Seems that every song that popped into my head tonight has already been played in the last six months or so … some nights are just like that. But, I just let the music play for a bit until I hit on this one and … yeah, it’s a good one.
This R&B classic was written by the songwriting team of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. First recorded by The Drifters in January 1960, it was one of the few Drifters tracks where Ben E. King sang lead – he left the group later in 1960. The Drifters version spent 11 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 16 on April 2, 1960. As far as I can tell, it did not chart outside the U.S.
In 1968, Jay and the Americans released a version of the song, which became the song’s most widely successful release. Their version spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #6 on March 1, 1969, while reaching #1 in Canada. While I really like both versions, my preference is The Drifters version, but I have a feeling most will prefer Jay and the Americans, so I will offer up both and let you choose.
This Magic Moment
Song by The Drifters
This magic moment
So different and so new
Was like any other
Until I kissed you
And then it happened
It took me by suprise
I knew that you felt it too
By the look in your eyes
Sweeter than wine
Softer than the summer night
Everything I want I have
Whenever I hold you tight
This magic moment
While you lips are close to mine
Will last forever
Forever til the end of time
Oh…
Oh…
Mm…
Sweeter than wine
Softer than the summer night
Everything I want I have
Whenever I hold you tight
This magic moment
While your lips are close to mine
Will last forever
Forever til the end of time
Oh…
Magic moment…
Magic moment…
Magic moment…
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Mort Shuman / Jerome Pomus
This Magic Moment lyrics © Unichappell Music Inc., Mort Shuman Songs Llp, Pomus Songs Inc
Filosofa's Word 
You made my evening, Jill! :-)) Now i am feeling to be much more closer to next summer. ;.-) Michael
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I’m so glad! Summer will be here before you know it! And then, we’ll be complaining of the heat! 😉
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Although I love the Drifters, I have to give the nod to Jay and the Americans. Thanks for both.
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My pleasure! I actually liked both quite well and would only slightly rank the Drifters over Jay and the Americans.
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I vote for the Drifters!Drifters do it with less schmaltz.
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Yep, that’s my vote too!
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I’d never heard either version of this before, which probably reflects the fact that neither charted here. It’s pleasant enough, but it doesn’t stand out for me, sorry.
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Often when a song didn’t chart in the UK, my UK readers still remember it well, but not this one … none of you guys recalled it, so I guess it didn’t make the journey ‘cross the pond at all!
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It rather looks that way!
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A magical song! 🙂
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So glad you liked it, my friend!
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I don’t know about The Drifters’ version, except to put it down to bad luck. To the best of my knowledge the Drifters recording never made it into Canada, and when Jay and the Americans did it in 1968, it was their song., Or maybe the time just wasn’t right in 1960.
I don’t want to be biased, but Jay’s voice was just that little bit softer than Ben’s. Does that make a difference, I don’t know. Maybe the Drifters did not have a good promotion team. Who can say?
After reading about them in Wikipedia the Drifters had a long and storied past, changing personnel so often it was hard to keep track. Not one member of the original members was in the group that recorded This Magic Moment. Three different groups were indicated into Hall of Fame status, distinguished by the lead singers. Ben was in the second group.
Still, a great song. I enjoyed both versions.
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You’re right … the Drifters’ version apparently never made it outside the U.S., though I don’t understand why. But, as you say, could have just been timing. I wasn’t aware of that about the Drifters … thanks for the info! I’m glad you enjoyed the music.
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Yes….
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Glad you liked it!
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Jill, this is one of the best love songs with its imagery, music and performance. The use of the term “magic” is so fitting. It serves as a reminder to those feelings that keep us alive. Keith
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Keith. I hadn’t thought about it that way, but you’re right … magic is quite apt. You’re a romantic at heart, I think.
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