Autoharp: Do You Believe in Magic

I know of five Top 10 singles in the US to utilize the autoharp and John Sebastian played on four of these recordings. Three of the four were hit records for the Lovin’ Spoonful: “Do You Believe in Magic,” “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice,”and “Summer in the City.”

The Lovin’ Spoonful released “Do You Believe in Magic” with Sebastian’s autoharp being the primary rhythm instrument. The single charted at #9 and may have possibly been the first rock 'n roll hit with the instrument. The song's chord progression was loosely based on the intro from Martha & the Vandella’s “(Love is Like a) Heatwave.”

TV Version

Here’s a live version from TV that shows Sebastian playing the autoharp.