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Ready to Rock n Roll: Sam Bailey to release Black Velvet Elvis Tribute

Ready to Rock n Roll: Sam Bailey to release Black Velvet Elvis Tribute

X Factor winner Sam Bailey is set to don her blue suede shoes for the release of her new record Black Velvet - a tribute to her late father and their inspiration, Elvis Presley.  

 

And the release coincides with a busy period for the Leicestershire mum-of-three, with her role as Mrs Potts in the acclaimed Disney production, Beauty and the Beast, set to kick off in late August. 

Taking on the song that was devised as a tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, the new single, set to be released worldwide through Saga Entertainment on August 6th, will be Sam’s first since December, when the former prison officer collaborated with a host of celebs for the Shakin Stevens’ classic, ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’. 

Her latest venture calls back to a time with her late father Ronnie, a former musician himself, with Sam recalling her father’s love of the beat of the song, having been a keen drummer: 

“Whenever I hear that first drumbeat come in, I think of my dad and I can picture him air drumming to it, he used to love it,” said Sam. 

“I used to sing this song in lots of competitions when I was younger and win, so it’s certainly done me justice over the years!” 

Sam, who won the X Factor in 2013, has steadily been growing her presence in the rock and country genre, collaborating with Grammy and Emmy nominated composer Steve Dorff in Nashville in 2019. 

“There was never a moment when music by a big rock band wasn’t playing in our house when I was younger,” said Sam. 

“For me, the reason I want to carry that on is because my childhood was listening to that sort of music, and so I almost want to feel closer to my dad who passed away 13 years ago.” 

Continuing her rock roots, Sam has also appeared in Vampires Rock, a musical stage show featuring notable rock anthems from artists such as Meat Loaf, Guns N’ Roses, The Rolling Stones and Queen. 

And now, her rocky roots will look to ignite with her new single, dedicated to the King of Rock himself, which falls timely with Elvis week happening in August from 11th -17th. 

Sam’s love of Elvis strengthened when she visited Graceland three years ago:

“When you go into Elvis’ home, you almost become a part of that history by walking through his space,” she added. 

“It's just a bizarre feeling. I mean, he has written some spectacular songs, and it kind of become a bit of an obsession for me. 

“I started watching early videos just so I could see the kitchen that you walk through, his back garden and listening to songs - I learnt so much information about certain songs that he's written on that visit.” 

Black Velvet was originally written by Alannah Myles as a tribute to Elvis, who used a hair dye named black velvet and whose portrait was often painted on black velvet.  

The songs co-writer, Christopher Ward, was inspired on a bus ride to Memphis with Elvis fans attending the 10th anniversary vigil at Graceland.  

The song has previously been covered by Robin Lee, The Lost Fingers, Kobra and The Lotus, and many other popular artists.  

Sam is hoping to do it justice with her version, adding: 

“I’ve put a lot of soul into this song as it means a lot to me and my family, it is a nod to my dad and his heroes really.” 

Sam has an exciting year ahead of her and is currently in rehearsals with the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast. 

The show, which runs until next year, is particularly special for Sam, with the production running ‘relaxed performances’ - dedicated performances that cater for those with special needs. 

The move helps to make theatre performances more accessible, with Sam’s son, Tommy, who has autism, able to attend in a more comfortable manner. 

For more information on Sam’s new single, Black Velvet, head to: http://sagaentertainment.tv/. 


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