5 Facts About Screamin' Jay Hawkins' 'I Put a Spell on You'

Recorded in a single session The song was cut in October 1956 for Okeh Records, with no overdubs or later re-recordings.

Released as a single that same year It came out in late 1956 and became Hawkins’ most famous recording.

Hawkins hated the original version The label forced him to record it as a novelty horror song, which he later called a “voodoo” gimmick he disliked.

The song was banned from radio Its wild, shrieking vocals and suggestive lyrics got it pulled from many stations at the time.

It influenced generations of artists Despite its initial controversy, the track became a cult classic and was later covered by dozens of musicians, including Nina Simone and Creedence Clearwater Revival.