Search results
Jan 3, 2024 · When Alannah Myles unleashed ‘Black Velvet’ upon the airwaves in 1989, she not only captured the essence of Southern rock but crystallized an era’s fascination with iconic Americana. The song’s sultry undertone and blues-inflected melodies evoke a musical pilgrimage to a heartland serenaded by gravelly voices and guitar twangs.
Here, the lyrics introduce the central theme of the song, a mysterious and seductive persona represented by “black velvet.” The “little boy’s smile” adds an element of innocence and charm to this enigmatic character.
- Facts About “Black Velvet”
- Song’S Inspiration
- Chart Performance of “Black Velvet”
- Major Accolades/Awards Won
In its demo form, “Black Velvet” was one of three songswhich helped Alannah Myles secure a deal from Atlantic Records.Atlantic Records also had Robin Lee, a country-music singer, record a cover of “Black Velvet”, which came out just two months after Alannah’s original. This did not sit well with Myles. Why? Becaus...Alannah Myles later re-recorded this song in 2007 in commemoration of the 30thanniversary of Elvis’ death. That rendition appeared on her 2008 album, also entitled “Black Velvet”.The song also made an appearanceon a couple of Alannah Myles’ compilation albums – “The Very Best Of” (1998) and “Myles & More: The Very Best Of” (2001).Christopher Ward was inspired to write this song after (while serving as a VJ) he was assigned to cover the 10thanniversary vigil of Elvis Presley (which occurred on 16 August 1987) in Memphis (where Presley died). At the event he became fascinated with the loyalty and fanaticism of Elvis’ fanbase. This led to him penning this song.
In the United States, “Black Velvet” topped the BillboardHot 100. It also fared well across the pond, where it peaked at number two onthe UK Singles Chart. Other countries in which it broke the top 10 are: 1. Australia 2. Austria 3. Belgium 4. Canada 5. Germany 6. Ireland 7. The Netherlands 8. New Zealand Furthermore, it actually topped the charts ...
“Black Velvet” won two Juno Awards (Best Composer and Singleof the Year) in 1990. It also earned Alannah Myles a 1991 Grammy for BestFemale Rock Vocal Performance. Amongst this track’s other accolades are it being a recipientofASCAP’s ”Millionaire Award”. The song won this award due to it being playedover four-million times on US radio.
Inspired by their passion for the rocker, he took notes while he was working on the special (which was called Mecca in Memphis ), writing lyrics based on what Elvis meant to his fans and what it must have been like for him growing up in the South.
"Black Velvet" is a hit song written by Canadian songwriters Christopher Ward and David Tyson, and recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Alannah Myles. It was released in January 1990 as one of four singles from Myles' self-titled album on Atlantic Records.
“Black Velvet” was an international smash hit, topping the US Hot 100 in spring 1990, reaching #2 in the UK and breaking the top five in nine more European countries.
People also ask
What does the song Black Velvet mean?
Who wrote Black Velvet?
Why is black velvet based on a true story?
Why did Elvis sing black velvet?
Sep 8, 2021 · “Black Velvet,” the only big hit that the Canadian singer Alannah Myles ever made, is a song about rock ‘n’ roll mythology. It’s an ode to Elvis Presley, rock’s foundational mythic figure, and...
