Halloween Music: I Put A Spell On You

One of the most popular Halloween songs: I Put A Spell On You! Just can’t go around it this weekend! I hope all your pumpkins are ready and all the trick and treat bags waiting by the door! Have a very scary Halloween weekend! Mwuahahaha! (wink)

This song has as many covers as Screamin’ Jay Hawkins had children! I could barely decide which ones to include and which I didn’t like so much. Anyway, whether you’re celebrating Halloween or not, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins I Put a Spell on You is a classic and I hope you’ll like it!

I Put A Spell on You was originally written, composed and recorded by Jay Hawkins in 1955. I’m not sure, but I think the Screamin’ surname came after he performed (and recorded) I Put a Spell on You in 1956, completely and absolutely drunk and having screamed and grunted and groaned all song – long. However, it was this wild version that became popular with teenagers and then with everyone else, so I guess we all have to thank the organizers of that special recording who freely distributed drinks to make the sound more special.

Although he tried, Screamin Jay Hawkins couldn’t release another song that would be as popular as this one. So he stuck to guest spots in various concerts and festivals. At the time of his dead, in 2000, at the beautiful age of 70, the count of his children has reached 75 (the number is approximate, there could be more!).

One of the most popular cover versions of the song belongs to Creedence Clearwater Revival, without forgetting Nina Simone. (more from Marilyn Manson here, from Jeff Beck and Joss Stone here and from She and Him here)