Black Velvet

Alannah Myles

About Black Velvet

"Black Velvet" is a song written by Canadian songwriters Christopher Ward and David Tyson, recorded by Canadian singer songwriter Alannah Myles. It was released in December 1989 as one of four singles from Myles' 1989 eponymous album from Atlantic Records. It became a number-one hit for two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1990 and reached number one on the Album Rock Tracks chart, as well as number ten in her native Canada and number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song also reached number one in Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland and was a major success in several other countries. It contains blues verses with a rock chorus. Myles won the 1991 Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for the song and the 1990 Juno Award for Single of the Year. Since its release, the power ballad has received substantial airplay, receiving a "Millionaire Award" from ASCAP in 2005 for more than four million radio plays. 


Year:
2010
4:49
62 
#3

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Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell
Jimmy Rogers on the Victrola up high
Mama's dancin' with baby on her shoulder
The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky
The boy could sing, knew how to move, everything
Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for

[Chorus]
Black velvet and that little boy's smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please

Up in Memphis the music's like a heatwave
White lightening, bound to drive you wild
Mama's baby's in the heart of every school girl
"Love me tender" leaves 'em cryin' in the aisle
The way he moved, it was a sin, so sweet and true
Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for

[Chorus]

Every word of every song that he sang was for you
In a flash he was gone, it happened so soon, what could you do?

[Chorus: x 2]

If you please, if you please, if you please

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Alannah Myles

Alannah Myles (born December 25, 1958, Toronto, Ontario) is a Canadian singer-songwriter, the daughter of Canadian broadcast pioneer William Douglas Myles. In 1989, she released her self titled debut album. In 1990, "Black Velvet", a single from that album, was a worldwide hit and won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female. more »

4 fans

Written by: Christopher Ward, David Tyson

Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Genre
"Black Velvet" is a rock song with strong influences of blues and soul, blending modern pop sensibilities with deep Southern roots.
Release Year
The song was released in December 1989 and became a significant worldwide hit in 1990.
Authorship
"Black Velvet" was written by songwriters David Tyson and Christopher Ward. Interestingly, Ward was inspired to write it on a bus full of Elvis fans heading to Memphis for the 10th anniversary of the singer's death.
Album
The single is from Alannah Myles' eponymous debut album. The album was a breakout success partly due to this song.
Chart Success
"Black Velvet" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S and the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada. It also reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.
Award Recognition
The song won Myles the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1991, and also earned her three Juno Awards.
Song Meaning
The song is a tribute to Elvis Presley. The 'Black Velvet' in the title refers to the stunningly beautiful voice of Presley, which was as smooth as black velvet.
Cover Versions
Since its release, "Black Velvet" has been covered by a number of different artists, including Kelly Clarkson, Steve Hofmeyr, and Melissa Etheridge.
Video Recognition
The music video for "Black Velvet" has been widely recognized for its sultry, captivating visuals and was very popular on MTV at the time of its release.
Longevity
Despite being over three decades old, "Black Velvet" remains a classic and is often played on classic rock and pop music stations.
Influence
The song's successful blend of pop and blues marked a shift in pop music during the early '90s, with many more artists experimenting with genre blending in its wake.

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    Black Velvet

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1990

    Billboard #1


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