“Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles

To put everything succinctly, Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet” is a tribute to the late King of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley (1935-1977). The inspiration came from one of its writers visiting Memphis during the 10^th anniversary of Presley’s death. 

This song is biographical in nature but does not rely wholly on factual events. Rather the writer included content which incorporates what he imagined Elvis’ childhood must have been like. For example, the writer imagines Elvis’ mom dancing to blues singer Jimmy Rogers (a major influence on Presley’s style) while holding baby Elvis in her arms. However, that is just the first verse. Most of the song is actually dedicated to Presley’s well-known talent, showmanship and mesmerizing effect he had on fans.

What is “Black Velvet”?

Meanwhile the title of the song, “Black Velvet”, was apparently derived from popular artwork depicting the King that are painted on black, velvet canvases. 

So in terms of the meaning of this song, it is not anything complex. It is simply a dedication to the life and times of one of the greatest American musicians of all time, Elvis Presley.

Facts about “Black Velvet”

• In its demo form, “Black Velvet” was one of three songs which 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? Because the song was written by (her then boyfriend) Christopher Ward and the track’s producer, David Tyson, specifically for her.
• Alannah Myles later re-recorded this song in 2007 in commemoration of the 30^th anniversary of Elvis’ death. That rendition appeared on her 2008 album, also entitled “Black Velvet”.
• The song also made an appearance on a couple of Alannah Myles’ compilation albums – “The Very Best Of” (1998) and “Myles & More: The Very Best Of” (2001).
• The original version of “Black Velvet” was featured on Alannah Myles’ debut, self-titled album, which came out on 28 March 1989. Later it was released as the second  single from “Alannah Myles” on 26 July of that same year.
• The music video to this song was actually filmed on a ranch in Ontario, Canada owned by Alannah Myles’ family.
• Alannah Myles claims that she was cheated out of enjoying the massive monetary success of “Black Velvet” due to signing a bad record deal. As such she did not receive a royalty check for the song until 1 April 2008, almost a decade after its release.

Song’s Inspiration

Christopher Ward was inspired to write this song after (while serving as a VJ) he was assigned to cover the 10^th anniversary 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.

Chart Performance of “Black Velvet”

In the United States, “Black Velvet” topped the Billboard Hot 100. It also fared well across the pond, where it peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart.

Other countries in which it broke the top 10 are:

•  Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Germany
• Ireland
• The Netherlands
• New Zealand

Furthermore, it actually topped the charts in Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

Major Accolades/Awards Won

“Black Velvet” won two Juno Awards (Best Composer and Single of the Year) in 1990. 

It also earned Alannah Myles a 1991 Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

Amongst this track’s other accolades are it being a recipient of ASCAP’s ”Millionaire Award”. The song won this award due to it being played over four-million times on US radio.