Long before Fleetwood Mac became known for the harmonies of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, the band had already made a name for itself with a bluesy, understated sound. In 1969, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac was enjoying early acclaim as a fresh voice in the British blues-rock scene. Their music stood out not for its volume but for its emotional depth and restrained elegance.
Among their standout early tracks was “Black Magic Woman”, a single that would not only highlight Green’s creative powers but eventually become a global hit—though through someone else’s voice. It carried a darker, mystic tone compared to their instrumental hit “Albatross”, yet both revealed the group’s softer approach to blues.
What many don’t know is that the song’s origin is deeply personal, rooted in heartbreak and influenced by Green’s time with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. To understand “Black Magic Woman”, one must look at the man who wrote it—and the magic he infused into every note.
The Quiet Power of Peter Green
Peter Green wasn’t like other frontmen of the era. While bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who ramped up the noise, Green preferred subtlety. His soft vocal delivery and precise guitar work gave Fleetwood Mac a unique identity. Even John Lennon took notice, praising Green’s quiet charisma and calling him “great” in Peter Jackson’s Get Back documentary.
This gentle energy wasn’t a limitation—it was an asset. Songs like “Albatross” proved that a slow, meditative instrumental could become a massive hit. It showed that Fleetwood Mac didn’t need to shout to be heard. Green’s artistry lay in restraint, letting the emotion breathe within each note.
His unique style made him a standout even in a competitive era. And when he wrote “Black Magic Woman”, it was a natural extension of his blues sensibilities—dark, brooding, yet irresistibly smooth.
Tracing the Roots of the Spell
“Black Magic Woman” didn’t emerge from thin air. Its DNA can be traced to the 1958 blues classic “All Your Love (I Miss Loving You)” by Otis Rush. Green had previously covered this track with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, and the experience stayed with him. He once shared that John Mayall encouraged bandmates to reimagine what they loved—leading Green to create something entirely new.
Before arriving at “Black Magic Woman”, Green experimented with a precursor called “I Loved Another Woman”, featured on Fleetwood Mac’s debut album. Though the lyrics were different, the structure—a minor blues foundation with a Latin-infused rhythm—laid the groundwork for what was to come.
By refining the tone and deepening the mystique, Green transformed a personal lament into a haunting tale of seduction and danger. The lyrics drew from his own romantic past, specifically a woman named Sandra Elsdon, whom he affectionately called “Magic Mamma.” With this emotional backdrop, the song gained its mythical edge.
From London Blues to Global Fame
Fleetwood Mac’s original version of “Black Magic Woman” made waves in the UK and helped solidify the band’s reputation in blues circles. But it wasn’t until Carlos Santana covered the song in 1970 that it exploded globally. Santana’s version, driven by Gregg Rolie’s vocals and a sizzling Latin-rock arrangement, reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Santana added a vibrant, percussive energy to the song while preserving its hypnotic feel. His reimagining wasn’t just a cover—it was a reinvention. For many listeners, it became the definitive version, even though Green’s original remains a gem in Fleetwood Mac’s early catalog.
Despite being overshadowed by Santana’s hit, Peter Green’s composition laid the foundation. His blues artistry crossed genres and borders, proving that a song born from introspection and pain could cast a spell on millions around the world.