Blue Magic ~ Sideshow 1974 Soul Purrfection Version

After the tumultuous 60's, music in the early 70's was aimed more at being soothing since people were looking for ways to chill out and the soft sounds of the music was the perfect remedy. Pop music had America, Neil Young, The Carpenters and Carole King.

It affected R&B and soul too, groups like the Delfonics, The Stylistics and Blue Magic ruled the airwaves with their comforting "sweet soul" sound. The sound of Philadelphia was brought to us via Thom Bell and MFSB and played a big part of the orchestral arrangements that were used to create slow dance classics.

Blue Magic came from Philadelphia in 1972 where Randy Cain once a member of The Delfonics connected with songwriter Tim Mills and assembled Keith Beaton, Richard Pratt, Vernon Sawyer and his brother Wendell who were known as Shades Of Love. Record executives replaced Ted Mills go to musicians with the Shades Of Love and renamed the band Blue Magic.

Put in the studio with the nascent MFSB orchestra and produced by Norman Harris himself a member of MFSB, their debut single "Spell" set the trend for the smooth and emotional soul ballads meant to tug at your hearstrings in 1973. Then the second single, the uptempo "Look Me Up" placed at #14 R&B and #74 on the Hot100.

This set the scene for their next single "Sideshow" an achingly emotional look at the pitfalls of lost love and it became their biggest and defining hit peaking at #1 R&B and #8 on the Hot100. Written by Bobby Eli and "Vinnie Barnett" (who was lyricists Gwen Woolfolk and Bobby Eli) who also wrote Major Harris's #1 R&B tune "Love Won't Let Me Wait".

The metaphor of the circus sideshow was created after Woolfolk and Eli decided to go out and see the world to take a break from writing. They went to a museum where one of the exhibits was of antique Circus props and the chorus came together easily that same night when they got back to the studio. The lyrics took about four months to write since they did not want to present the story as a happy thing. "People who work for the circus are hardworking, very strong and sad things happened to them. So I wanted that idea, the sideshow is gone and the singer is still an unhappy person."

The duo repaired to Eli's apartment after completing the song when Norman Harris decided to pass by, but was unable to get their attention to answer the door. He finally did by tossing pebbles at the window and they showed him the song they had just completed. Harris was ecstatic and said he wanted to record the song with Blue Magic.

This remix was a labor of love, it is a stone cold classic and I had to be careful to not overdo any one element because the alchemy was already perfect and I was able to extend the intro and create a break that keeps the listener involved. When I first heard this at the age of 14, I could already sense the emotion and it made me feel sad, but in a good way. I love it so much and love this remix. I hope you do too!

[sergiosalas]

Hearing this made me smile. I remember Sideshow and Three Ring Circus from my childhood. It was at a time when life was more simple and our family was complete. The good old days.

[edwardberridy]

I count myself so fortunate to have grown up during this era. There was such a variety of musical styles. Radio still played oldies from the 50's, Motown and Soul from the 60's and from my parents the Swing from the 40's and Latin from the 50's. My favorites are The singers like this group. They told a story you could see with your eyes closed. It touched you deep. Thank you DJDC for another fantastic extended mix of some great music!

[ABBY-mlrq]

I've been watching this sideshow called life for 57 years.

[richardboudeman]

Despite only making it to #8, this is another 70s classic masterpiece!!

[suzybailey-koubti]

This brings back so many memories of 1974 ❤️

[Dylancla]

You are my absolute favorite dj, Thank you!!!

[jagthediva]

Good music 🎶 brings back great memories of childhood

[josephmennella]

I loved this old school song thank you so much

[tanyakelly]

This song takes me back to childhood memories I was 10 living in the Bronx on Washington Ave going to Mount Carmel Catholic School

[eddiemiles]

'70's Soul/R&B was just the best ever...Sound Of was just the best ever... AM now your vision added to all of this.. Icing on the Cake... Your "genius and gifted ear" make this just the best ever...Appreciatively For Life....Thanks!

[nicholascatino]

I hear this song when I was on Okinawa with the Marines in 1974. It kept me sane during my tour in that arm pit of the world. Thanks for the great song. N.Catino Cpl USMC 73-77.

[Jayiceful]

My mother used to listen to this song. It was a classic in the 70's.

[adrian-hd]

takes me back to the magic of my youth😊

[jeromemanoharan]

Beautifully remixed. Magical Masterpiece 🍿❤️❤️❤️

[brendawoods]

No comparison to this song. I'm dying, for real.

[mikeots]

That's Soul Music 😉
I miss this so much 💞

[richardvigus]

I was so attracted to this song when I was a kid. I've cried a million years.

[raytorres]

Every time I hear this song I Cry because this is a very powerful and emotional song If you put your mind to it and your heart and your soul keep up the good work.

[hd]

As a 13 year old black beautiful male teenager back in 1974 this song meant so much to me. I was different. No one understood my look except my parents and grandparents. I didn’t even understand but this song somehow made me feel good about myself. Now at 61 years young I understand. Wow. I actually grew to become a professional fashion model and Aqua fitness Instructor professional. Wow just think back then in 1974 who would have known the “Side Show aka “me” would have turned out they way I did ….my mom and dad. Thank God for the best parents ever! Real 💯

[onlybosslion]

A Favorite for me and I have not heard it in a long time. Thanks for the share.

It’s a great oldie. Love their softness in voice.