Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 13, 1990 TAG: 9007130095
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARK MORRISON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The pair had already finished Lee's second album and were set to release "How About Goodbye" as its first single. The new record was just days away from production.
Then Larkin heard a recording of "Black Velvet" by Allanah Myles. With a pop/rock arrangement, the song was already a hit in Canada and was soon to be released in the U.S., where it would become a Top 5 hit.
Larkin, who is head of creative services for Atlantic Records in Nashville, suggested they record the song with a country arrangement and include it on the album.
Lee, who was familiar with the song, agreed and the afterthought quickly became the breakthrough single she had been needing for more than seven years.
"Black Velvet" shot up the country charts and Lee was suddenly in demand.
She has since opened for Willie Nelson, Sawyer Brown, Ricky Van Shelton and Randy Travis. She will play the Salem Fair on Saturday. Show time is 8 p.m. in the Salem Civic Center ballroom.
A Nashville native, Lee released her first record in 1983 on the independent Evergreen Records label. "Turning Back the Covers" and "I'll Take Your Love Anytime" were minor chart successes and earned her a Best New Vocalist nomination in 1986 from the Academy of Country Music.
She moved to Atlantic Records in 1987 and released the album, "This Old Flame," which spawned the minor hits "Shine A Light On A Lie" and "Before You Cheat on Me Once (You Better Think Twice)."
But "Black Velvet" turned things around for the 26-year-old Lee, who dreamed of becoming a classical music pianist until well into her teens.
Now she cites Linda Ronstadt, Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton and Bonnie Raitt among her biggest influences.
ROBIN LEE Saturday, 8 p.m. Salem Civic Center Ballroom. $10. 375-3004.
by CNB