From the desk of: Stuart

50 screamin’ years of Screamin Jay Hawkins

Among the first shock-rockers, Screamin’ Jay would jump out of coffins, wear crazy outfits, run around the stage like a crazy man, and, well… scream. A regular addition to his act was a skull on the top of his cane that smoked cigarettes.

The funniest thing about this song is that it was almost not recorded at all. The story says that they had laid it down a few times, and it just didn’t sound right – so they proceeded to drink themselves into a pure blackout. The sax player could not keep the mouthpiece of the saxophone in his mouth, and Screamin’ Jay could barely stand. So, when it sounds like they’re all a little out of breath, and perhaps a little wild… it’s because they’re totally shitfaced. After that, I’m assuming they biked home.

Check out the original (obviously), and definitely check out the Nina Simone version – it helped make her career. I really like her rendition, because she’s added a little bluesy twist that makes the song really haunting. It lingers in your ears, and gives the lyrics a sinister feeling. I think it conveys the energy of the Screamin’ Jay version, without all the screaming. Bonnie Tyler and Queen Latifah seem to follow in her footsteps, without significant changes.

Nick Cave’s versions show two different renditions. Both are similar to the original Screamin’ Jay recording, but they show different instrumental arrangements.

If you’re looking for some disco-pop shit, check out Sonique and Bryan Ferry.

1958 – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – I Put a Spell on You
1965 – Nina Simone – I Put a Spell on You
1966 – Them – I Put a Spell on You
1966 – The Animals – I Put a Spell on You
1968 – Creedence Clearwater Revival – I Put a Spell on You
1968 – The Crazy World of Arthur Brown – I Put a Spell on You
1984 – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – I Put a Spell on You (1)
1984 – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – I Put a Spell on You (2)
1986 – Pete Townshend – I Put a Spell on You
1989 – Leslie West – I Put a Spell on You
1992 – Diamanda Galás – I Put a Spell on You
1992 – David Gilmour (with Mika Paris and Jools Holland) – I Put a Spell on You
1993 – Bryan Ferry – I Put a Spell on You
1995 – Marilyn Manson – I Put a Spell on You
1998 – Bonnie Tyler – I Put a Spell on You
2000 – Sonique – I Put a Spell on You
2001 – Natacha Atlas – I Put a Spell on You
2004 – Queen Latifah – I Put a Spell on You
2004 – Joe Cocker – I Put a Spell on You
2005 – Buddy Guy featuring Carlos Santana – I Put a Spell on You

Sampled by:
1997 – Notorious B.I.G. – Kick in the Door
2000 – LL Cool J – LL Cool J

Not only has this song been covered extensively by English-speaking musicians, it has also been translated into Italian and covered by several Italian pop musicians. I wish I could have found those versions, but I don’t have a good way to get Italian recordings. Bummer.

I should also note that a few musicians, although using the same chord changes, have changed the lyrics a bit. Also, the two versions by Nick Cave I have may not necessarily be from the 1984 recording, so I included both of them. They are from live performances, and I can only assume that they’re from around 1984.