A smoky voice that tastes like a 16-year old Lagavulin and smells of a roomful of cigarillo wisps. A hard bass drum beat that reminds you of 70s hard rock. A bassline that grabs your hips and shoulders and gives them a life of their own. And lead guitar riffs that sound like they came from Jeff Beck or Eric Clapton. This song is recognisable in the first two seconds of it playing – and has been a smash hit the world over. It has been on my top ten list of rock songs for over three decades and is a must-play on any the road-trip.

The song is an ode to Elvis and is named after the hair dye – called ‘Black Velvet’ – that Elvis used to colour his hair with. The song was written by Christopher Ward, Alannah’s boyfriend at the time and a radio DJ. He was sent to Memphis by his station for Elvis’ 10^th death anniversary at Graceland. While there he saw the undiminished passion and fervour of the fans and wrote lyrics to a song that tried to capture Elvis’ impact on his fans. Every line in the song references something to do with Elvis , for example:

“Black Velvet and that little boy’s smile” – that smile of Elvis really drew in the girls!

“Mama’s baby’s in the heart of every school girl” – Elvis was a “mama’s boy” and the girls loved him for it

“Love Me Tender leaves ’em cryin’ in the aisle” – it sure did!

“The way he moved, it was a sin, so sweet and true” – not for nothing was a called Elvis The Pelvis!

“A new religion that will bring ya to your knees.” – there really is a Church of Elvis – I kid you not!

Alannah is a Canadian, born and brought up in Ontario. She was almost 30 when she had her debut album and her debut chart topper – kind of late but well worth wait! Alannah Myles is essentially a one-album wonder (you should listen to “Love Is” the other great track from her debut album) – but man, what a song to have as your all conquering one-hit!