Blue Magic were a Philadelphia-based vocal quintet of the 70's comprised of:
Theodore Ted 'Wizard' Mills (lead)
Vernon W. Sawyer (tenor, baritone)
Wendell Sawyer (baritone)
Keith 'Duke' W. Beaton (tenor) (b. 30th July 1950, U.S.A. d. 14th January 2023, U.S.A.)
and
Richard D. Pratt (bass) (b. 30th June, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. d. 1st March 2022, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.A.)
Blue Magic were formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1972.
The group were produced by Norman Harris, a Philladelphia Records veteran, the group's harmonies were supported by the M.F.S.B. house band.
The band made some of the finest soul vocal group music from the early to mid 1970's.
Blue Magic were partially comprised of the group the Shades of Love, which featured Keith Beaton, Richard Pratt, Vernon Sawyer and his brother Wendell.
Early Blue Magic releases were mainly confined to the R & B chart.
Blue Magic became popular in 1974 with the million-selling U.S. Top 10 hit 'Sideshow' (co-written by Bobby Eli), and another Sweet Soul ballad, 'Three Ring Circus'.
blue magic - 1974 / the magic of the blue - 1974 / thirteen blue magic lane - 1975 / live! - 1976
The band maintained their popularity with several further releases, including 'Thirteen Blue Magic Lane' in 1976, an album that included the popular dance track 'We're On The Right Track'.
That same year, the group were part of a live double album set, recorded at the Latin Casino in New Jersey, that also featured Margie Joseph and Major Harris.
That album showcased two further 'studio' recordings by Margie and the group.
mystic dragons - 1976 / message from the magic - 1977 / welcome back - 1981 / magic # - 1983
They then left the Atco label, following which, Richard Pratt left the band in 1981.
Their later US hits have included 'Magic' (1983) and, owing to renewed popularity in the late 80's, 'It's Like Magic' and 'Romeo And Juliet'.
Blue Magic have also sung background vocals for Alyson Williams and the Rolling Stones (on 'If You Really Want To Be My Friend' on the album 'It's Only Rock N' Roll').
from out of the blue - 1989 / my magic is real - 1995
In 1996, Ted Mills returned to the music scene as a solo artist.
He recorded an album for Casablanca that year entitled 'This Magic Is Real', featuring a remake of 'Tear It Down'.
Recent Blue Magic/Ted Mills related recordings include the '3 Tenors of Soul' with Russell Thompkins, Jr. (the Stylistics) and William Hart (the Delfonics) and the 'Soulful Tale Of Two Cities' album project.
Ted recently appeared in the touring play 'Girl He Ain't Worth It' with The Manhattans, Meli'sa Morgan and Tito Jackson.
A recent lead singer for Blue Magic was Mr. Wade Elliot who was formerly with Ray, Goodman and Brown.
The current lead singer for the group is Leemy Waiters.
Keith Beaton died in January 2023..
Albums:
as Blue Magic:
Blue Magic (Atco Records 1975)
Magic Of The Blue (Atco Records 1975)
Thirteen Blue Magic Lone (Atco Records 1976)
with Major Harris and Margie Joseph:
Live (WMOT Records 1976)
as Blue Magic:
Mystic Dragons (Atco Records 1977)
Message From The Magic (Atco Records 1978)
Welcome Back (Capitol Records 1981)
Magic # (Atlantic Records 1983)
From Out Of The Blue (OBR Records 1989)
My Magic Is Real (Hot Production Records 1995)
