Black Velvet (song)
Encyclopedia
"Black Velvet" is a rock
song written by Canadian
musicians David Tyson
and Christopher Ward
, and recorded by Canadian singer Alannah Myles
in 1988. 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 one in Canada
and number two in the UK Singles Chart
. In 1990, country music
artist Robin Lee reached number 12 on the U.S. country singles charts with a cover version
.
. The words "black velvet" are a multi-faceted reference that can be applied to Elvis in numerous ways: the "Velvet Elvis" phenomenon of his likeness frequently being painted on black velvet
, the soulful and smooth "black" baritone sound of Elvis' voice and the many African American recording artists and singers he emulated to create his special brand of rock n' roll, or the brand name of the hair dye Elvis used to give his normally light brown hair its distinctive black sheen. Black Velvet
is also the name of a Canadian whiskey, referred to in the line "Black Velvet, if you please."
Black Velvet is described as a "new religion that'll bring you to your knees," a possible reference to the near-religious fervor with which Elvis was regarded by many fans early in his career. The chorus tells of "Black velvet and that little boy's smile/Black velvet with that slow, Southern style", a reference to Elvis' trademark lopsided grin and Southern heritage. The end of the first verse claims that "The boy could sing, knew how to move, everything/Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for [black velvet]", a reference to Elvis' singing, distinctive movements on stage, and charisma.
While the first verse discusses the beginning of Elvis' life - "Mama's dancing with baby on her shoulder" - the second talks about the height of his career - "Mama's baby is in the heart of every schoolgirl; Love Me Tender
leaves 'em crying in the aisles". The bridge references his death: "In a flash he was gone, it happened so soon, what could you do?"
7" single
12" maxi
. Lee's version peaked at #12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs
) chart.
, and also appeared on a season 2 episode of RuPaul's Drag Race
.
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
song written by Canadian
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
musicians David Tyson
David Tyson
David Tyson is a Canadian rock music producer and songwriter. He is best known for co-writing Alannah Myles' 1990 #1 hit "Black Velvet" and producing her debut album. He also co-wrote 3 hit songs from Amanda Marshall's self-titled 1995 debut album.Tyson has won 3 Juno Awards for his work,...
and Christopher Ward
Christopher Ward (songwriter)
Christopher William Ward is a Canadian songwriter and broadcaster, known as a former long-standing on-air personality at MuchMusic, Canada's music video network, where he and J.D. Roberts were among the first video jockeys in 1984...
, and recorded by Canadian singer Alannah Myles
Alannah Myles
Alannah Myles is a Canadian singer-songwriter, the daughter of Canadian broadcast pioneer William Douglas Byles. In 1989, she released her eponymous debut album...
in 1988. It became a number one hit for two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
charts in 1990 and reached number one on the Album Rock Tracks chart, as well as number one in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and number two in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
. In 1990, country music
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
artist Robin Lee reached number 12 on the U.S. country singles charts with a cover version
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
.
Lyrics and music
The song is a written story about Elvis PresleyElvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
. The words "black velvet" are a multi-faceted reference that can be applied to Elvis in numerous ways: the "Velvet Elvis" phenomenon of his likeness frequently being painted on black velvet
Velvet Elvis
A Velvet Elvis is a painting of Elvis Presley on velvet. It typically represents a costumed torso of Elvis holding a microphone, painted on black velvet...
, the soulful and smooth "black" baritone sound of Elvis' voice and the many African American recording artists and singers he emulated to create his special brand of rock n' roll, or the brand name of the hair dye Elvis used to give his normally light brown hair its distinctive black sheen. Black Velvet
Black Velvet (whisky)
Black Velvet Whisky is a Canadian whisky brand owned by Constellation Brands. It has a strong taste and is known for its black labeling. It is a 'whisky mix' meaning that it is a blend of various whiskies....
is also the name of a Canadian whiskey, referred to in the line "Black Velvet, if you please."
Black Velvet is described as a "new religion that'll bring you to your knees," a possible reference to the near-religious fervor with which Elvis was regarded by many fans early in his career. The chorus tells of "Black velvet and that little boy's smile/Black velvet with that slow, Southern style", a reference to Elvis' trademark lopsided grin and Southern heritage. The end of the first verse claims that "The boy could sing, knew how to move, everything/Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for [black velvet]", a reference to Elvis' singing, distinctive movements on stage, and charisma.
While the first verse discusses the beginning of Elvis' life - "Mama's dancing with baby on her shoulder" - the second talks about the height of his career - "Mama's baby is in the heart of every schoolgirl; Love Me Tender
Love Me Tender (song)
"Love Me Tender" is a song recorded by Elvis Presley and published by Elvis Presley Music, adapted from the tune of "Aura Lee" , a sentimental Civil War ballad.- History :...
leaves 'em crying in the aisles". The bridge references his death: "In a flash he was gone, it happened so soon, what could you do?"
Track listings
CD maxi- "Black Velvet" — 4:40
- "If You Want to" — 4:11
- "Who Loves You" — 3:36
7" single
- "Black Velvet" — 4:02
- "If You Want to" — 4:11
12" maxi
- "Black Velvet" — 4:40
- "If You Want to" — 4:11
- "Who Loves You" — 3:36
Peak positions
| Chart | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian Top Singles (RPM RPM (magazine) RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,... ) |
10 |
| Ireland (Irish Singles Chart Irish Singles Chart The Irish Singles Chart is Ireland's music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on behalf of the IRMA by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured... ) |
4 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1990) | Position |
|---|---|
| Australian Singles Chart | 13 |
| Austrian Singles Chart | 6 |
| Dutch Top 40 | 13 |
| Swiss Singles Chart | 10 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 18 |
Certifications
Robin Lee 1990 cover
Country music artist Robin Lee, also signed to Atlantic at the time, covered "Black Velvet" in 1990 on her third studio album, also titled Black VelvetBlack Velvet (album)
Black Velvet is the third studio album released by American country music artist Robin Lee, and her first album for Atlantic Records. The album's title track is a cover of Alannah Myles' Number One single from 1989...
. Lee's version peaked at #12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs
Hot Country Songs
Hot Country Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States.This 60-position chart lists the most popular country music songs, calculated weekly mostly by airplay and occasionally commercial sales...
) chart.
| Chart (1989-1990) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 21 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks | 12 |
In popular culture
The song appears on the video games Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore and Lips: Party ClassicsLips: Party Classics
Lips: Party Classics is a video game for the Xbox 360, and the second follow-up to the original Lips. Party Classics is being developed by iNiS and published by Microsoft Game Studios. The game, like all the other titles in the main Lips series, features the use of motion sensitive wireless...
, and also appeared on a season 2 episode of RuPaul's Drag Race
RuPaul's Drag Race
RuPaul's Drag Race is an American reality television series produced by World of Wonder for Logo. RuPaul plays host, mentor and inspiration for this series, which details RuPaul's search for "America's next drag superstar."...
.