His musical career spanned from the 1920's to the 1970's. The height of his glory came in the 1950's-1960's when he along with singer and then wife, Keely Smith and Sam Butera and the Witnesses were the hottest lounge entertainers in Las Vegas. He was the composer of "Sing,sing,sing" which Benny Goodman recorded and turned into an instant classic.
That Old Black Magic
Louis Prima And Keely Smith Lyrics
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Old black magic that you weave so well
Those icy fingers up and down my spine
The same old witch craft when your eyes meet mine
Same old tingle that I feel inside
And then the elevator starts it ride
Down and down I go
Like a leaf caught in a tide
I should stay away but what can I do
I hear your name and I'm a flame
Flame, flame of desire
That only your kiss (put out the fire)
For you're the lover I have waiting for
Your the mate that fate had me created for
And every time your lips meet mine
Down and down I go
Round and round I go
In a spin, lovin' the spin I'm in
Under the old black magic called love
In a spin lovin' the spin I'm in
Under the old black magic called love
In a spin lovin' the spin I'm in
Under the old black magic called love
I should stay away but what can I do
I hear your name and I'm a flame
Flame, flame of desire
That only your kiss can put out the fire
For you are the lover I have waited for
Your the mate that fate had me created for
And every time your lips meet mine
Down and down I go
Round and round I go
In a spin, lovin' the spin I'm in
Under the old black magic called love
In a spin, lovin' the spin I'm in
Under the old black magic called love
In a spin, lovin' the spin I'm in
Under the old black magic called love
Under the old black magic called love
Louis Prima's song "That Old Black Magic" is a love song that tells the story of a man who is under the spell of his lover's "old black magic." The singer describes feeling a tingle inside when he is near his lover, and he compares this feeling to being caught in a tide. He is completely drawn to his lover, even though he knows he should stay away.
The song also touches on the idea of fate and destiny. The singer believes that his lover is the one he was created for, and every time they kiss, he falls deeper under her spell. The repetition of the lines "I should stay away but what can I do" and "For you are the lover I have waited for" emphasizes the idea that the singer cannot resist the power of his lover's magic.
The imagery in the song is both mystical and romantic. The idea of being under a spell and caught in a tide creates a sense of mystery and magic, while the repeated references to lips meeting and being in a spin create a sense of romance and passion.
Overall, "That Old Black Magic" is a classic love song that captures the intense feelings of being under someone's spell.
Line by Line Meaning
Old black magic has me in its spell
I am under the influence of the mysterious and powerful magic that you possess
Old black magic that you weave so well
You possess the magic and enchantment that you execute so flawlessly
Those icy fingers up and down my spine
The sensations that I feel when I'm around you are spine-tingling and thrilling
The same old witch craft when your eyes meet mine
The spell you cast upon me when our eyes meet is the same magic you've always had over me
Same old tingle that I feel inside
The same exhilarating feeling washes over me every time I'm with you
And then the elevator starts it ride
My heart takes a ride to the top when I'm with you
Down and down I go
I am falling deeper and deeper in love with you
Round and round I go
My emotions and feelings for you are endless and cyclical
Like a leaf caught in a tide
I am helpless and at the mercy of your love and enchantment
I should stay away but what can I do
I know I should resist you, but I am powerless when it comes to your charm
I hear your name and I'm a flame
Just the sound of your name ignites an intense passion within me
Flame, flame of desire
My desire for you burns brighter than any fire
That only your kiss can put out the fire
Only your kiss can extinguish the flames of my burning desire for you
For you're the lover I have waiting for
You are the one I have been longing and waiting for
Your the mate that fate had me created for
Destiny has created you to be my perfect companion
And every time your lips meet mine
Every time we kiss, I am engulfed with even more love and desire for you
In a spin, lovin' the spin I'm in
I am completely captivated and dizzy with love
Under the old black magic called love
This irresistible and all-consuming love we share is the result of an ancient and mystical force
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@slicksnewonenow
@@glenntremblay5406 I'm pretty sure that actual choreography would have wrecked the Prima show... He and Keeley were known for their goofy, off the cuff antics.
To me, the craziest part of it was how GREAT the whole band was... And every song almost sounded different, each time it was played (when seeing the live footage and they play a certain song in a different tempo, faster or slower than the record) those guys were RIGHT ON IT.
My grandparents loved that band and would go see them whenever they'd play shows close enough to their hometown... And I was blessed by getting to meet Miss Keeley and Mr. Butera once in Las Vegas.
This was in the Nineties and both of them still had "it".
That was one of the highlights of my life!
Wow... What a show!
@jeffreybarkin3177
@@bishlap
This is COLOURIZED as Colour Film Recording was not yet available yet when this was likely recorded...
But, Keely SMITH and LOIUS PRIMA's Live shows in places like The Neville in the scenic Catskill's resort country clubs were Legendary!
Believe THIS recording is from 1958, when Las Vegas was being first developed...
Today, this would be TOTALLY VEGAS!
@stephencurtis1504
This is my old dads favourite song , he always used to sing it , he’s 91 years old and suffers from dementia and now lives in a care home, but still sings it to all the female residents in the home , bless him forever. STEVE C.
@poppyfield1619
Bless him!😘
@glenntremblay5406
My dad played it for me years ago and I instantly loved it... Great song.
It's too bad they weren't choreographing dance moves back then as that would have put it over the top absolutely.
@aug9676
All the choicest blessings for your pops' i bet he knows how to have fun🤣
@slicksnewonenow
@@glenntremblay5406 I'm pretty sure that actual choreography would have wrecked the Prima show... He and Keeley were known for their goofy, off the cuff antics.
To me, the craziest part of it was how GREAT the whole band was... And every song almost sounded different, each time it was played (when seeing the live footage and they play a certain song in a different tempo, faster or slower than the record) those guys were RIGHT ON IT.
My grandparents loved that band and would go see them whenever they'd play shows close enough to their hometown... And I was blessed by getting to meet Miss Keeley and Mr. Butera once in Las Vegas.
This was in the Nineties and both of them still had "it".
That was one of the highlights of my life!
Wow... What a show!
@logann7942
Much love to you and your dad. Music does something different to people. I’ve known dementia patients who don’t remember their own families, but if you find a song they liked, they remember every word. ❤
@artbeau
Got a chance to see Keely in 2010 in CA. She was absolutely genuine. She pitched the first number, "It's Magic". She stopped mid-note to say, "Stop! Stop! What the hell... " Someone right in front of us hollered.... "WE LOVE YOU KEELY"... She said "I love you too and you deserve better." She started over and absolutely killed it!!! The rest of the show was absolutely amazing! I was so happy I was able to see this legend in my lifetime!
@scottsmith2508
Keely Smith is the best. The absolute very best. She's exceptionally cute and exceptionally talented.
@barneypooch
I'm so jealous I could kill!
@catchawave1963
Saw her around the same time. Her tribute album to Sinatra from this period is terrific.