That Old Black Magic

Music by	Harold S. Arlen
Lyrics by	Johnny Mercer
Date	1942
Publisher	Famous Music LLC

Jaye P. Morgan and Dr. Teeth duet.

"That Old Black Magic" is an American pop-standard, which was a number one hit for Glenn Miller in 1943. Several subsequent recordings have charted on the Billboard top 30. It has been associated with the Muppets since the 1950s.

Kermit and Sam lip-synched to a recording of this song by Louis Prima and Keely Smith in a 1957 episode of Sam and Friends. Kermit took Smith's part in the song, wearing a brown wig, while Sam danced frantically and sang Prima's part.

This is one of the most well known Sam and Friends episodes, and portions of it are used in most documentaries. This is also the only surviving Sam and Friends episode that features the title character. Kermit was performed by Jane Henson, while Jim Henson puppeteered Sam's dance. They performed this bit on The Today Show as well.

The song was also performed in several duets featuring the Muppet Show characters:

• Piggy Lee and Hamilton Pig lip synched to the original track on The Tonight Show on 24 May 1974.

• Sweetums and Cher sang "That Old Black Magic" in a 1975 episode of Cher's variety show.

• Jaye P. Morgan sang the song with Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem in 1977, in The Muppet Show episode 218.

• Miss Piggy sang "That Old Black Magic" with Andy Kaufman (as "Tony Clifton") in the 1981 special The Fantastic Miss Piggy Show.

Gallery

Yorick and Harry watch Sam and Kermit on TV at the beginning of the Sam and Friends episode.

Jim Henson and Jane Henson, after performing on The Today Show.

Miss Piggy and Tony Clifton sing together.