About the song
“Black Is Black” is a memorable song by the Spanish rock band Los Bravos, first released in 1966. This track was not only the band’s debut single for Decca Records but also a significant milestone as it marked Los Bravos as the first Spanish rock band to achieve international success. Produced by the renowned Ivor Raymonde, the song quickly captured the attention of music lovers around the world. It climbed the charts with impressive results: reaching number two in the UK, number four in the US, and number one in Canada. The single’s success was a pivotal moment for the band and a notable event in the history of Spanish rock music.
The group, consisting of Miguel Vicens Danus on bass, Tony Martinez on guitar, Manuel Fernández on organ, and Pablo Sanllehi on drums, had previously performed together in the Spanish band Los Sonors. They were joined by Michael Kogel, who used the stage names Mike Kennedy and Mike Keller. Kogel’s English-language vocals, though delivered with a noticeable accent, resonated with listeners and drew comparisons to the style of Gene Pitney, a popular singer of the time. This led many to mistakenly believe that “Black Is Black” was performed by Pitney himself.
The song’s distinctive sound and powerful delivery helped it stand out. Despite the challenge of singing in a non-native language, Kogel’s performance and the band’s energetic arrangement contributed to the song’s widespread appeal. “Black Is Black” went on to sell millions of copies, including two million in Spain alone, and it remains a beloved classic.
In 1986, the song was revisited with a dance remix, showcasing its enduring popularity. However, it was also controversially included in a list of songs deemed inappropriate by American media conglomerate Clear Channel Communications following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Despite this, “Black Is Black” continues to be celebrated for its impact and place in music history.
Video
Lyrics
Black is black
I want my baby back
It’s grey, it’s grey
Since she went away, oh oh
What can I do
‘Cause I-I-I-I-I
I’m feelin’ blue
If I had my way, she’d be back today
But she don’t need in time
To see me again, oh, oh
What can I do
‘Cause I-I-I-I-I
I’m feelin’ blue
I can’t choose, it’s too much to lose
My love’s still strong
Oh, maybe if she
Would come back to me
Well, it can’t go wrong
Bad is bad
I bet I feel so sad
It’s time, it’s time
I bet I found peace of mind, oh oh
What can I do
‘Cause I-I-I-I-I
I’m feelin’ blue
I can’t choose, it’s too much to lose
My love’s still strong
Oh, maybe if she
Would come back to me
Well, it can’t go wrong
Black is black
I want my baby back
It’s grey, it’s grey
Since she went away, oh oh
What can I do
‘Cause I-I-I-I-I
I’m feelin’ blue
‘Cause I-I-I-I-I
I’m feelin’ blue