She is, in a certain way, our best selves.
Jaya Saxena is a freelance writer and editor whose work has appeared in ELLE.com, The New Yorker, The Daily Dot, and more. She is also the co-author of Basic Witches.
I don’t know if the witches we burned (and still burn) were actually casting hexes and draining blood sacrifices under a full moon; for the most part, I don’t think they did any of that. Any text about a witchcraft trial of yore is full of accusations of possession and casting illness but, reading between the lines, those women were often punished for being suspicious — for acting in opposition to how the dominant society thought a woman should act. They were mean; they were un-Christian; they were in some legal entanglement that made life hard for others; they were not white.
Davis' unique interpretation adds a touch of his own style to the mix, creating a memorable rendition that stands the test of time. Beyond his musical talent, Davis' stage presence was legendary. He would often incorporate intricate dance routines and theatrical gestures into his performances. This combination of singing, dancing, and acting made Davis a triple threat and set him apart from other performers of his time. "That Old Black Magic" became a signature song for Davis, and he continued to perform it throughout his career. Its timeless appeal and Davis' undeniable talent ensured its place in music history. In addition to his musical achievements, Sammy Davis Jr. was also a powerful civil rights advocate. He faced discrimination and racism throughout his life but never let it deter him from pursuing his dreams. Davis' activism and determination set an example for future generations, cementing his legacy as not just an exceptional entertainer, but also a symbol of resilience and courage. While Sammy Davis Jr. may no longer be with us, his impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable. His rendition of "That Old Black Magic" remains a beloved classic, showcasing his incredible talent and leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide..
Reviews for "The Artistry of Sammy Davis Jr.: Analyzing his Interpretation of "That Old Black Magic"
1. John - 1/5
I really didn't enjoy "Sammy Davis Jr. That Old Black Magic" at all. The vocals were lackluster and just didn't capture the essence of the original song. The arrangement felt uninspired and repetitive, leaving me wishing for something more dynamic. Overall, it fell flat and didn't do justice to the original classic.
2. Lisa - 2/5
I was disappointed with "Sammy Davis Jr. That Old Black Magic." The performance lacked energy and charisma, making it difficult to connect with the song. The instrumentation felt outdated and didn't bring anything fresh to the table. It just didn't live up to the high standards set by other renditions of this iconic track.
3. Mike - 2/5
"Sammy Davis Jr. That Old Black Magic" was a letdown for me. The vocals were shaky and didn't showcase the full range of Davis Jr.'s talent. The overall production felt amateurish and didn't capture the magic of the original. It felt like a missed opportunity to really pay homage to such a legendary artist.
4. Sarah - 3/5
I wasn't blown away by "Sammy Davis Jr. That Old Black Magic." While it had some nice moments, overall, it felt average and didn't leave a lasting impact. The arrangement was predictable, and the vocals lacked the soul and charm that Sammy Davis Jr. was known for. It was a decent attempt, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
5. Mark - 2/5
"Sammy Davis Jr. That Old Black Magic" was a disappointment compared to other versions of the song. The performance lacked the captivating presence that Davis Jr. was renowned for. The instrumental backing felt monotonous and didn't do justice to the original arrangement. Overall, it was a forgettable rendition that didn't live up to its potential.