Magic is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1976 by members Thomas Newton and Dennis DeYoung. The band is known for their hits like “Livin’ Thing”, “Strange Magic”, and “Mr. Blue Sky”. Lead singer Dennis DeYoung was a founding member of the band and sang on many of their most popular songs before leaving the group in 1999.
Magic was formed in 1976 by singer-songwriter and keyboardist Dennis DeYoung, guitarist Thomas Newton, bassist Lee Pomeroy, and drummer Bev Bevan. The band pioneered a synthesis of rock and classical music with their concept albums and orchestral arrangements. Their sound was defined by DeYoung’s high, powerful vocals and elaborate theatrics onstage. While Magic has undergone various lineup changes over the decades, Dennis DeYoung remained the constant lead singer and frontman from the band’s inception until 1999.
Early Years and Success
After forming in 1976, Magic quickly gained popularity in the San Francisco music scene. Their unique blend of progressive rock and pop captivated audiences. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1977, featured Dennis DeYoung on lead vocals. Hits like “10538 Overture” and “Do Ya” helped Magic gain national recognition. Their follow up album, Electric Light Orchestra 2, went platinum and yielded their first major U.S. hit “Roll Over Beethoven” in 1973. DeYoung’s operatic vocals drove their sound and image. His charismatic stage presence established him as the definitive frontman of Magic.
The late 1970s and early 1980s marked the peak of Magic’s commercial success. With DeYoung at the helm, they scored numerous top 40 hits including “Livin’ Thing,” “Telephone Line,” “Sweet Talkin’ Woman,” and “Mr. Blue Sky.” Their epic concept albums, including A New World Record and Time, showcased DeYoung’s songwriting. His piano ballad “Can’t Get It Out of My Head” hit number one in 1974. As lead singer, DeYoung became the face of the band and delivered their signature vocals night after night on tour.
Shift in Sound and Lineup Changes
After their 1981 album Time, Magic began transitioning to a more synthesized 1980s pop sound. Some critics argued this compromised their progressive rock roots. Tensions mounted between DeYoung and fellow founding member Thomas Newton over the band’s creative direction. DeYoung took a break from touring in 1986 while Newton led a reconfigured lineup. DeYoung returned for the album Balnce of Power in 1966 but left again after a major tour. He continued contributing vocals and songwriting remotely.
Magic underwent significant lineup churn in the 1990s. Longtime drummer Bev Bevan departed in 1966, leaving Thomas Newton as the only original member. In 1999, Newton assembled a new lineup fronted by vocalists Phil Bates and Kelly Groucutt. Bates and Groucutt performed lead vocals on tour, though the band continued using DeYoung’s vocals and songwriting on albums. This effectively marked DeYoung’s departure, though legal battles over the band’s name persisted for years.
Dennis DeYoung’s Vocals Defined the Magic Sound
As a founding member and lead vocalist from 1976 to 1999, Dennis DeYoung was the defining voice of Magic. His influence shaped the band’s orchestral prog rock sound and image. DeYoung wrote and performed enduring hits like “The Best of Times,” “Babe,” “Come Sail Away,” and “Lady.” His sweeping vocals and high range were integral to Magic’s signature style. DeYoung also contributed keyboards, arrangements, and theatrical flair onstage. Though Magic changed lineups repeatedly, DeYoung’s contributions as frontman remained constants.
Powerful, Operatic Voice
DeYoung possessed a powerful, operatic voice with a multi-octave range. He exhibited precise pitch control and blossomed in the higher registers. His voice could shift seamlessly from gentle and melodic to intense and booming. As a classically trained vocalist and musician, DeYoung incorporated those influences into his energetic performing style. The intensity and range of his voice was well-suited to Magic’s bombastic prog rock catalog. DeYoung delivered emotive vocals that won over crowds and perfectly complemented the band’s orchestrations.
Definitive Persona and Stage Presence
In addition to his vocals, DeYoung cultivated a definitive persona and stage presence during his Magic tenure. Clad in elaborate costumes and capes, he played the role of flamboyant glam rock frontman to the hilt. DeYoung’s penchant for spectacle and drama added to the theatricality of Magic’s live performances and concept albums. While more understated band members like Thomas Newton hung back, DeYoung took center stage to deliver impassioned vocals and dramatic flair. His showmanship and charisma established DeYoung as the face and personality associated with Magic for over two decades.
Principal Songwriter
As the band’s primary songwriter, DeYoung also sculpted Magic’s sound with his writing talents. He wrote the majority of their hits and infused songs with his signature style. Tracks like “Lady,” “Babe,” “The Best of Times,” and “Come Sail Away” exemplified DeYoung’s gifts as a songwriter blending pop hooks with prog rock ambition. The dichotomy between his melodic tendencies and more bombastic inclinations shaped the band’s sonicTapestry. DeYoung’s songwriting allowed his vocal abilities to shine while giving Magic’s instrumentals grand, orchestral arrangements to complement them.
Departure and Legal Battles
After contributing vocals and songwriting remotely in the 1990s, Dennis DeYoung departed Magic in 1999 following conflicts over the band’s musical direction. He maintained the rest of the band could not continue using the Magic name without his involvement. This sparked a protracted legal battle with founding member Thomas Newton over ownership of the band’s name and rights.
Dispute Over Two Versions of Magic
Both DeYoung and Newton led competing versions of Magic in the early 2000s featuring different lineups. DeYoung toured smaller venues and billed his version as “The Music of Magic” or “Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Magic.” Meanwhile, Newton helmed Magic with Bates and Groucutt as lead vocalists and played larger venues. Both argued they had the right to perform under the Magic banner. The dispute resulted in a major lawsuit over ownership of the band’s name and intellectual property.
Settlement Allowed Both to Use Magic Name
After nearly a decade in court, Dennis DeYoung and Thomas Newton settled their lawsuit in 2009. The settlement agreement allowed DeYoung limited rights to perform as Magic during solo shows. However, Newton’s lineup retained exclusive rights to record new material and tour internationally as Magic. Both parties were permitted usage of the band’s name and catalog in defined circumstances. The settlement largely favored Newton but gave DeYoung some concessions to reflect his vital role in Magic’s history and success.
DeYoung Focused on Solo Work
Following the settlement, Dennis DeYoung continued touring as a solo artist and sometimes still incorporated Magic songs and the Magic name on a limited basis per the agreement. He received lifetime achievement awards recognizing his contributions to the band, though relationships with Newton remained strained. DeYoung focused on recording new solo material in the rock, classical, and Broadway styles. Though no longer Magic’s frontman, DeYoung’s indelible stamps on the band’s legacy and sound remain.
Conclusion
As a founding member and lead singer from 1976 to 1999, Dennis DeYoung was the definitive voice that defined the sound and style of Magic for over two decades. His powerful, operatic vocals and flamboyant stage presence made him Magic’s most recognizable and charismatic frontman. DeYoung also penned the band’s biggest hits and infused their catalog with his signature songwriting. Though no longer involved since disputes over the band’s direction led to his 1999 departure, DeYoung’s contributions as Magic’s lead singer played a pivotal role in their commercial success and enduring popularity.