I third that! When this first came out I was ‘hooked’! and then she kinda disappeared! I heard or read somewhere that her Manager was a dick and then she just ‘went away’…. Can’t believe other music managers didn’t break down her door to sign her up!
I believe she was ripped off by the manager of the band. she/they lost everything including the music rights...but there was so much more to it, I cannot remember it now. That was in the 80's 90's ??
I'm screaming ELVIS PRESLEY DAMMIT!!!!! I'm glad you got there ... This song was EVERYWHERE in the early 1990s... If you were alive then, that's when you heard it!!!!
It's a tribute to Elvis who wound up on so many black velvet paintings. A new religion... - My mother had all her Jesus pictures on about 8 feet of wall in her bedroom, but about 12 feet of wall of Elvis. "The song is a paean to Elvis Presley. His voice was distinctive for the time and could be described as "black velvet". Co-writer Christopher Ward, who was Myles' then-boyfriend, was inspired on a bus full of Elvis fans riding to Memphis attending the 10th anniversary vigil at Graceland, in 1987." His voice was suppose to be as smooth as black velvet, and he was painted on black velvet as paintings.
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi moved to Memphis and rocked the world. “Love Me Tender” is the clue. We all loved him for the treasure he was. RIP Elvis Aaron Presley.
Yeah, the hint was Mississippi to Memphis, "Love Me Tender leaves them crying in the aisles..." was the obvious bash over the head. But Elvis was before his time, so we'll cut him some slack ;)
@@jeffreyboyer3714i loved listening to this song when it came out it was on my iPod but i never knew it was about Elvis until a year or so ago. I loved the hook but never really paid attention to all the lyrics and didn’t listen to much Elvis I was familiar with some of his songs but never listened to them on my own
@michellebanks7650 Although this song has about the song "Love Me Tender;" the song is not why they are crying in the aisles. It is about the movie "Love Me Tender." It was Elvis first movie and died in the movie and that is why they were crying in the aisles.
@ she didn’t steal anything or anyone. She recorded a song that honored, appreciated, an American icon. But nobody owns or owned Elvis, as I said, he was loved by the whole world, not just America.
@@BobbiJoGeho I wonder how long before you can only eat Chinese food if you can prove that you have a Chinese heritage in your lineage😢!!! Maybe people should be happy & honored that something your family has done for hundreds of years is so great, that people of other backgrounds want to do it too! It's not like they are going to fight about, who did it first😮!!! This culture appropriation is trying to create a bigger divide in peoples differences instead of bringing people together😢!!!
Velvet paintings were a big Elvis thing. This is all about Elvis. A new religion that will bring you to your knees is Elvis and the new rock-and-roll. Elvis was born in the projects of Mississippi and had a twin that was still born. I did not know about his voice being called Black Velvet
Actually, Elvis was born in a 2 room shotgun house built by his father, uncle and grandfather. The family moved from Mississippi to Memphis when Elvis was 13 years old. The family did live in the projects in Memphis. As for the title of the song, I'd have to read or hear a direct quote from the writer. It seems that there are a few different explanations for Black Velvet. I never cared though, I love Elvis and I loved this song. As soon as it came out, her voice grabbed me. The lyrics sealed the deal because I knew who she was singing about instantly. Then when I saw that video full of Elvis references, I loved it too!
In my view, "Black Velvet" was a deliberate reference to the paintings of Elvis done on that medium. I remember hardcore Elvis fans essentially creating shrines around those paintings after Elvis died, thus "a new religion that'll bring you to your knees", presuming going to your knees in sadness/mourning of his death. My opinion, worth what you paid for it.
You'd be even more shocked at how many amerukins as we are so affectionatly known drink canadian whiskey and listen to canadian rock gods, while laughing at canadian actors and commedians. Almost like we were once neighbors and good friends. Shock eh?
@@rosevan7845 It's not just Americans... although I agree, good neighbours. Whenever a Canadian musician or actor becomes known it's just assumed (around the world) they're American.
We know, because Canadians always remind us. I think I know all the talent that comes out of Canada, because little brother is always reminding us. Sorry if I offended you. Sorry buddy! 😉 🇺🇸 🇨🇦
“Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles is a tribute to Elvis Presley and the mythology of rock 'n' roll. The song was inspired by Christopher Ward, Myles' then-boyfriend, who was inspired to write the song after attending the 10th anniversary of Elvis' death in Memphis in 1987. Ward was impressed by the passionate fans he met and interviewed, and took notes that he used to craft the lyrics.
Great song. Alannah won a Grammy for Black Velvet. She has a sensational voice. The song was inspired by her visit to Graceland and makes reference to Elvis' voice being described as black velvet. A great Canadian artist. There are a few theories about Elvis and black velvet. I think that, in his early days, many thought his voice sounded like a Black singer.
I was 9 and we were on vacation when the announcement came over the car radio. That night at the hotel there was nothing else on tv except the news of his passing.
I love the bassline in this one. And Alannah has some great pipes. She mentions Jimmie Rogers in the lyrics also on the list you mention of most popular musicians from Mississippi.
My mom had one of those black velvet paintings of Elvis on our wall. It was just the thing to have in many households. They made a mint off of those paintings. Love Me Tender was Elvis's first movie and I believe the only one he died in. He sang it in the movie. Gorgeous song. Gorgeous voice.
The song was an homage to Elvis, who many described his soulful voice in his early years as Black Velvet. It was describing the reaction fans had to him and was sprung from a busload of Elvis fans going to Memphis on the 10th anniversary of his death
10 years after Elvis died too soon. Elvis was a national treasure, a voice like none other, and a smile that could be described as a little boy smile. An amazing singer, song and tribute to Elvis
Elvis. You used to be able to get a black velvet painting of Elvis on street corners, out of vans, at fairs and flea markets for about $5 for the little ones and $10 for the big ones...$20 if you wanted him on the whole wall but then you might as well just get a blanket/tapestry to hang on the wall.
It's funny because I have never once thought about the lyrics of this song. I never even paid a bit of attention to them but as soon as you said it's about a musician, every single Elvis clue came to me. "Love Me Tender" was his first movie. When she sang "leaves 'em cryin' in the aisle" it made perfect sense. Then the rest of it, Mississippi, Memphis, new religion, white lightning, all of it, just fell into place.
Me too! I've always loved this song, but never paid attention much to the lyrics, so I learned today that it's a tribute to Elvis! The "Love Me Tender" should've been a huge clue to me! lol
The music and vocals are unreal. Listen to the introduction of each different bars across the song. Incredible crescendo journey of music, a tribute to Elvis Presley, and the song's title comes from the idea that Elvis' voice was distinctive and could be described as "black velvet". The song also references other aspects of Elvis' life
This came out when I was a teen but didn’t know it was about Elvis, even though I knew most Elvis songs. I have his 68 Special Barbie/doll and my grandparents took me to Graceland when I was 13. Now this song makes much more sense. Never heard anyone explain it before and I haven’t heard it in gosh knows how long. Love this song. Powerful voice.
I think I was a Sophomore when this song came out, had a huge crush on this chick...this song is still amazing to me. I dig the subtle bass line through out as well as her voice! I didn't realize what Black Velvet actually meant, I thought maybe it was the whiskey, ahhahha....great reaction P! 40!
And the bar...."Love me teder leaves them crying in the isle"......and then not only that so many pictures of him back in the day were done in black velvet but also refering to his hair, his hair was always black like velvet as well as his voice.
Canadian legend. This was what was called 'new country' in the USA back in the late 80's, early 90s, but it was often called rural rock (rock and country mixed together) up here in Canada. Alannah Myles and Shania Twain led the way with this sound.
Yes, the song is about Elvis. Clues: The lyrics "love me tender keeps 'em cryin' in the aisles"--"Love Me Tender" was an Elvis hit song. The lyrics "White Lightnin' bound to drive you wild" refers to how he was a white person doing "black music," which was a thing at the time. "Mama's baby [Elvis] in the heart of every school girl"--he was a teenage heart-throb. Etc.
lol I need to stop commenting before the end of the video. Yep, Elvis. The Black Velvet reference likens his voice and smile to the popular whiskey Black Velvet.
I was an eighteen wheeler driver hauling wheat from the fields to the silos. On my last load of the day I pulled up on the scales to weighmy load before unloading. As I looked in the window of the office I could see all the ladies crying and as iwondered what the heck was going on one of the girls came out and asked me if I had heard that Elvis had died. I had not and I was shocked at hearing the news that The King of Rock was gone. That was just one of those days that you will never forget where you were when something tragic happened and I have lived through a lot of them and I remember just exactly where I was when I heard of everyone of them.,RIP ELVIS ❤❤❤
I loved Elvis's music. I was 7 when he died. I remember my dad recording the story of Elvis ' life for hours. I listened to his songs for hours and hours. When I first heard this song, I knew it was about Elvis. Her voice is magical.
This song is about Elvis Presley. "Jimmy Rogers on the Victrola up high" - Jimmy Rogers, an early blues singer, influencing Elvis (the baby) at an early age. The Victrola is the record player, played loudly. "Mama's dancin' with baby on her shoulder" - Gladys Presley dancing with the infant Elvis. "Black velvet and that little boy's smile" - You can buy a black velvet Elvis painting at any respectable yard sale. Early female fans were drawn to his "Little boy smile." "Black velvet with that slow southern style" - Elvis delivered some of his songs with slow, undulating hips. Check out "Steamroller Blues" live. "Up in Memphis the music's like a heatwave" - Sun Studios. The epicenter of early rock music and where Elvis recorded. "White lightning, bound to drive you wild" - rock music and booze. "Mama's baby's in the heart of every school girl" - A reference to the baby in the early part of the song, being loved by all the young girls.
He wasn't born in Memphis. He was born in Tupelo...Mississippi. Which is why he the first line of the song is "Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell." He moved to Memphis and had Graceland built there when he got famous.
This song is about Elvis. Lovely blend of blues and rock! I never understood why her career never took off. Every single song on this album was outstanding, and quite a few got air play. You should check out the video of her singing Still Got This Thing for You! It really rocks and one of the concert cuts features her singing at the back of the stage with who I'm almost certain is Della Reese. Fantastic voice and showmanship! She really moves all over the stage. This is a rabbit hole worth going down.
Elvis Presley painted on black velvet used to be very popular. I'm not a huge fan of his (I did have some of his 45's), but I can close my eyes and see the paintings. Very popular.
Haha, I was in school with her nephew when this song came out. He was sharing stuff about her everywhere. She was unknown then, this song came out and it's still played often in Canada.
Actually there are many black velvet References to Elvis: •Black Velvet Whiskey smooth like his voice. •Black Velvet the color of hair Dye he used. •Black Velvet was used as a background for popular Elvis Paintings in the day. •Elvis wore Black Leather in the 68 comeback Special which most Woman found irresistable.
Canadian here, and proud of her. I got to see her in concert while studying in Germany... she gave an amazing concert, and was part of a lineup that included Jethro Tull, Tina Turner and Simple Minds, and she was amazing. She had fans in Europe. Christopher Ward, by the way, was one of the first VJs... first on City Limits starting back in 1983 (with Mike Myers a regular playing his character Wayne), leading to MuchMusic (1984), which was like MTV. Ward collaborated musically with Mike Myers for the Austin Powers movies. He also had his own hits in Canada like "Maybe Your Heart" and "Once in a Lifetime".
If I remember right (it has been a long time), I believe this was a crossover hit that was at the top of the pop charts, but also showed up on the country charts. It was everywhere in the 90s. Turn on the radio, and it was playing within the first 30 minutes.
Black velvet was a popular art medium back in the day and portraits of Elvis painted on black velvet have been highly sought after. Look it up. Always been a favorite of mine!
She was talking about Elvis. I love how she sets up each scenario in his life that the song touches on, and that rock-bluesy thing is kinda my vibe at its most basic. I've always been attracted to that style of music. This song was popular when I was in high school.
I remember my mama running into the living room crying the day that he died. I was in third grade, and we were living in Livingston TN while my dad was finishing his master's degree at Tennessee Tech in nearby Cookeville TN. She was a huge fan. We had an Elvis painting on black velvet in our house growing up. She still has an Elvis clock in her house made for her by one of my girlfriend's dad who was a Pentecostal preacher but also an Elvis impersonator.
This song is a tribute to Elvis Presley. 💖 I was around 14 when Elvis passed away. Dad, my sisters and I went to pick Mom up after a trip for her job. I broke the news to her. She loved Elvis. I remember that day still after 46 years.
Somewhere Down The Crazy River Robbie Robertson - of 'THE BAND' also a Mohawk / Canadian wrote and sings "Somewhere Down The Crazy River" a very bluesy southern sound soulful rock ! RIP the great Robbie Robertson
Such a great throwback of Alannah Myles with Black Velvet! Christopher Ward and David Tyson wrote the song...Christopher Ward was also a prominent MuchMusic host in Canada(like a Canadian version of MTV) back in the 80's/90s. thanks for sharing Black Pegasus :)
Its Elvis all day long! I was 11 years old and went on a fishing trip with my uncle and father, when we got home my mom and aunt met us at the door with tears and exclaimed ''Elvis is dead''. One of those times you always remember what you where doing when someone died. Not only his voice was ''black velvet'' but when he died [mid 70s] there was an artwork style of painting not on canvas but ''black velvet'' it was every where, from cheap carnival stuff to expensive paintings. Most homes had these on the walls some where and very often it was a famous Elvis photo reproduction. The fad is long out of style today. Fast forward 14 years to 1990 and Alannah's song was a massive hit, on the airwaves every where, ESPECIALLY IN CANADA, we have content laws for tv/radio dictating Canadian artist content be played at a certain % of airtime. Alannah is considered one of our national treasures! She has won Juno's, Grammy's and sung or anthem at MLB Bluejays games, [she is from Toronto]. Her voice is so sultry smooth and the rhythm so cool its one of those songs when you hear the intro you automatically crank up the volume to max. you just gotta play it loud! Thanks for the memories friend and BTW all ''chaps'' are ass less or they are called pants! LMAO
Anybody else yelling "ELVIS" at the tv? 😂
For sure LoL
Totally
Without a doubt!!!
Yes lol
YES!!!!
She should have been so much bigger than she was. Her voice is utterly phenomenal.
I totally agree, her voice is amazing.
I third that! When this first came out I was ‘hooked’! and then she kinda disappeared! I heard or read somewhere that her Manager was a dick and then she just ‘went away’…. Can’t believe other music managers didn’t break down her door to sign her up!
I believe she was ripped off by the manager of the band. she/they lost everything including the music rights...but there was so much more to it, I cannot remember it now. That was in the 80's 90's ??
@@sheilaghmcgrory5039 Some variation of this has happened to so many bands and artists.
I'm screaming ELVIS PRESLEY DAMMIT!!!!! I'm glad you got there ... This song was EVERYWHERE in the early 1990s... If you were alive then, that's when you heard it!!!!
I am literally LMAO as Pegasus is going to the computer for his answer 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
me too
CMT played it day and night during the early 90s
@@SCA440 Don’t shame me 😂😆
I was screaming too!
The song has a verse that states "Love Me Tender" leaves them crying in the aisles. No other explanation needed.
If you dont know Elvis songs, that will literally give you nothing of an explanation, I'm guessing BP doesnt know much Elvis.
It's a tribute to Elvis who wound up on so many black velvet paintings. A new religion... - My mother had all her Jesus pictures on about 8 feet of wall in her bedroom, but about 12 feet of wall of Elvis. "The song is a paean to Elvis Presley. His voice was distinctive for the time and could be described as "black velvet". Co-writer Christopher Ward, who was Myles' then-boyfriend, was inspired on a bus full of Elvis fans riding to Memphis attending the 10th anniversary vigil at Graceland, in 1987." His voice was suppose to be as smooth as black velvet, and he was painted on black velvet as paintings.
Na Chan = yes, Chris was a v.j. 4 Much Music,producer,writer, & Program Director,& co- founder of the indie label Alanah was signed 2❤❤❤
VERY WELL SAID
Also , the name of the hair dye he used was "Black Velvet". Another little fact you probably didn't know, but Elvis was a natural blonde.
Thanks!! 😊😊 Love learning the back story to a great song!! 😊
@Islandboy2.0 yazza,his middle name was Aaron although on his headstone spelled Aron, & that he was a twin
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi moved to Memphis and rocked the world. “Love Me Tender” is the clue. We all loved him for the treasure he was. RIP Elvis Aaron Presley.
And Alanna was born in Toronto, Ontario.
Yes! It's all about Elvis! ❤❤❤
Also his voice was often described as black velvet
Mamma’s baby is in the heart of every schoolgirl; Love Me Tender leaves them crying in the aisles - the song one of his biggest hit
Yeah, the hint was Mississippi to Memphis, "Love Me Tender leaves them crying in the aisles..." was the obvious bash over the head. But Elvis was before his time, so we'll cut him some slack ;)
@@jeffreyboyer3714i loved listening to this song when it came out it was on my iPod but i never knew it was about Elvis until a year or so ago. I loved the hook but never really paid attention to all the lyrics and didn’t listen to much Elvis I was familiar with some of his songs but never listened to them on my own
IMAGINE HER AND ELVIS..😊😊😊😊
Hers.
@michellebanks7650 Although this song has about the song "Love Me Tender;" the song is not why they are crying in the aisles. It is about the movie "Love Me Tender." It was Elvis first movie and died in the movie and that is why they were crying in the aisles.
Elvis Tribute... Alannah Myles is a true Canadian treasure 😊
That she is. I saw her perform with Kim Mitchell at Grape and Wine Festival in Niagara was so cool.
Her raspy voice, grit.. Always loved it. One of the sexiest artists to come out of the 80’s. She was so good in concert! Still performing today.
It’s not cultural appropriation, it’s cultural appreciation. The whole world loved him.
He's referring to Canada stealing an American Icon. Appropriation is the correct word in the way he used it
@ she didn’t steal anything or anyone. She recorded a song that honored, appreciated, an American icon. But nobody owns or owned Elvis, as I said, he was loved by the whole world, not just America.
the whole world did not love him
The whole cultural appropriation thing has gotta go. Get over yourselves and stop trying to own everything.
@@BobbiJoGeho I wonder how long before you can only eat Chinese food if you can prove that you have a Chinese heritage in your lineage😢!!! Maybe people should be happy & honored that something your family has done for hundreds of years is so great, that people of other backgrounds want to do it too! It's not like they are going to fight about, who did it first😮!!! This culture appropriation is trying to create a bigger divide in peoples differences instead of bringing people together😢!!!
Velvet paintings were a big Elvis thing. This is all about Elvis. A new religion that will bring you to your knees is Elvis and the new rock-and-roll. Elvis was born in the projects of Mississippi and had a twin that was still born. I did not know about his voice being called Black Velvet
My friend used to have a velvet Elvis. It was one of his favorite things lol
Actually, Elvis was born in a 2 room shotgun house built by his father, uncle and grandfather. The family moved from Mississippi to Memphis when Elvis was 13 years old. The family did live in the projects in Memphis. As for the title of the song, I'd have to read or hear a direct quote from the writer. It seems that there are a few different explanations for Black Velvet. I never cared though, I love Elvis and I loved this song. As soon as it came out, her voice grabbed me. The lyrics sealed the deal because I knew who she was singing about instantly. Then when I saw that video full of Elvis references, I loved it too!
In my view, "Black Velvet" was a deliberate reference to the paintings of Elvis done on that medium. I remember hardcore Elvis fans essentially creating shrines around those paintings after Elvis died, thus "a new religion that'll bring you to your knees", presuming going to your knees in sadness/mourning of his death. My opinion, worth what you paid for it.
Another tribute to Elvis is by Marc Cohn "Walking In Memphis"
Great song! His response when she asks him if he's a Christian always makes me a little teary-eyed.
That song is a true story - the places, the people that Marc encountered on a trip to Memphis
Great song.
NOT about Elvis. About all of the iconic Memphis spots Cohn visited while he was there
Both are great songs too
The line of that song that gave it away was "Love Me Tender" , we knew instantly it was referring to Elvis.
Myles's father was a big shot in the Canadian broadcasting industry.
She was a nationally ranked equestrian in her teens.
She was also a royal pain in the ass to work with, why her career never really took off.
This is a fun tribute to Elvis. Wish she had more hits but this one is good enough to carry her
She had a few in Canada. Worth checking out
Check out Love Is.
"Still Got This Thing", "Love Is", "Lover of Mine" and "Song Instead of a Kiss". Try those and see what you think.
Trouble is my personal favorite. She hits a Janis Joplin vibe in it that I have confused quite a few people with
@@blthtm These are all terrific.
Canadian here... you'd be shocked how many artists/actors etc. end up being from here and no one knows. Elvis though... he's universal.
You'd be even more shocked at how many amerukins as we are so affectionatly known drink canadian whiskey and listen to canadian rock gods, while laughing at canadian actors and commedians. Almost like we were once neighbors and good friends. Shock eh?
@@rosevan7845 It's not just Americans... although I agree, good neighbours. Whenever a Canadian musician or actor becomes known it's just assumed (around the world) they're American.
@@sharis9095 Sorry abooot that. I guess I'll have to eat more maple syrup on everything. Least I can do.
Same with Australians 😂😂😂
We know, because Canadians always remind us. I think I know all the talent that comes out of Canada, because little brother is always reminding us. Sorry if I offended you. Sorry buddy! 😉 🇺🇸 🇨🇦
Mama Gladys dancing with baby Elvis to a Jimmy Rogers record (first country star)
"Love me Tender" leaves em cryin' in the aisle.
“Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles is a tribute to Elvis Presley and the mythology of rock 'n' roll. The song was inspired by Christopher Ward, Myles' then-boyfriend, who was inspired to write the song after attending the 10th anniversary of Elvis' death in Memphis in 1987. Ward was impressed by the passionate fans he met and interviewed, and took notes that he used to craft the lyrics.
Mythology of Rock and Roll? I don't believe it was a myth.😂
A "Black Velvet" is also a drink, Canadian rye.😊
Great song. Alannah won a Grammy for Black Velvet. She has a sensational voice. The song was inspired by her visit to Graceland and makes reference to Elvis' voice being described as black velvet. A great Canadian artist. There are a few theories about Elvis and black velvet. I think that, in his early days, many thought his voice sounded like a Black singer.
The KING!!!! I remember exactly where my mom pulled the car over and sobbed as the DJ on the radio announced he was dead. I will never forget that!!
I remember that morning and exactly where I was, as I was on my way to the hospital, diagnosed with diabetes at 9. Sad day in my memory all around.
@robotto8858 a rough day for sure. I'm sorry that happened to you so young.❤️
i remember exactly where i was that day too, i was ten years old
I was 9 and we were on vacation when the announcement came over the car radio. That night at the hotel there was nothing else on tv except the news of his passing.
@@notanormi thanks. I'm satisfied that it made me stronger than I ever thought I could be. Elvis's demons got the best of him. I'm still hanging on.
Elvis was a worldwide phenomenon. He wasn't just an American icon
I love the bassline in this one. And Alannah has some great pipes. She mentions Jimmie Rogers in the lyrics also on the list you mention of most popular musicians from Mississippi.
"Love Me Tender" was your best clue, Peg. Keep rockin. 🎉
My mom had one of those black velvet paintings of Elvis on our wall. It was just the thing to have in many households. They made a mint off of those paintings.
Love Me Tender was Elvis's first movie and I believe the only one he died in. He sang it in the movie. Gorgeous song. Gorgeous voice.
The song was an homage to Elvis, who many described his soulful voice in his early years as Black Velvet. It was describing the reaction fans had to him and was sprung from a busload of Elvis fans going to Memphis on the 10th anniversary of his death
Graceland (Elvis Home) is in Memphis. Love me Tender was one of his early hits in the 50s. He was born in Tupelo Mississippi. You nailed it BP.
Another great Canadian talent from Toronto Ontario Canada. Great reaction
Ottawa…
You’re thinking of Alanis. Alanna was born in Toronto.
@@lesliegolding7159 thank you
There were black velvet posters of painted pictures of Elvis everywhere. This song I would consider funk! Takes me back to my younger days!
Another from her worth a listen. Still Got This Thing For You.
Love Is. Another great one. And her second biggest hit.
Song Instead of a Kiss, stunning video
This is a laid back feel good song for me. I really love the way She sings also 🎤💯
10 years after Elvis died too soon. Elvis was a national treasure, a voice like none other, and a smile that could be described as a little boy smile. An amazing singer, song and tribute to Elvis
Elvis. You used to be able to get a black velvet painting of Elvis on street corners, out of vans, at fairs and flea markets for about $5 for the little ones and $10 for the big ones...$20 if you wanted him on the whole wall but then you might as well just get a blanket/tapestry to hang on the wall.
Yeah, I remember after he died, those black velvet paintings got really popular.
It's funny because I have never once thought about the lyrics of this song. I never even paid a bit of attention to them but as soon as you said it's about a musician, every single Elvis clue came to me. "Love Me Tender" was his first movie. When she sang "leaves 'em cryin' in the aisle" it made perfect sense. Then the rest of it, Mississippi, Memphis, new religion, white lightning, all of it, just fell into place.
Same for I'm shocked...I never realized..
Me too! I've always loved this song, but never paid attention much to the lyrics, so I learned today that it's a tribute to Elvis! The "Love Me Tender" should've been a huge clue to me! lol
The music and vocals are unreal. Listen to the introduction of each different bars across the song. Incredible crescendo journey of music, a tribute to Elvis Presley, and the song's title comes from the idea that Elvis' voice was distinctive and could be described as "black velvet". The song also references other aspects of Elvis' life
This came out when I was a teen but didn’t know it was about Elvis, even though I knew most Elvis songs. I have his 68 Special Barbie/doll and my grandparents took me to Graceland when I was 13. Now this song makes much more sense. Never heard anyone explain it before and I haven’t heard it in gosh knows how long. Love this song. Powerful voice.
Black Velvet was huge on all rock stations.
heard this song a million times back in the day...NEVER heard the "Love Me Tender" shout out before!!!
Honey, you just ain't old enough to catch all the clues! Great song. Great reaction!
The black velvet was both his voice and the popular black velvet posters that were popular in the 70s
Alaina said it had nothing to do with paintings, whiskey or hair dye. It was referring to his velvety voice and his black influences.
I think I was a Sophomore when this song came out, had a huge crush on this chick...this song is still amazing to me. I dig the subtle bass line through out as well as her voice! I didn't realize what Black Velvet actually meant, I thought maybe it was the whiskey, ahhahha....great reaction P! 40!
Subtle? That tone and volume cuts straight to the front of the mix.
@@antimatter2380 I was waiting for that, ahahahaha!!!
This song is so friggin good it's amazing she never blew up. I do think i heard she wouldn't let herself get screwed over by the record business.
And the bar...."Love me teder leaves them crying in the isle"......and then not only that so many pictures of him back in the day were done in black velvet but also refering to his hair, his hair was always black like velvet as well as his voice.
Canadian legend. This was what was called 'new country' in the USA back in the late 80's, early 90s, but it was often called rural rock (rock and country mixed together) up here in Canada. Alannah Myles and Shania Twain led the way with this sound.
Yes, the song is about Elvis. Clues: The lyrics "love me tender keeps 'em cryin' in the aisles"--"Love Me Tender" was an Elvis hit song. The lyrics "White Lightnin' bound to drive you wild" refers to how he was a white person doing "black music," which was a thing at the time. "Mama's baby [Elvis] in the heart of every school girl"--he was a teenage heart-throb. Etc.
Loved the blues music too!
I absolutely love this song, its been in my playlist for years. Glad to see people still finding the older songs good
You are one of the few reactors who have picked up on the words and figured it out. Memphis, black velvet, Love Me Tender - Elvis
No. He did NOT figure it out. He had to use Google.
Elvis! Elvis! Elvis! You need to do more Elvis reactions. ❤
I love Pegasus reactions and have been waiting for him to get into more Elvis!!
Elvis. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, discovered in Memphis and lived his life there. Black velvet is all the Black velvet photos of him
Also, in Canada, there is a very popular whiskey named
Black Velvet. How that fits in I don’t know but….
My gosh. All about Elvis. Won a Grammy for this song ❤❤🎉🎉
I remember when this song first came out. It's still one of my favorites. Her voice is so good! And the music is so good as well!
lol I need to stop commenting before the end of the video. Yep, Elvis. The Black Velvet reference likens his voice and smile to the popular whiskey Black Velvet.
There’s also the paintings that were done of him on the Black Velvet canvases
@ Too true!! I’d forgotten about the velvet paintings!!!
@@sgtmom2326 my Aunt had one back in the 80s 😂
I was an eighteen wheeler driver hauling wheat from the fields to the silos. On my last load of the day I pulled up on the scales to weighmy load before unloading. As I looked in the window of the office I could see all the ladies crying and as iwondered what the heck was going on one of the girls came out and asked me if I had heard that Elvis had died. I had not and I was shocked at hearing the news that The King of Rock was gone. That was just one of those days that you will never forget where you were when something tragic happened and I have lived through a lot of them and I remember just exactly where I was when I heard of everyone of them.,RIP ELVIS ❤❤❤
In the song lyrics, she sang "Love Me Tender" leaving them crying in the aisles"" "Love Me Tender" is an Elvis Presley song.
This song was on the radio nonstop when it came out. I haven't heard it since and I still know all the lyrics.
Me too
Her voice and the way she sings it is as suductive as the King of Rock himself
Another way to describe her voice is sultry.
I loved Elvis's music. I was 7 when he died. I remember my dad recording the story of Elvis ' life for hours. I listened to his songs for hours and hours. When I first heard this song, I knew it was about Elvis. Her voice is magical.
This song is about Elvis Presley.
"Jimmy Rogers on the Victrola up high" - Jimmy Rogers, an early blues singer, influencing Elvis (the baby) at an early age. The Victrola is the record player, played loudly.
"Mama's dancin' with baby on her shoulder" - Gladys Presley dancing with the infant Elvis.
"Black velvet and that little boy's smile" - You can buy a black velvet Elvis painting at any respectable yard sale. Early female fans were drawn to his "Little boy smile."
"Black velvet with that slow southern style" - Elvis delivered some of his songs with slow, undulating hips. Check out "Steamroller Blues" live.
"Up in Memphis the music's like a heatwave" - Sun Studios. The epicenter of early rock music and where Elvis recorded.
"White lightning, bound to drive you wild" - rock music and booze.
"Mama's baby's in the heart of every school girl" - A reference to the baby in the early part of the song, being loved by all the young girls.
This is a song about Elvis. His hair dye was called Black Velvet. And many of his portraits were on black velvet. It was a thing with Elvis.
"Love Me Tender"... a song by Elvis, "leaves them crying in the isles". Born in Memphis.
THIS. Dead giveaway.
He wasn't born in Memphis. He was born in Tupelo...Mississippi. Which is why he the first line of the song is "Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell." He moved to Memphis and had Graceland built there when he got famous.
another under-rated Canadian singer.
Everybody and their dog is in a band in Canada. Especially eastern Canada.
......and we all rock it!!
There were always paintings of Elvis that were painted on black velvet and of course his voice
ELVIS, ELVIS, ELVIS!! There used to be portraits of him painted on black velvet everywhere!!! By the way, she's Canadian!!!🎵🎼🎶🎸🎙🎤🎧🎹🥁🔥🔥🔥
This song is about Elvis. Lovely blend of blues and rock! I never understood why her career never took off. Every single song on this album was outstanding, and quite a few got air play. You should check out the video of her singing Still Got This Thing for You! It really rocks and one of the concert cuts features her singing at the back of the stage with who I'm almost certain is Della Reese. Fantastic voice and showmanship! She really moves all over the stage. This is a rabbit hole worth going down.
Elvis Presley painted on black velvet used to be very popular.
I'm not a huge fan of his (I did have some of his 45's), but I can close my eyes and see the paintings.
Very popular.
Haha, I was in school with her nephew when this song came out. He was sharing stuff about her everywhere. She was unknown then, this song came out and it's still played often in Canada.
This song came out in 1990, it was a country rock-blues song. It was a one hit wonder for Canadian Alannah Myles.
She had other hits, at least in Canada, but this one was the biggest.
She won a Grammy for this...and it was well deserved. I always wondered why she didn't have more hits. A great talent.
Love this song. This is on my everyday playlist ❤️🤩
They said his voice was as smooth as black velvet
Actually there are many black velvet References to Elvis:
•Black Velvet Whiskey smooth like his voice.
•Black Velvet the color of hair Dye he used.
•Black Velvet was used as a background for popular Elvis Paintings in the day.
•Elvis wore Black Leather in the 68 comeback Special which most Woman found irresistable.
Canadian here, and proud of her. I got to see her in concert while studying in Germany... she gave an amazing concert, and was part of a lineup that included Jethro Tull, Tina Turner and Simple Minds, and she was amazing. She had fans in Europe. Christopher Ward, by the way, was one of the first VJs... first on City Limits starting back in 1983 (with Mike Myers a regular playing his character Wayne), leading to MuchMusic (1984), which was like MTV. Ward collaborated musically with Mike Myers for the Austin Powers movies. He also had his own hits in Canada like "Maybe Your Heart" and "Once in a Lifetime".
I enjoy watching your reaction videos because you really listen. Not just to the music, but the lyrics and hear the story they are telling.
If I remember right (it has been a long time), I believe this was a crossover hit that was at the top of the pop charts, but also showed up on the country charts. It was everywhere in the 90s. Turn on the radio, and it was playing within the first 30 minutes.
I don't know much about cultural appropriation, but as far as I'm concerned, Alannah Myles can appropriate whatever she wants... she's fabulous!
This song gets all the attention but 'Love Is' and 'Still Got This Thing' are great, too.
Agree
It is about Elvis. He was born in Mississippi but then as a child moved to Memphis. Alannah Myles is Canadian.
Black velvet was a popular art medium back in the day and portraits of Elvis painted on black velvet have been highly sought after. Look it up. Always been a favorite of mine!
me too. All the clues are there. Mississippi was where he was born, Memphis was where they moved to.
She was talking about Elvis. I love how she sets up each scenario in his life that the song touches on, and that rock-bluesy thing is kinda my vibe at its most basic. I've always been attracted to that style of music. This song was popular when I was in high school.
Finally you found Allana!!!❤❤❤ You'll love it
ITS ELVIS! Elvis was born in Mississippi and later lived in Memphis. Love me tender. Every had a paint of Elvis on Black Velvet.
Love this song. What a great tribute to Elvis!❤
I remember my mama running into the living room crying the day that he died. I was in third grade, and we were living in Livingston TN while my dad was finishing his master's degree at Tennessee Tech in nearby Cookeville TN. She was a huge fan. We had an Elvis painting on black velvet in our house growing up. She still has an Elvis clock in her house made for her by one of my girlfriend's dad who was a Pentecostal preacher but also an Elvis impersonator.
Another 80s classic. I really liked this song when it came out.
His voice, his style was smooth as velvet. Plus MANY people painted& bought portraits of Elvis on a canvas of black velvet.
Fantastic voice and song 🖤🖤🖤
Love Alannah, a great Canadian singer and writer!
Love this song then,love it now. Story about Elvis.
The colour Elvis used to dye his hair was called Black Velvet ! I heard this in German Radio 2 days ago !
One of the best tribute songs to Elvis..go Allana TCB!!
This song is a tribute to Elvis Presley. 💖 I was around 14 when Elvis passed away. Dad, my sisters and I went to pick Mom up after a trip for her job. I broke the news to her. She loved Elvis. I remember that day still after 46 years.
Born in Mississippi died in Tennessee
Somewhere Down The Crazy River
Robbie Robertson - of 'THE BAND' also a Mohawk / Canadian wrote and sings "Somewhere Down The Crazy River" a very bluesy southern sound soulful rock !
RIP the great Robbie Robertson
We have amazing talent in Canada ❤🇨🇦
Gordie.
Such a great throwback of Alannah Myles with Black Velvet! Christopher Ward and David Tyson wrote the song...Christopher Ward was also a prominent MuchMusic host in Canada(like a Canadian version of MTV) back in the 80's/90s. thanks for sharing Black Pegasus :)
New religion: rock n roll
Its Elvis all day long! I was 11 years old and went on a fishing trip with my uncle and father, when we got home my mom and aunt met us at the door with tears and exclaimed ''Elvis is dead''. One of those times you always remember what you where doing when someone died. Not only his voice was ''black velvet'' but when he died [mid 70s] there was an artwork style of painting not on canvas but ''black velvet'' it was every where, from cheap carnival stuff to expensive paintings. Most homes had these on the walls some where and very often it was a famous Elvis photo reproduction. The fad is long out of style today. Fast forward 14 years to 1990 and Alannah's song was a massive hit, on the airwaves every where, ESPECIALLY IN CANADA, we have content laws for tv/radio dictating Canadian artist content be played at a certain % of airtime. Alannah is considered one of our national treasures! She has won Juno's, Grammy's and sung or anthem at MLB Bluejays games, [she is from Toronto]. Her voice is so sultry smooth and the rhythm so cool its one of those songs when you hear the intro you automatically crank up the volume to max. you just gotta play it loud! Thanks for the memories friend and BTW all ''chaps'' are ass less or they are called pants! LMAO