Introduction
“Hound Dog,” a twelve-bar blues song penned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, was first recorded by blues singer Big Mama Thornton on August 13, 1952. Released by Peacock Records in February 1953, Thornton’s rendition became a significant hit, selling over 500,000 copies and topping the R&B charts for seven weeks.
In 1956, Elvis Presley encountered “Hound Dog” during a performance by Freddie Bell and the Bellboys in Las Vegas. Bell’s comedic adaptation of the song resonated with Presley, who incorporated it into his live shows. On July 13, 1956, Presley recorded his version at RCA Studios in New York City. Released as the B-side to “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Hound Dog” quickly gained prominence, with both songs achieving massive success. Presley’s rendition sold over 4 million copies in the U.S. upon its initial release and became his best-selling single, with global sales reaching approximately 10 million.
Presley’s “Hound Dog” was notable for topping multiple charts simultaneously in 1956, including the pop, country, and R&B charts. It held the number one position on the pop chart for 11 weeks, a record that remained unbroken for 36 years.
The song’s widespread popularity and Presley’s dynamic performances played a pivotal role in solidifying his status as a leading figure in the burgeoning rock ‘n’ roll movement. Over time, “Hound Dog” has been covered more than 250 times, reflecting its enduring influence on popular music. Both Thornton’s and Presley’s versions have been recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as songs that shaped rock and roll, and each has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, underscoring the song’s significant cultural impact.