Blue Magic Biography

This Philadelphia, USA-based vocal quintet comprised Theodore ‘Ted’ Mills (lead), Vernon Sawyer (tenor, baritone), Wendell Sawyer (baritone), Keith Beaton (tenor) and Richard Pratt (bass). Produced by Norman Harris, a Philly sweet soul veteran, the group’s textured harmonies were ably supported by the classic MFSB house band, resulting in some of the genre’s finest moments. Although early releases were confined to the R&B chart, Blue Magic broke through in 1974 with the million-selling US Top 10 hit ‘Sideshow’, and the equally evocative ‘Three Ring Circus’. Subsequent singles fared less well on the pop chart, but for the next two years, the group remained a consistent fixture on the black music listings. They then left the Atco Records label, since which time their success became more intermittent. Later US hits included ‘Magic’ (1983) and, owing to renewed popularity in the late 80s, ‘It’s Like Magic’ and ‘Romeo And Juliet’.

Source: The Encyclopedia of Popular Music by Colin Larkin. Licensed from Muze.