BOBBY VINTON-BLUE VELVET

About the song

“Blue Velvet,” a timeless classic penned by Bernie Wayne and Lee Morris in 1950, has captivated audiences for decades with its lush melody and evocative lyrics. Initially popularized by Tony Bennett in 1951, the song quickly became a sensation, reaching the top 20 on various Billboard charts. Its enduring appeal has led to numerous reinterpretations over the years, cementing its status as a beloved standard in popular music.

The inspiration for “Blue Velvet” came to songwriter Bernie Wayne during a visit to the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Wayne was struck by the image of a woman dressed in blue velvet at a party, an encounter that sparked his creativity and led to the creation of the song’s romantic narrative.

Tony Bennett’s rendition of “Blue Velvet” was recorded in a session with the Percy Faith orchestra and released in September 1951. The song showcased Bennett’s rich, emotive vocals against a backdrop of lush orchestration, garnering significant airplay and chart success. It peaked at number 16 on the Billboard chart of “Records Most Played by Disc Jockeys” and also achieved high rankings on other Billboard charts, solidifying Bennett’s early career as a leading voice in romantic pop balladry.

Over the years, “Blue Velvet” has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own interpretation to the song’s emotive lyrics and haunting melody. Bobby Vinton notably reinvigorated the song in 1963 with a rendition that topped the charts, reaching number 1 and further embedding the song into the public consciousness.

Tony Bennett’s continued affection for “Blue Velvet” is evident in his later career, where he revisited the song in collaborations with other artists such as k.d. lang and Maria Gadú, showcasing its enduring appeal across different musical styles and audiences. The song’s inclusion in Bennett’s live performances and various albums attests to its lasting influence and popularity, proving it to be a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.

“Blue Velvet” stands as a testament to the enduring power of a beautifully crafted melody and heartfelt lyrics, evoking nostalgia and romance with each rendition. Its journey from a chance encounter in Richmond to becoming a musical standard is a testament to the magic of songwriting and the ability of music to transcend time and place.

Video

Lyrics

She wore Blue Velvet
Bluer than velvet was the night
Softer than satin was the light
From the stars

She wore blue velvet
Bluer than velvet were her eyes
Warmer than May her tender sighs
Love was ours

Ours a love I held tightly
Feeling the rapture grow
Like a flame burning brightly
But when she left gone was the glow of

She wore Blue Velvet
But in my heart there’ll always be
Precious and warm a memory through the years
And I still can see Blue Velvet through my tears

(Instrumental)

She wore Blue Velvet
But in my heart there’ll always be
Precious and warm a memory through the years
And I still can see Blue Velvet through my tears

She wore Blue Velvet
But in my heart there’ll always be
Precious and warm a memory through the years
And I still can see Blue Velvet through my tears