Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKfASw6qoag

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LMal5jhnFI&list=PLVNnQokQMDKNMWAm2XGUg8sZyMVleJc9F

Few voices in American pop History are as instantly recognizable as Jay Black’s—the operatic lead singer of Jay & The Americans, whose influence helped shape 1960s pop and rock music, making their version of “This Magic Moment” a defining hit.

Written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, two of the era’s most influential songwriters, “This Magic Moment” was first recorded in 1960 by Ben E. King and The Drifters.  Their version reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the R&B chart, establishing the song as a soulful, romantic standard.

But it was Jay & The Americans who transformed the tune into a sweeping pop masterpiece.

Jay Black: The Voice Behind the Hit

Born David Blatt in New York, Jay Black became the group’s second and most famous “Jay.” Known among fans as “The Voice” for his incredible range and dramatic delivery, Black’s emotional style connected deeply with listeners, inspiring admiration and a sense of shared passion.

According to music historians, Black’s vocal approach gave their performances a “cinematic” quality—something clearly audible in the orchestral swell and emotional intensity of “This Magic Moment,” where Black’s delivery lifts the song into a grand romantic anthem.

Jay & The Americans: A Band Built for Big Ballads

Formed in the early 1960s, Jay & The Americans—originally consisting of Jay Traynor, Howard Kane, Kenny Vance, and Sandy Deanne—combined doo‑wop harmonies with polished pop production.  With Black as lead vocalist, they became known for dramatic, emotionally charged records like:

• “Come a Little Bit Closer.”
• “Cara Mia”
• “Only in America.”
• “She Cried.”

Their sound survived the British Invasion—a rarity for American pop groups of that era—thanks to relentless touring and a flair for theatrical arrangements.

“This Magic Moment”: The Breakout Hit

Jay & The Americans recorded their version on 16 October 1968, later releasing it that same month on United Artists Records.  It appeared on the group’s album Sands of Time, a collection paying tribute to classic R&B and doo‑wop songs.  Their arrangement added sweeping strings, dramatic pacing, and Black’s powerhouse vocals—creating a far grander sound than the Drifters’ original.

The result was spectacular:

• #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 (1969)
• #1 on Canada’s RPM Top Singles chart
• 14 weeks on the Billboard charts
• Gold record status from the RIAA

Many critics and fans consider this version the definitive recording, a rare case in which a cover surpasses the original in cultural Impact, evoking nostalgia and pride among music lovers and cultural historians.

Why Jay & The Americans’ Version Endures

1.  A More Expansive Arrangement

The 1968 recording opens with lush orchestral strings and layered harmonies.  Unlike the Drifters’ rhythm‑and‑blues approach, Jay & The Americans turned the tune into a full-scale pop ballad.  Music historians describe it as “cinematic” and “emotionally sweeping,” attributes that suited Jay Black’s vocal style perfectly.

2.  Jay Black’s Lead Vocal

The high, dramatic tenor—capable of belting effortlessly into upper registers—gave the song a sense of grandeur and longing.  Black’s voice became synonymous with the band’s identity, elevating “This Magic Moment” into a timeless romantic anthem.

3.  Placement in Pop Culture

Though many films use the Drifters’ original, Jay & The Americans’ version continues to maintain strong radio rotation and nostalgic appeal thanks to its distinct sound and the enduring appeal of 1960s pop craftsmanship.

Sands of Time: The Album Behind the Hit

“This Magic Moment” appeared on the group’s Sands of Time album, which consisted mainly of reinterpretations of 1950s and early ’60s classics.  The project celebrated the songs that shaped the early rock-and-roll era, but Jay & The Americans infused each track with their own signature style.

Music writers note that “This Magic Moment” is the standout track—“the crown jewel,” as one review put it—for its emotional resonance and polished production.

The song’s creators, Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, crafted a piece that combines poetic imagery with pop accessibility, making “This Magic Moment” a lasting testament to their songwriting genius and emotional insight.

The writing team behind the song, Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, produced numerous classics, including:

• “Save the Last Dance for Me.”
• “A Teenager in Love.”
• “Viva Las Vegas”

They were celebrated for heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies, with “This Magic Moment” exemplifying their talent for poetic imagery and pop appeal, inspiring respect and admiration among music enthusiasts and historians.

A Song With Two Lives

While the Drifters introduced “This Magic Moment” to the world, Jay & The Americans gave it a second—and in many ways larger—life.  Their 1968 recording has since become the version most listeners recognize, thanks to its chart success, powerful vocals, and frequent airplay on oldies radio and compilation albums.

Legacy

Jay Black continued to perform for decades, known for his extraordinary vocal strength even late in his career.  Jay & The Americans’ version of “This Magic Moment” remains a centerpiece of his legacy—a perfect showcase of his dynamic voice and the group’s polished musical identity.

More than 50 years later, the song still conjures the same feelings it did upon release: sweetness, romance, and nostalgia captured in a timeless melody.

And that is the true magic of “This Magic Moment.”