Before the film "Star Spangled Rhythm" was issued, the song "That Old Black Magic" was released by Judy Garland and the Gordon Jenkins Orchestra. Apparently Johnny Mercer composed the lyrics for Judy specifically.

The 1942 movie "Star Spangled Rhythm" was meant to introduce "That Old Black Magic" (Johnny Mercer - Harold Arlen) as sung by Johnny Johnson. This was nominated for an Academy Award the next year.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra's "That Old Black Magic" with vocals by Skip Nelson and The Modernaires peaked at the topped of the Billboard chart in 1943.

Billy Daniels with Jerry Jerome's Orchestra version of "That Old Black Magic" was recorded near 1946 prior to the musicians strike. In 1950 the single was re-recorded for Mercury Records and sold millions while establishing Billy's career. There was a time when Billy's piano accompanist was Nat King Cole.