Elvis Presley – Hound Dog

Introduction:

Released in July 1956, “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley quickly became one of the most iconic songs of the 20th century, forever altering the landscape of popular music. The song was part of Presley’s self-titled second album, “Elvis,” which also hit the shelves in 1956. Known for its energetic rhythm and provocative lyrics, “Hound Dog” is a quintessential rock and roll track, blending elements of rhythm and blues with the rebellious spirit of rock music that characterized the 1950s. The genre of the song is primarily rock and roll, though it draws heavily from blues, particularly in its original composition.

“Hound Dog” was not originally an Elvis Presley song. The track was first recorded in 1952 by blues singer Big Mama Thornton, whose deep, growling vocals brought a raw emotionality to the song. Written by the legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Thornton’s version of “Hound Dog” was a rhythm and blues hit, but it remained relatively unknown outside that genre’s audience. When Elvis Presley covered the song in 1956, his rendition brought a completely different flavor to it. His version was faster, more rhythmic, and infused with his signature charisma and energy.

Presley’s “Hound Dog” achieved immediate and unprecedented success, becoming his best-selling song at the time. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 11 weeks, the longest any song had held that position at the time. The song’s achievement was not limited to the U.S.; it also became a global sensation, topping charts in several countries and solidifying Elvis’s status as the “King of Rock and Roll.”

Beyond its commercial success, “Hound Dog” was a cultural milestone. It was emblematic of the growing influence of rock and roll in the 1950s, a genre that fused elements of African American musical traditions with mainstream pop, and it played a critical role in breaking down racial barriers in music. Presley’s lively and controversial performances of “Hound Dog,” especially his famous appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” were instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream American entertainment at the time.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Hound Dog”

You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mineWhen they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
When they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
You ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine

You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine

When they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
When they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine

When they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
You know they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine

You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
You ain’t no friend of mine