We decided to focus on Canadian classics in our “Words of the Prophets” EP and I really wanted to do a song by Alannah Myles.   I had met her a few times; she was very encouraging to me as a young singer coming up in the music world, she was very kind. I always thought Alannah Myles was such a badass so when the opportunity came,  I felt very compelled to dedicate something to her. I thought a cover of “Black Velvet” just had to be on the EP.

I took great pleasure in paying tribute to her. I think Alannah Myles is under rated; Not  many know of her anymore but she belongs up there with the best of the best! I just love her voice. (In fact I don’t even know if it was a good idea to put out a cover of Alannah’s work as I love her voice so much!) When I met Alannah, she had some serious physical limitations. She was carefully carried onto the stage, she cant move very well. Her neck is frozen in one position so she can only look down,  and she now sits on a chair to perform but WOW does she still have a voice! They get her up onto the stage and she just goes!!

Alannah Myles speaks of her health issues. 

Listen to Black Velvet by Kobra and the Lotus on SoundCloud

It was fun to do the Black Velvet video. It was a chance to do something different, be more pin-uppy, more Marylyn Monroe. You can see Elvis on the old black and white TV in the video too; that’s what the song is about, Black Velvet is about Elvis Presley.

Check out the Kobra and the Lotus video of “Black Velvet”

A private moment  behind the scenes  during the making of the video.  

Doing a “blocking” check with Canadian Director Doug Cook

Performing at a “Beatles Tribute Night” in Toronto in 2010 with Goddo and Alannah Myles  

Have a peek into this music video from 1989 of Alannah Myles performing Black Velvet.  

“Black velvet and that little boy’s smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
A new religion that’ll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please”