“Black Velvet” is a hit song by Canadian singer Alannah Myles, released in 1989 as the third single from her self-titled debut album. Written by Christopher Ward and David Tyson, the song became a global success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. in 1990 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. With its bluesy sound, sultry lyrics, and Myles’ powerful vocal delivery, “Black Velvet” is often regarded as one of the most iconic songs of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
“Black Velvet” was written by Christopher Ward, a Canadian songwriter and Myles’ then-boyfriend, along with David Tyson, her producer. The song was inspired by Elvis Presley and the impact his music and persona had on popular culture. Ward came up with the idea for the song after attending a fan pilgrimage to Graceland in 1987, marking the 10th anniversary of Elvis’ death. The term “black velvet” is used in the song as a metaphor for Elvis’ smooth, captivating voice and charismatic presence. The song reflects the nostalgia and admiration for the King of Rock and Roll, with references to his rise to fame and the cultural shift he ignited in the 1950s.
The lyrics of “Black Velvet” are a tribute to Elvis Presley, describing the magic and allure of his music and influence. Lines like “Black velvet and that little boy’s smile” and “Black velvet with that slow southern style” capture the essence of Elvis’ charm, his humble beginnings in the American South, and his magnetic stage presence. “Black Velvet” is characterized by its bluesy rock sound, featuring a slow, sultry groove driven by acoustic guitar, electric guitar riffs, and a strong, steady bassline. The song’s arrangement combines elements of rock, blues, and country, creating a rich and soulful backdrop that perfectly complements Myles’ deep, smoky vocals. Alannah Myles’ vocal delivery is one of the song’s standout features. Her voice is raw and powerful, conveying both sensuality and emotion, which adds to the song’s mood and intensity. The combination of the seductive music and Myles’ commanding vocal performance helped make “Black Velvet” a memorable and distinctive track.
“Black Velvet” was a major commercial success, particularly in the United States, where it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1990. It also topped the Mainstream Rock chart, showcasing its cross-genre appeal. In Canada, the song peaked at No. 10 on the RPM Top Singles chart, and it performed well internationally, reaching the top 3 in countries like Australia, Germany, and the UK. The song’s success helped propel Myles’ debut album to platinum status, making her one of the most prominent new artists of the early 1990s.
“Black Velvet” earned Alannah Myles significant recognition, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1991. The song also won several other accolades, including three Juno Awards in Canada, solidifying its place as one of the top songs of its era. The song remains Myles’ biggest hit and has become synonymous with her career, often regarded as her signature song.