About the song
Elvis Presley – Hound Dog is one of the most iconic rock and roll songs in music history. Originally recorded by blues artist Big Mama Thornton in 1952, it was Elvis Presley’s 1956 rendition that elevated “Hound Dog” to global fame, cementing its place as a cultural and musical milestone. Presley’s energetic and charismatic performance of this song became synonymous with the rebellious spirit of the emerging rock and roll era of the 1950s.
The song features bold, up-tempo rhythms and a fiery delivery of its biting lyrics, which accuse a deceitful lover of being untrustworthy and lazy. With its memorable chorus and Presley’s electrifying vocal charisma, “Hound Dog” quickly captured the imagination of young audiences and became a flagship song in Presley’s career. It was recorded at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, and was produced by Steve Sholes. Presley’s version replaced the bluesy undertones of the original with a rock and roll arrangement, driven by guitar riffs and a punchy beat.
“Hound Dog” achieved remarkable commercial success, climbing to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 where it spent an impressive 11 weeks, making it one of the best-selling singles of Presley’s career. In fact, "Hound Dog" became the first rock and roll song to top the country, pop, and R&B charts simultaneously. Since its release, the song has sold over ten million copies worldwide.
Though it did not win any Grammy Awards, "Hound Dog" has received numerous accolades over the decades. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1988 and is frequently listed among the greatest songs of all time. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at No. 19 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Presley’s dynamic performance of “Hound Dog” on The Milton Berle Show in 1956 caused controversy due to his provocative dance moves but helped consolidate his title as the King of Rock and Roll. This song epitomizes his legacy as a revolutionary figure in popular music.
Video
Lyrics
updating
