Blue Magic were a Philadelphia-based vocal quintet of the 70's comprised of:
Theodore Ted 'Wizard' Mills (lead)
Vernon Sawyer (tenor, baritone)
Wendell Sawyer (baritone)
Keith 'Duke' Beaton (tenor)
and Richard Pratt (bass)
From Philadelphia, and 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.
Early releases were mainly confined to the R & B chart.
Blue Magic became popular in 1974 with the million-selling US Top 10 hit 'Sideshow' (co-written by Bobby Eli), and the equally melodic 'Three Ring Circus'.
The band maintained their popularity with several fine offerings including 'Thirteen Blue Magic Lane' in 1976, an album that spawned 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.
They then left the Atco label.
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').
In 2001, Ted Mills is recording gospel material, due to be released at a later date.
Albums:
Blue Magic (Atco 1975)
Magic Of The Blue (Atco 1975)
Thirteen Blue Magic Lone (Atco 1976)
Live (WMOT 1976)
Mystic Dragons (Atco 1977)
Message From The Magic (Atco 1978)
Welcome Back (Capitol 1981)
Magic # (Atlantic 1983)
From Out Of The Blue (OBR 1989)
My Magic is Real (Hot Production 1995)
