Black Magic Woman

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the mesmerizing "Black Magic Woman" by Fleetwood Mac from their 1969 compilation album English Rose. This track, written by the band’s founder Peter Green, is a spellbinding minor blues with a Latin rhythm that captures the essence of early Fleetwood Mac’s blues-rock sound. One juicy piece of trivia comes from Green himself, who revealed in Peter Green: The Biography that the song was inspired by Otis Rush’s "All Your Love," a track he’d played with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Green took Mayall’s advice to borrow the first lines of a song he loved and craft something new, resulting in the haunting chords of "Black Magic Woman." He also drew lyrical inspiration from his former girlfriend, Sandra Elsdon, nicknamed "Magic Mamma," adding a personal touch to the song’s mystical vibe.

Another fascinating story about "Black Magic Woman" involves its live performances. According to Martin Celmins’ biography of Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac’s rendition at the Fillmore East stretched into a four-hour instrumental jam, showcasing their improvisational prowess. However, by the 1987 Shake the Cage Tour, bassist John McVie vetoed performing the song, feeling it was too closely tied to Santana’s iconic 1970 cover, which hit number four on the US charts. Santana’s version, sung by Gregg Rolie, blended Gábor Szabó’s "Gypsy Queen" and added Afro-Cuban polyrhythms, creating a Voodoo-infused classic. Carlos Santana recalled in a 2015 interview, “I remember saying, ‘Hmm, I can bring a little bit of Otis Rush here and a little bit of Wes Montgomery here,’” during a soundcheck in Fresno, highlighting the song’s transformative journey from Fleetwood Mac’s original.

Social media buzz from fans keeps the song’s legacy alive. A post on X from April 2025 by user @JohnJmac297 celebrated Peter Green’s genius, noting the surprise that "Black Magic Woman" was a Fleetwood Mac original, not just a Santana hit. On Reddit, user u/Yersoultowaste raved about the song’s bluesy grooves, sparking discussions about the best early Fleetwood Mac albums to explore. The song’s allure even caught the attention of the Beatles, with John Lennon praising Green’s quiet vocal style in Peter Jackson’s 2021 documentary The Beatles: Get Back, saying, “They’re so sweet, man,” and comparing them favorably to Canned Heat.

Fleetwood Mac began in London in 1967, formed by guitarist and singer Peter Green after leaving John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Green, a prodigious talent, named the band after drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie, though McVie didn’t play on their first single or concerts. The original lineup included guitarist Jeremy Spencer and later Danny Kirwan, creating a potent blues-rock sound. Their debut album, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, released in 1968, established them as a leading British blues act, with hits like "Albatross" topping the UK charts. Green’s vision was rooted in authentic blues, tempered by restraint and emotional depth, setting the band apart from contemporaries. Despite lineup changes and Green’s departure in 1970, Fleetwood Mac evolved, later achieving massive success with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.

Stay connected with Fleetwood Mac through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest news and throwback gems. Fans can dive deeper at the Fleetwood Mac Wiki, a treasure trove of band history. Join fellow Zoo Freaks in fan communities like the Fleetwood Mac Fan Club on Facebook or the r/FleetwoodMac subreddit to share your love for the band’s bluesy roots and beyond. Keep spinning those records, and let the magic of "Black Magic Woman" cast its spell!