About the Song
In the realm of rhythm and blues, few figures loom as large and enigmatic as Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. With his untamed mane, flamboyant attire, and signature hollering vocals, Hawkins was a true original, a wild man of the stage who brought an electrifying energy to his performances. And at the heart of his legend lies his 1956 single, “I Put A Spell On You”, a song that has become nothing short of a cultural touchstone.
“I Put A Spell On You” is a blues song, but it’s a blues song like no other. It’s dark, brooding, and infused with a supernatural mystique that sets it apart from its contemporaries. The lyrics, penned by Hawkins himself, are a potent mix of love, obsession, and voodoo, delivered with a raw intensity that’s both captivating and unsettling.
From the moment the song opens with its eerie organ riff and Hawkins’ primal scream, it’s clear that you’re in for something different. The rhythm section lays down a hypnotic groove, while Hawkins’ vocals soar and swoop, weaving a tale of a love so powerful that it can only be described as magical.
“I Put A Spell On You” is more than just a song; it’s an experience. It’s a performance that demands your attention, that gets under your skin and lingers long after the last note has faded. It’s a song that has been covered by countless artists, from Nina Simone to Nick Cave, but no one has ever quite captured the raw power and originality of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ version.
If you’re looking for a song that will challenge you, that will make you think, and that will stay with you long after you’ve finished listening, then “I Put A Spell On You” is the song for you. It’s a blues classic, a rock and roll anthem, and a timeless work of art. So put on your headphones, crank up the volume, and let Screamin’ Jay Hawkins cast his spell on you.