Shuddersome Soundscape #2 - An Old Classic

In my humble opinion, no Halloween is complete without a witchy classic that was probably the most unusual rhythm and blues recording of its time. Let me introduce you to "I Put a Spell on You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins (1956).


Although he originally recorded a gentle, romantic ballad a year before, Hawkins grunted and roared his way through a later drunken session that produced the version we know today. The resulting masterpiece became his biggest hit, though the song was hastily banned on many radio stations for its supposedly provocative nature.

With has theatrical performances, macabre stage presence, and penchant for ghoulish props and antics, Screamin' Jay Hawkins became the progenitor of shock rock and leant his influence to various other dark rock genres as well.

His iconic song actually never charted despite its popularity. Since then, it has been covered by a myriad of artists throughout the years (many of whose versions appeared on the charts). It also famously featured in the 1993 Halloween favourite film Hocus Pocus, performed by the wicked Sanderson Sisters.

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