“Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley: The Story Behind the Song that Shook Rock 'n' Roll
Best Pet Daily - “Hound Dog”, it’s not really about our pooches, but we can pretend!
Let’s be honest. This song is nothing about hound dogs!
And for dog lovers… let’s put it straight out there that it’s taking the fine name of “hound dogs” in vane. It’s using the label of “hound dog" as a sledge of gigolos! Outrageous!
BUT… the song is iconic. It’s an earworm.
And, if you love dogs as much as we do, you might have already sung a bar or two to your pooch - whether they were up to no good, or being as perfect as pie.
It’s just fun, upbeat and catchy.
So, get your pelvis into gear and let’s see how Elvis branded this epic rock ‘n’ roll cover his own (for hound dogs the world over).
1. Setting the Stage: The Origins of "Hound Dog"
Big Mama Thornton’s Bluesy Roar
It’s 1952 in Los Angeles, and Big Mama Thornton steps into the Radio Recorders Annex studio. Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton was not just any blues singer. At 350 pounds, with a voice that could rattle the rafters and a stage presence that could scare a biker gang straight, she was a force of nature. This was a woman who earned her nickname the old-fashioned way: by growling and belting her way through the blues circuit like she owned it.
On August 13, 1952, she recorded "Hound Dog," a song that would change the course of music history. Written by a couple of brash 19-year-old songwriters, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and produced by bandleader Johnny Otis, the song was tailor-made for Thornton’s commanding persona. "You ain't nothin' but a hound dog, quit snoopin' 'round my door," she belted out, infusing the 12-bar blues song with the kind of raw energy only she could muster.
Released by Peacock Records in February 1953, Thornton’s version became a runaway hit, selling over 500,000 copies and topping the R&B charts for 14 weeks, including seven weeks at number one. Her growling delivery and the band's barking and howling turned "Hound Dog" into a roaring blues classic. It’s no wonder Rolling Stone later ranked it at 318 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2021, and it earned a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013.
But before it became Big Mama’s only hit record, Leiber and Stoller had to craft a song that could live up to her larger-than-life personality.
The Dynamic Duo: Leiber and Stoller
Leiber and Stoller were just two kids with a knack for songwriting when bandleader Johnny Otis invited them to meet Thornton. "She was a wonderful blues singer, with a great moaning style," Stoller later recalled. "But it was as much her appearance as her blues style that influenced the writing of 'Hound Dog' and the idea that we wanted her to growl it."
Leiber, on the other hand, had a more colorful description: "We saw Big Mama, and she knocked me cold. She looked like the biggest, baddest, saltiest chick you would ever see. And she was mean, a 'lady bear,' as they used to call 'em."
Inspired by her "badass" persona, the duo wrote "Hound Dog" in just 12 to 15 minutes, scribbling the lyrics on a piece of ordinary paper in the car on their way to Stoller's apartment. Leiber wanted something raw, like the Furry Lewis phrase "Dirty Mother Furya," but not too coarse for radio. What they came up with was a euphemism-laden song about a woman kicking a gigolo to the curb.
Thornton’s delivery was all attitude and sass, and it resonated with listeners. But "Hound Dog" was about to find new legs—ones that could really swivel.
Hound Dog: A Blues Song with Bite
Big Mama Thornton's version of "Hound Dog" isn’t just a song—it’s a whole mood. Her snarling vocals and Pete "Guitar" Lewis's gritty licks give it an edge that made it stand out on the charts and the airwaves. The lyrics, too, are packed with wit and swagger as she berates her no-good, freeloading lover:
"You ain't nothin' but a hound dog, quit snoopin' 'round my door
You can wag your tail, but I ain't gonna feed you no more."
Despite being a catchy, scathing satire, the song was about more than just catchy lyrics and a mean groove. It was a cultural marker of the times. Thornton’s version is credited with helping to blur the lines between R&B and rock 'n' roll, paving the way for a new era of integrated music. Brandeis University professor Stephen J. Whitefield even saw it as a precursor to the desegregation of public schools in Brown v. Board of Education a year later.
2. Elvis Presley Enters the Scene
Freddie Bell and the Bellboys: The Missing Link
Fast forward to 1955, and "Hound Dog" has taken on a life of its own. It’s been covered over a dozen times, including by Little Esther, Betsy Gay, and Tommy Duncan. But it’s Freddie Bell and the Bellboys’ sanitized, rockabilly version that would bring "Hound Dog" to the attention of one very influential crooner: Elvis Presley.
Elvis first encountered the Bellboys' version while performing in Las Vegas in April 1956. They were a resident act at the Sands Casino’s Silver Queen Bar, playing a burlesque version of the song complete with "arf-arf" dog sounds. Bell had swapped out the risqué metaphors for lyrics about a literal hound dog, and Elvis loved it.
Inspired by their comedic approach, Elvis decided to incorporate the song into his own act. "From the first time Elvis heard this song, he was hooked," writes Paul W. Papa in It Happened in Las Vegas. "He went back over and over again until he learned the chords and lyrics."
From Vegas to Vinyl: Elvis Takes On "Hound Dog"
Elvis’ first live performance of "Hound Dog" came on May 15, 1956, at the Memphis Cotton Festival, where he closed his set with the song in front of an audience of 7,000. That set the stage for a string of TV performances, including the notorious appearance on The Milton Berle Show that would make him a household name—and a target for moral crusaders everywhere.
On June 5, 1956, he performed a raunchy, gyrating version of "Hound Dog" on The Milton Berle Show. Critics were outraged by his suggestive hip movements. "Elvis the Pelvis" became a household name (not necessarily in a good way), and letters of complaint flooded NBC’s mailroom.
3. Recording "Hound Dog": Elvis’ Studio Magic
The Frenzied Studio Session
Despite—or perhaps because of—the controversy, "Hound Dog" was now a staple of Elvis’ live shows, and RCA Records wanted to capture that energy on vinyl. On July 2, 1956, Elvis and his band gathered at RCA’s New York studio for a seven-hour session to record "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," and "Any Way You Want Me."
With Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, D.J. Fontana on drums, and the Jordanaires providing backing vocals, Elvis drove the band through 31 takes to nail down the perfect version of "Hound Dog." He knew what he wanted: a fast and dynamic sound that matched the excitement of his live performances.
According to guitarist Scotty Moore, "Ahh… I was actually pissed off, to tell you the truth. Sometimes in the studio, you do it too many times, and you go past that peak."
But after 31 takes, Elvis chose version 28, declaring, "This is the one." The result was a raucous, furious version that would define "Hound Dog" for generations.
Elvis' Rage-Fueled Delivery
Part of what fueled Elvis’ intense performance was the anger he felt after his appearance on The Steve Allen Show the night before. Allen, who was notoriously contemptuous of rock 'n' roll, had put Elvis in a tuxedo and had him sing "Hound Dog" to a Basset Hound wearing a top hat.
Embarrassed and infuriated by the comedic setup, Elvis funneled his rage into the recording session. The result was a menacing, hopped-up version of "Hound Dog" that combined Moore’s feral guitar, Fontana’s pounding drums, and Elvis’ snarling vocals into a rock 'n' roll masterpiece.
4. Controversy and Criticism: Elvis’ "Pelvis" Problem
Best Pet Daily - Elvis, the musical icon who took Big Mama Thornton’s “Hound Dog” to the next level (Source: CC0)
The Milton Berle Show Appearance
When Elvis Presley shook his hips and shimmied his way through "Hound Dog" on The Milton Berle Show, America was not ready. Critics called his performance vulgar, and parents feared he would corrupt their children. Even the Catholic Church had something to say, publishing an opinion piece warning families to "Beware Elvis Presley."
But not everyone was against the King. The teenage girls in the audience screamed with delight as Elvis worked his "pelvis," and the song’s popularity skyrocketed.
The Steve Allen Show Debacle
Let’s go over this bit again… by the time The Steve Allen Show rolled around on July 1, 1956, the heat was on Elvis to tone down his act. Allen decided to add a comedic twist, dressing Elvis in a tuxedo and having him sing to a Basset Hound sitting on a stool. The absurdity of the scene was not lost on Elvis, and while he played along on camera, he would later recall it as one of the most embarrassing moments of his career.
Scotty Moore, Elvis’ guitarist, suggested that Allen’s treatment of the song drove Elvis to record it with such fury the next day. And boy, did he deliver.
Ed Sullivan Show Redemption
Despite initially swearing he’d never have Elvis on his show, Ed Sullivan couldn’t resist the ratings gold Elvis promised. He paid $50,000 for three performances, and "Hound Dog" featured in each of them.
Elvis made his first appearance on September 9, 1956, performing an abbreviated version of "Hound Dog" and causing pandemonium across the nation. By his second appearance on October 28, he jokingly introduced it as "one of the saddest songs we’ve ever heard" before belting out a full version that had the audience in a frenzy.
On January 6, 1957, during his third and final performance, Elvis delivered seven songs, including—you guessed it—"Hound Dog." This was his last live performance on American television, and he made sure to leave a lasting impression.
5. Legacy and Influence: How "Hound Dog" Became a Rock 'n' Roll Anthem
Record-Breaking Sales and Impact
The controversy swirling around Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog" only seemed to fuel its popularity. Released on July 13, 1956, as the B-side to "Don't Be Cruel," the record quickly flipped sides, and "Hound Dog" started climbing the charts. By August, both songs were dominating Billboard’s Best Sellers, Most Played in Jukeboxes, and Top 100 charts. "Hound Dog" also topped the R&B and country charts simultaneously.
In its first release alone, the single sold over four million copies in the United States, eventually reaching 10 million worldwide. It was Presley's best-selling song and spent 11 weeks atop the Billboard charts—a record that remained unbeaten for 36 years. Not only did the record rake in millions of dollars, but it also solidified Elvis as the King of Rock 'n' Roll, with "Hound Dog" as his royal anthem.
From B-Side to Iconic Anthem
Despite being initially released as a B-side to "Don't Be Cruel," "Hound Dog" quickly became the main attraction. RCA Records even re-released the single with "Hound Dog" printed first on the record sleeve. It became the song that defined Elvis Presley’s career and transformed him from a regional rockabilly star into an international icon.
Cultural Influence and Cover Versions
"Hound Dog" wasn’t just a smash hit—it was a cultural phenomenon. Its infectious rhythm, catchy lyrics, and swiveling delivery inspired countless artists and left an indelible mark on rock 'n' roll history.
The song has been featured in numerous films, including Forrest Gump, Grease, Lilo & Stitch, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and Nowhere Boy. Over the years, it’s been covered more than 250 times by a range of artists, including John Lennon, Etta James, and Robert Palmer. In 1988, Presley's version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and it later earned a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll."
Even after Elvis’ death in 1977, "Hound Dog" has remained a symbol of the rebellious spirit and raw energy of rock 'n' roll.
6. Awards and Accolades
Big Mama Thornton’s Version
Big Mama Thornton’s original version of "Hound Dog" may not have achieved the commercial success of Elvis Presley's, but it left a significant cultural impact.
Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013.
Ranked at 318 on Rolling Stone's 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll."
Elvis Presley's Version
Elvis’ version of "Hound Dog" remains one of the most celebrated recordings in rock 'n' roll history.
Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1988.
Ranked at 19 on Rolling Stone's 2004 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll."
In 2005, ranked 55th on Q Magazine’s list of the "100 Greatest Guitar Tracks."
7. Later Notable Performances
Presley's performances of "Hound Dog" evolved over the years, but the song remained a staple of his live shows.
March 25, 1961: Elvis performed "Hound Dog" in his last concert before an 8-year hiatus to focus on Hollywood movies. The show at Pearl Harbor’s Bloch Arena raised $65,000 for the USS Arizona Memorial.
December 3, 1968: Elvis staged his legendary Comeback Special on NBC, delivering a fiery rendition of "Hound Dog" that reignited his career and reminded the world why he was the King.
July 31, 1969: He returned to Las Vegas for a four-week engagement at the International Hotel. He performed "Hound Dog" every night, playfully introducing it as his "special song."
January 14, 1973: Elvis brought "Hound Dog" to his historic Aloha from Hawaii concert, the first entertainment special to be broadcast live around the world. The concert drew an estimated 1.5 billion viewers, cementing the global appeal of "Hound Dog."
8. Closing Thoughts: Why "Hound Dog" Endures
"Hound Dog" has had many incarnations over the years, from Big Mama Thornton’s bluesy growl to Freddie Bell’s comedic rockabilly and Elvis Presley's iconic rock 'n' roll fury. But what makes the song endure is its infectious rhythm, catchy lyrics, and timeless swagger. It embodies the spirit of rock 'n' roll—a little wild, a little rebellious, and a whole lot of fun.
Ultimately, "Hound Dog" transcends eras and genres because it speaks to something universal: the thrill of music that makes you want to dance, shout, and maybe even shake your hips a little. Whether you’re a fan of Big Mama’s original blues or Elvis’ swiveling hips, "Hound Dog" is a song that just won't quit barking.
FAQs
Q1: Who originally wrote "Hound Dog," and who was it written for?
"Hound Dog" was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1952 specifically for Big Mama Thornton. They tailored the song to match her bold and brassy personality, and her original recording topped the R&B charts for seven weeks.
Q2: Why did Elvis Presley change the lyrics of "Hound Dog"?
Elvis changed the lyrics to Freddie Bell and the Bellboys' sanitized version after seeing them perform in Las Vegas. Bell’s version toned down the risqué metaphors of Thornton’s original, and Elvis adopted that style for his own recordings and live performances.
Q3: How many times did Elvis Presley perform "Hound Dog" on television?
Elvis performed "Hound Dog" multiple times on TV, including appearances on The Milton Berle Show (June 5, 1956), The Steve Allen Show (July 1, 1956), and three times on The Ed Sullivan Show (September 9 and October 28, 1956, and January 6, 1957).
Q4: Did Big Mama Thornton receive royalties from Elvis Presley’s version of "Hound Dog"?
Unfortunately, Big Mama Thornton did not receive significant royalties from Elvis’ version. Despite selling millions of copies, Thornton reportedly only received one $500 check for her original recording.
Q5: What was the controversy surrounding Elvis Presley’s performance of "Hound Dog" on The Milton Berle Show?
Elvis’ gyrating hip movements and sexually suggestive performance of "Hound Dog" on The Milton Berle Show sparked national outrage. Critics called it vulgar, and NBC received a flood of complaints. The Catholic Church even published an opinion piece warning families about the dangers of "Elvis the Pelvis."
