SO SMOOTH! 🎵 "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles Reaction

[@neillenet291]

The new religion she is talking about is Elvis, Elvis bringing them to their knees, this is a tribute to Elvis Presley

[@zackbalins658]

I didn't realize that, interesting. I do know this track always gives me goosebumps...so good! I guess I always just interpreted it as a smooth southern guy...I never did take the time to dig into the story behind the song (I was younger then) so that's on me. I still think the beauty of alot of music is the art of being able to stick your own interpretation to it, and that's what happened with me and this track. I'm 40 now and can appreciate the true meaning though, so thanks guy and have a good one.

[@neillenet291]

@@zackbalins658 yeah I don't know if you remember or were aware but there were a lot of black velvet paintings of Elvis and that's what she's referring to.

[@zackbalins658]

@@neillenet291 I was not aware actually...I did just read up a bit on it though. Always learning something new with each passing day. Thanks for the insight. Now to ask my mom if she knew this song was a tribute, as she's a huge Elvis fan...lol.

[@KevinSchmitt77]

I have always thought that the "new religion" was rock n' roll. There are a number of clues that it is about Elvis. "Love Me Tender" leaves 'em cryin' in the aisle" is the obvious one. "In a flash, he was gone/ it happened so soon/ what could you do?" is another hint it was referring to Elvis. His death was sudden and unexpected.

[@neillenet291]

@@KevinSchmitt77 yeah you're probably right, the new religion line refers to the genre of music. With Elvis as the "priest" maybe

[@denisvulliez2064]

Alannah Myles is a Canadian solo artist who sang this song paying tribute to Elvis Presley. The black velvet refers to the paintings that were made on velvet with Elvis on it. Another song from her that I love is "Song instead of a kiss".

[@nitro_001newman2]

Our World Our Times on the 1992 album Rocking Horse. Give it a listen Denis, I think you’ll like it by of course Alannah Myles.

[@stevefox7566]

Yes, that song "Song instead of a Kiss" was an amazing song, that I don't think got much airplay. But, I loved it.

[@TheCornellJunkie]

That Album was gold...I also love her next Album Rockinghorse

[@kjmorley]

For a while in the 80s, every garage sale had a black velvet picture of Elvis. I must admit, I found it a little sad they didn’t immediately know it was about Elvis. Popular culture moves on. 😢

[@zebulonwalton5087]

@@kjmorley I was disappointed they didn't pick up on it too 😢.....thought for sure they would !

[@Spurlano420]

I’ll never forget meeting her. 1991, I was 11 and she walked right by me and my father at a concert in Newfoundland. I said Dad that’s Alana Myles and he said hey Alana! She turned around and came back for a quick chat… and a hug : ) what a class act. Another Canadian gem.

[@soozcueful]

That’s awesome . Great memory to have . I never got to see Alana but I did get to see Sass Jordan and also Jeff Healy Band in Halifax that same year. Lot’s of great Canadian talent in the 90’s

[@BlackieNuff]

@@soozcueful Indeed we have all that great talent, but we still always catch crap for Justin Bieber and Celine Dion, lol.

[@timstarkes173]

I remember being a Newfoundland boy growing up in Toronto and hearing this all the time. I remember my mother doing housework to this blasting

[@dannymarr414]

you know it bro!!

[@timothyirwin8974]

Bought our first house in 1993, Toronto Beaches. Their roady was occupying it at the time of the purchase.

[@dandobrowolski5818]

Such a well crafted song...filled with a southern mysterious vibe....about Elvis Presley and how he would made all the girls swoon with his "little boy smile" and southern charm.

[@dandobrowolski5818]

@@ShuffleUpandDeal32 I didn't say she was southern...the song however has a definite southern dark bluesy mysterious vibe. Perhaps who ever wrote the song was inspired by that sound. You're welcome.

[@jarrettfinney4882]

That "southern mysterious vibe" is known as the blues.

[@dandobrowolski5818]

@@jarrettfinney4882 Well there is blues....and then there is blues with a dark mysterious vibe. The type of blues sound that attracts many rock artists....like led zeppelin "When the levy breaks" The Eagles..."witchy woman" Fleetwood mac "Hypnotized" ...and so on.

[@Lowlander-ci7is]

I'm a metal head, but I've always loved this song... A great song is a great song no matter what genre its in...

[@UBZUKki]

So true....

[@joelarvizo]

Amen

[@christophermckinney3924]

This song is a tribute to Elvis and the black velvet paintings of him that were popular thorugh the 1970s

[@daz_n]

@Marcus Alannah Myles agrees: ""Black Velvet has little to do with the cheesy black velvet Elvis paintings from the 60's, short of being a metaphor comprised of several entendres. Nor ANYTHING to do with alcohol as, contrary to popular myth, I do not drink (nor take drugs or smoke). What it's referring to are the voice of African Americans whom Elvis championed, Elvis' black hair, his voice sounded like black velvet, with soulful, black stylings sung in the American south that were like velvet on the ear drums, etc... I would know, after all. The song was written for me to sing on my first record. " 👍🏼

[@p.j.morris633]

@Joe Brandon it is about Elvis

[@p.j.morris633]

and the hair dye he used was called black velvet.

[@maggycamardella9035]

@@p.j.morris633 Thank you

[@sopala3952]

This was all about Elvis..the guys who wrote it were big Elvis fans. Alana sang it beautifully

[@leefreed2060]

One of Canada's best talents. She rocks. Song is all about THE KING. Elvis Aron Presley.

[@beverlysanders4209]

I love blues, I love her voice and I love Elvis !!!!

[@markmacdonald8512]

His middle name is spelled on his grave and birth certificate, Aaron.

[@Falconer1128]

Knowing that this is written about Elvis changes the whole vibe of the track.

[@Falconer1128]

@Marcus true that.

[@barblessable]

Best song about Elvis, "love me tender leaves them crying in the ailse" great voice so bluesy. Black Velvet is also a drink ,Guinness and cider or champagne [for posh people] mix ,drank a few pints of it in my youth.

[@wompa70]

The song is about Elvis. "Love me tender" leaves 'em cryin' in the aisle. The "new religion" is blues based rock and roll.

[@jv-lk7bc]

not to mention the cult of Elvis. the King.

[@JohnBullard]

I saw Elvis live in '72, when I was a kid. Thirty minutes after his third encore the audience was still there waiting, hoping for more. The P.A. announcer said, "Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building."

[@selfdiscardedkingofruin7291]

Haven't heard this in years. Great song.

[@paprika63097]

The style of the song is written in a combination of Mississippi Delta Blues and Memphis,Tn Blues,I live in Memphis and this classic....The lyrics are for Elvis..Her voice is amazing...a perfect combination, thank you for reacting to this 🙂

[@DirtRoad83]

Rock n roll was born when Nashville was mixed with Memphis and Mississippi... basically when soul met country

[@davidpressley3451]

Elvis's dad Vernon and my papaw were 3rd cousins making Elvis my 6th this song hits a bit different for me I love this song.

[@GTLyons]

...this song shows how much your grandma and your mama loves Elvis..... think about it ......yep and Amen.

[@robertwalker1803]

Beautiful with a beautiful voice and haunting song….RIP,Elvis.You can see her on video and see the passion.

[@billymartin7518]

Very simply ... this song is about Elvis Presley

[@Falconer1128]

I was just gonna say... but you are on top of it. Thanks Billy. Knowing that it's about Elvis is going to deserve a repeat play cause that knowledge changes the whole vibe of the track.

[@justdone1068]

Ha yes.. I never knew this. Fitting.

[@TheRealMirCat]

And the velvet paintings of him

[@katiemurray735]

That makes complete sense! I've known this song since it's been released (my mom always rocked to this song) and now that I know this, it takes on a whole new meaning. Thank you!

[@NeonNights80]

I read that the Robert plant song 29 palms is about Alannah Myles

[@mnelson0528]

Elvis was one of the best Gospel singers. A new religion...to me...is a reference to that. Great song. Even if you don't know Elvis it is a great song! Thx!

[@aaronbarlow4376]

The song is a tribute to Elvis Presley, whose portrait was often painted on black velvet, and who used a hair dye named Black Velvet.

[@hanklutcavich2468]

My favorite Elvis tribute, and she's not bad to look at. Nice reaction guys

[@chriswildhaber35]

I agree, and she's gorgeous.

[@mysonandme8424]

@@chriswildhaber35 ...still?

[@jesterokjones4954]

@@mysonandme8424 bruh, she ain't bad looking for her age, she was stunning when she was younger.

[@pauld6967]

Agreed Hank. It's a shame they reacted to this lyric video instead of the official one with her singing on that country set.

[@timothyherring3211]

Tribute to Elvis Presley king of Rock and roll, they used to do portraits of him on black Velvet canvases. He was born in Mississippi , then moved to Memphis Tennessee. The girls loved how he shook his hip, and curled his lip. Great southern rock ballad. You really need to watch the documentary about Elvis and the Black community. You learn how he became the king.

[@jeffreyboyer3714]

The blues beat, and sultry voice gives this song a super sexy vibe. It really helps if you grew up with a mother that always played Elvis and continuously rewatched all his movies during your childhood; as soon as I heard, "Love me tender, leaves them lying in the aisles..." I knew it was about Elvis; within the context of the other lyrics, I grokked quick. Also, given Alannah is Canadian, and Black Velvet is a Canadian whisky, known to be, "smooth," I think the Black Velvet might be a combination of the famous velvet Elvis posters in the 70s (also helps if you are old enough to know/remember those posters), and the smooth whisky, used together to describe the smooth, southern, man of talent, that emerged from Memphis and captivated the world.

[@MrStickman13579]

As a bass player, the bass guitar really makes this song special. Love playing this.

[@kruser79]

I adore Lex's ability to feel the music no matter the genre. A TRUE music lover! Brad, you're the literal interpreter of the songs, Lex is the interpreter of the ephemeral feels. Kinda like Play-by-play can't work without the color commentary! Y'all make every day better!

[@russellmorgan5611]

There's no riff. There is a groove.

[@scapito]

Gotta love that bass!

[@zackbalins658]

Man....soooooo goooood!!

[@leviathan3630]

bass riff

[@timstarkes173]

Great hook tho. But no riff

[@timstarkes173]

Thats a walking bass line

[@traviskale1313]

The songs about Elvis, pure and simple. Love u guys.

[@TheMightyOdin]

This song was a huge hit back in the day and I heard it so many times but it wasn’t until I read the lyrics along with your video that I realized she was singing about Elvis.

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Hi guys. Alannah was blessed with such a beautiful "instrument". All at once clear and amazing and still what I call a whiskey voice. In her case maybe a blend of whiskey and honey. Just enough rasp to make it soulful. She was a singer/songwriter but did not write this. It was written by Chris Ward and David Tyson. Both record producers and writers as well as musicians. This song of course inspired by a love for Elvis and having noticed the popularity of the Elvis portraits on those black velvet canvasses. It seemed like so many people had 2 things in their homes for sure. A cross or picture of Christ and a black velvet portrait of Elvis. "A new religion." Apparently Black Velvet was also either the brand or color name of the dye Elvis used to blacken his hair, which was more of a dark brown naturally.

[@CockneyRebel1979]

This number used to be one of my karaoke party-pieces back in the day. Chuck me a mic, y'all! I've got this! 😎

[@carollittle1059]

Great tribute to Elvis! Was huge line dance request.

[@canaguy]

An amazing Canadian singer songwriter talent of many years, many songs. This one was a tribute to the death of ELVIS. You have realized very many Canadian artists, some single, some in bands, and some songs written by a Canadian but sung by others.

[@HandleTakenlol]

To know exactly what she is singing about, go ahead and watch an Elvis video, or better yet, watch an Elvis movie. Another great song about the King of rock and roll is ...Walking in Memphis

[@rhphotocdn]

An ICONIC CANADIAN Rocker!! Her voice, her looks, and such a nice person too, damn!!

[@shaunhines7883]

I absolutely LOVE lex's personality.. I could hang out with this girl 24/7 and never get bored.. There is nothing more freeing and authentic than watching someone be "true" to themselves.. No matter who is watching... 🔥 ♥ 🙏

[@MrDiddyDee]

The boy is Elvis Presley with a voice as smooth as velvet, a lot of folks assumed he was black when they heard his early music. He was a massive heart throb, with a cheeky smile, and easily made his fans weak at the knees. The biggest clue in the lyrics is the mention of 'Love me tender' which was a big hit for Elvis, which was a smooth crooning love ballad in his deep voice. The new religion though is the emergence of youth culture and rock 'n' roll music, and Elvis was nicknamed 'The King' (of Rock 'n' Roll) for his more upbeat songs.

[@jv-lk7bc]

new religion was all about Elvis. He is still worshipped in some places.

[@Lilith6416]

Lex is so cute doing her little dance. Y’all are a beautiful couple.

[@billdecat855]

Still got this thing, Love is..., and Lover of Mine were all hits on the Canadian music charts. Check 'em out.

[@manna6618]

Got a lot of airplay here in Australia too, we def liked her downunder.

[@scottautry9981]

Lover of Mine is an absolutely beautiful song.

[@williampatience9524]

I believe it's Southern blues based rock with fantastic vocals.

[@speleokeir]

I suspect Lex might enjoy Chris Issac after this. Check out 'Wicked Game' or 'Blue Hotel'.

[@dcb1969]

"Dancin'", there's a live version that'll knock your socks off

[@demalion]

They listened to Wicked Game in stream a little bit ago

[@stanleymyrick4068]

Baby did a Bad Bad Thing

[@speleokeir]

@@demalion Ah, I must have missed that one.

[@jonasturklbach2705]

You guys always pick the best songs to react to. Lex has always got her eye out when people posts songs in the comments & live chats. U guys keep me coming back for more

[@liannegreen692]

Alannah Myles is not a one hit wonder, since her first release Love Is, hit the top 40 peaking at 34. Anything that hits the top 40 is considered a hit record. Hence the weekly American top 40, back then. She of course had many hits in her native Canada.

[@WeDanceWestie]

This is BLUES, one of the most requested and played at any West Coast Swing dance, a true classic if there ever was one. West Coast Swing Dancer

[@62CDN]

Guys, I hope you have finally caught on. Tribute song to ELVIS. Allanah was huge and had other hits. Also I think she won a Grammy award for this song. Just one more amazing Canadian singer

[@mitchellbarker9368]

Our family had a black velvet painting of Elvis that got passed around as a joke Christmas present for a few years, until my cousin, who is an Elvis fan got it and kept it.

[@raymondjohnson2616]

Alannah Myles is the name of the woman singing. The song was written by an ex-boyfriend of hers as a tribute to Elvis Presley

[@michaelbeighton8079]

Great talent. We used to present her along with other Canadian acts like Kim Mitchell, 54 40, April Wine, Colin James, and many more at the Kee to Bala in Muskoka. She has an awesome voice.

[@sabinasabina2010]

It's about Elvis Presley, 'Love Me Tender' in the song refers to his famous song and film. Remember he was also in a lot of films. Watch again, it makes more sense now you know who it is about

[@petehoeft6518]

I LOVE this song. Reminds me of dark smokey blues clubs.

[@joedonlewis9820]

I would definitely say that is country blues. Traditional country is basically inverted blues. The great song writer Townes Van Zandt said “There's only two kinds of music: the blues and zippety doo-dah.”. You won't hear many of his songs on country radio, but he's highly regarded in the more serious artistic and beautiful part of country music.

[@kevincomba2708]

If your looking for Canadian female sings you have to check out Amanda Marshall anything from her debut album

[@philguitfiddle]

Alannah was not a one hit wonder. Check out "love is" and "song instead of a kiss" much better song. Saw her live back in the 90's. Great show

[@dagrizz-ek4ih]

This has got to be and still is the sexiest song I have ever heard. It makes you feel good and wanting more! Thanks for sharing you guys!!

[@bethshadid2087]

The sexy song about Elvis...of course I didn't realize until about a year ago it's meaning....just always loved it 😁. Country bluegrass soul music sung by a Canadian 💗

[@injairgun]

Another Canadian icon! Alannah Miles and Shania Twain came up at the very same time singing and opening for eachother in clubs Alannah WAS NOT a one hit wonder Her first album was fantastic!

[@raymondbrush6442]

You get my thumbs up before it starts. She's my favorite female vocalist. Try our world our times, lover of mine, Comment Ca Va (studio version. Live was lipped sinked). She won a Grammy and was nominated for a second. She had one US hit. Gets more airplay overseas

[@gregcostello237]

A classic song for me....absolutely love this song

[@yorkvillevic6528]

Long live The King! Thank you, thank you very much

[@indiegrpie]

Miss you guys. Always great reactions, fun to watch. Hope you're doing well

[@soula912]

Luv her. Would have been better seeing the live version of this song. She’s amazing!

[@TraciKReacts]

Yep this was about Elvis and absolutely love this song, so smooth....check out Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie Presley, she did a song called Lights Out about her daddy and she looks so much like him!

[@ijontichy994]

The bass is working his way all through this track and Alannah hits southern estetics perfectly. She's very much a person and looking good in black leather pants, too. Never saw her ina a velvet, though...

[@d-2793]

My mom grew up on Elvis. We did have one of those black velvet Elvis prints hung up in our house. 🎵🎼

[@happymethehappyone8300]

THE BROTHERS JOHNSON "I'LL BE GOOD TO YOU",, "STRAWBERRY LETTER 23" & "STOMP!"..ALL CLASSICS.

[@Shining_Whit]

Love this womans voice! Try Still got this thing & Lover of mine by her.

[@theduck5872]

Every single time I hear this song, from the time I as a kid, I get chills when Alannah goes into that chorus.

[@Mikael_Puusaari]

ohh, didn't know u had reacted to this alrdy... Alannah Myles was the one who made me truly love and appreciate special unique singing voices, I was a 12 year old kid and fell in love with a voice for the first time, hadn't seen the music video and just listened to the song like 10 times on repeat, hahah

[@kevinbrock9751]

Try The Headpins ,another Canadian band , "Don't It Make ya' Feel " like dancing)

[@duncansolloway2497]

TURN IT LOUD !!

[@kevincomba2708]

Your Still the One

[@TheMasonator777]

Darby is probably my favourite female rock vocalist.

[@TracyfromNC]

Elvis paintings on black velvet!

[@corbinthepieguy0249]

The song is a reference to the velvet paintings made about Elvis, and the hair dye that Elvis used was called black velvet.

[@winstonsmith8441]

Hard to believe she could make a song this good and have nothing left in the tank.

[@mattdemo7173]

So cool that you've discovered this great Canadian singer. Check out her song "Love Is" for some great power vocals with 80's rock guitar

[@orgulloyprejuicio9436]

amo esta cancion que linda reacción de la chica , , la disfruto,, yo soy igual 😊😊🥰🥰🥰

[@pennyboone8601]

That bass is killer!! Rockin rhythm!!

[@crystalpistey-lyhne3406]

I ❤️ Her Voice!🤗😢🙆🤗🎼🎶💃

[@richard_n]

OMG, I literally listened to this this morning!

[@soula912]

Every song on this album is incredible

[@kenklein4783]

She has so many great songs, please check out more!

[@melanielucas4155]

Alannah Myles is a fellow Canadian. This song made her known in the US. But she also had some other cool songs. One of my favorites was "Lover of Mine". Ballad. Here in Canada it was a hit! She did eventually kind of dry up. I actually saw her in a record store once and said hello. She stank of stale booze and was barely able to talk. Many other people has experience like that and she became known as "Alotta Myles". But hope she is doing well, and she was great with her music!

[@rwfrench66GenX]

She had another hit called Who Loves You from the same album and it’s really good. Another song you guys might like is Walk and Talk Like Angels by Toni Child’s. It has a great bass riff through the whole song.

[@jennhen2675]

One of my favorite songs.

[@XDarkSyntaXOriginal]

It always reminds me of the band "Heart" just because of the vocals in the chorus.

[@ivankaleoniefuchs333]

Great tribute song to Elvis Presley. My mum said there were so many Black Velvet pictures of Elvis every where when she was young. It must be true because she has one of them, und Ja, it has black velvet cloth made into das picture. Good reactions as always. Have a fun day. Auf Wiedersehen aus Wiesbaden :-)

[@gregcostello237]

U guys are genuine at this...like watching these videos

[@ATAH69]

Really glad you both reacted to Alannah & Enjoyed her. She had a few good song's & The rasp in her voice really hits the spot... Here's a few more song's that I think you both will enjoy (Still Got This Thing) (Rock This Joint) (Lover Of Mine) Wishing You Both A Happy Halloween Weekend! Thank's, Kevin from Canada

[@rossmacintosh5652]

Myles won the 1991 Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for the song. The song written by Canadian songwriters Christopher Ward and David Tyson.

[@marieantoinette1360]

Daaaaamn I been watching you guys a long time xxx this is by far my favourite reaction from you!

[@ffjsb]

Many songs are a mix of several genre's. Very little music is intrinsically "pure", you might find some straight music on the radio, but that's rare.

[@coreydean6540]

I dunno, a lot of todays music is from the pure crap genre.

[@ffjsb]

@@coreydean6540 Maybe if you quit listening to top 40 pop stations you might hear some good stuff...

[@coreydean6540]

@@ffjsb you see? If I didn't listen to top 40 then and only then I MIGHT hear some good stuff? You just reinforced my comment. And I don't listen to top 40.

[@ffjsb]

@@coreydean6540 You're still wrong. There's LOTS of good music out there. Adele, Silk Sonic, Greta Van Fleet, Twenty One Pilots, etc.

[@rogerkelly7988]

Allaynna Myles is a Canadian artist and this song was a huge hit it's been on several tv and movie soundtracks great song

[@joannedungan8381]

This is my favorite tribute to Elvis

[@vickiroman189]

One of the most sensual beats ever. And her voice was perfect for it.

[@runninamok2003]

This song is a fitting tribute to Elvis. Alannah has a gorgeous voice.

[@allendixon7700]

Yes yes I always always loved the song still do loved it when it first came out and I love it now hello

[@itmightbme]

Adore this! Great song 💜

[@MrZola1234]

She hit the scene about the same time as Melissa Etherage. She was popular in her native Canada, but she was a one hit wonder here in America.

[@michellewheatley2007]

Awesome song, great southern blues sound.

[@daveperala4723]

First time I heard this was when I was driving from Portland to West Palm Beach. Middle of winter, 3 AM crossing Kansas, a lite snow hitting the windshield. All I could think of was "Damn, woman's got a voice". A few weeks later I saw the video and WOW. Voice matched the Woman. Sultry, sexy, smooth.

[@blackkatt777]

I've always loved her raspy voice on this song. Backstory time: As everyone said, this song is a tribute to Elvis Presley and the way he was idolized. Elvis said he grew up in black baptists church and learned how to sing in that soulful way. A lot of black music wasn't allowed on the radio back then. Lots of black artists had their styles, songs, and swagger stolen and rebranded with white artists. Elvis said that he always credited his inspirations. I'm not old enough to know if that's true or not. I just know what my mom and former stepfather said that their parents told them about his racists comments. That apparently made headlines, but it was later considered a false rumor. Since it was a few decades before my time, I honestly don't know if that's true. Either way, Elvis was given the mantle of King of Rock and Roll...but some in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame alumni would disagree and give the title to Chuck Berry and/or Little Richard. Just a suggestion, but you guys may want to take a google minute to see what the song relates to so you can have context and connect dots.

[@RG-qn2qm]

🇨🇦😎 lovin it from Toronto Canada....another great Canadian Rocker from the North....she's not doing well God bless.

[@zero2wealth776]

One of my top 10 best tunes ever.

[@virginiadurant8391]

She's talking about Elvis. Paintings of Elvis on black velvet were everywhere in the 1960's and 1970's.