Blue Magic Stop To Start – The Atco & WMOT Recordings 1973 to 1977 (6CD set)

A massive legacy of music, brought together in one great little package – all of which shows just how much the group Blue Magic evolved in the span of just a few short years! At their start, the group were right up there with some of the best east coast sweet soul acts – like The Stylistics and Delfonics, and also shared a similar high-soaring lead singer in the wonderful Ted Wizard Mills, who gives Blue Magic a stunning sound that's very much their own! And as the years progressed, they also picked up a great talent for stepping up their groove, but all without ever losing the sense of soul that made them so great – working with giants from the Sigma Sound scene, like Norman Harris, Bobby Eli, and Vince Montana – and also getting some production help from the great Skip Scarborough as well! All the top-shelf talent really keeps things strong through this amazing run of records – albums presented here with new remastering, with 74 tracks in all, including bonus material as well! Get it here.

The package features the full albums Blue Magic, Magic Of The Blue, Thirteen Blue Magic Lane, Mystic Dragons, Message From The Magic, and the Live album done with Major Harris and Margie Joseph – presented here with all the Blue Magic tracks, including duets with Joseph. Bonus tracks include "Freak N Stein (single edit)", "I Waited (single edit)", "Grateful", "Stop & Get A Hold Of Yourself (single edit)", "You & Me (with Margie Joseph)", "Magic Of The Blue (vocal)", "Look Me Up (Tom Moulton ext rmx)", "Three Ring Circus (single edit)", "Guess Who", "Where Have You Been", "Sideshow (Mike Maurro ext magic rmx)", "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely (single edit)", and "Welcome To The Club (UK single edit)"

Blue Magic emerged in the early 1970s from Philadelphia, a city renowned for its rich musical heritage. The group was formed by a quartet of talented vocalists: Ted "Wizard" Mills, Vernon "Blue" Magic, Jimmy "Jump" McCulloch, and Keith "Sweet" Beaton. Their unique blend of smooth harmonies and soul-infused melodies quickly garnered attention in the burgeoning Philadelphia soul scene.

In 1974, Blue Magic released their self-titled debut album, which featured the hit single "Sideshow." The song, characterized by its lush arrangements and heartfelt lyrics, climbed the charts, reaching the top of the R&B charts and solidifying the group’s place in soul music history. The success of "Sideshow" was followed by other popular tracks, including "Blue Magic," and their sophomore album, "The Magic of Blue Magic," further established them as key figures in the genre.

Blue Magic’s sound is defined by their sophisticated vocal arrangements, often likened to the smooth, lush productions of Philadelphia soul. Their music often incorporates elements of funk and R&B, with lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience. The group’s style influenced many artists in the soul and R&B genres, paving the way for future vocal groups.

Despite their early success, Blue Magic faced challenges throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, including changes in lineup and shifts in the music industry. The original members went through various changes, leading to a fluctuating lineup, yet they continued to perform and record, adapting their sound to fit the evolving musical landscape.

Blue Magic's impact on soul music endures, with their songs being sampled and covered by numerous artists over the years. They remain a beloved act among soul music enthusiasts. The group has seen various reunions and performances, celebrating their classic hits and contributing to the revival of interest in 1970s soul music.

In the 2000s, Blue Magic continued to tour and release new music, keeping their legacy alive. They remain a testament to the rich tapestry of Philadelphia soul, with their enduring melodies and harmonies resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.With a career spanning decades, Blue Magic remains a significant part of the soul music narrative, celebrated for their contributions and timeless classics.