How a bus ride of Elvis fans inspired a global rock anthem
In short: In the summer of 1987, a songwriter sat among grieving Elvis Presley fans traveling to Memphis. This moment of shared devotion birthed 'Black Velvet,' a blues ballad that would eventually dominate international charts and define an era of rock.
The origins of 'Black Velvet' lie in a poignant scene on a bus traveling to Graceland in 1987. Co-writer Christopher Ward, who was Alannah Myles's boyfriend at the time, was moved by the atmosphere of fans traveling to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. He brought this lyrical inspiration to Myles and producer David Tyson, who contributed the chords for the song's bridge. The track's musical foundation is built in the key of E minor, utilizing a 68 time signature and a swinging tempo of 92 beats per minute. During the performance, Myles's vocals traverse a range from E3 to E5.
Released in July 1989 as the second single from Myles's debut album, the song achieved massive commercial success. It reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, and topped charts in Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. While it was a top-10 hit in 16 countries, its dominance in the United States was so significant that it led to Myles being frequently labeled a 'one-hit wonder.' The music video, directed by Doug Freel, features footage from Myles's family ranch in Buckhorn, Ontario, and a concert filmed at a bar called Stages in Kingston. While Myles's version was released in December 1989, Atlantic Records also released a version by country artist Robin Lee in February 1990.
The song's legacy is marked by critical acclaim and enduring popularity. Myles earned a 1991 Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance and a 1990 Juno Award for Single of the Year. The track's longevity is evidenced by its massive radio presence; in 2005, ASCAP presented Myles with a 'Millionaire Award' after the song surpassed four million radio plays. The song's versatility is further seen in various covers, ranging from country artist Robin Lee's 1990 version to a 2022 psychedelic trance rendition by Infected Mushroom. The song's cultural footprint extends to video games, appearing on the Los Santos Rock Radio station in Grand Theft Auto V. It has also been reimagined by diverse artists, including the heavy metal band Kobra and the Lotus and X Factor winner Sam Bailey.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Black Velvet (song)
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