About the song
Elvis Presley "Hound Dog" is an iconic song performed by the "King of Rock and Roll" himself. First recorded in 1956 and popularized through various electrifying performances, including on The Ed Sullivan Show on October 28, 1956, this track became one of Presley’s signature pieces and a landmark in rock and roll history. The performance cemented his reputation as a trailblazer, delivering attitude, charisma, and a groundbreaking sound that transformed the music industry.
Originally written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, "Hound Dog" was initially performed by blues singer Big Mama Thornton in 1952. Presley’s version—a faster, rock-and-roll adaptation—was recorded on July 2, 1956, at RCA Studios and quickly gained massive commercial success. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts, where it held the No. 1 position for an impressive 11 weeks, breaking records at the time. This achievement reflects just how influential the song was among listeners in the mid-20th century. In addition to its chart dominance, the song also topped the Billboard R&B charts and became one of Elvis’s best-selling singles.
While "Hound Dog" didn’t win a Grammy Award (the Grammys were still in their early days, having only started in 1959), Presley’s lasting impact on music was later recognized when he won multiple Grammy achievements throughout his career, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1971.
Beyond its commercial success, "Hound Dog" is considered a cultural milestone. Its rebellious tone, coupled with Presley’s uninhibited performance style, challenged traditional norms and inspired a new generation of artists. Rolling Stone magazine recognized its influence by ranking it among the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Presley’s October 28, 1956 rendition on The Ed Sullivan Show remains one of the most memorable broadcasts in television history, solidifying the song’s place as a defining moment of the rock and roll era.
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