Elvis Presley – Hound Dog – 1956

About The Song

“Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley, released in 1956, is an iconic rock and roll song that became one of Presley’s signature hits. Known for its energetic performance, catchy lyrics, and a driving beat, “Hound Dog” is a classic example of the early rock and roll sound that defined the 1950s.

5 Facts about “Hound Dog” (1956):

1. Songwriting Credits: “Hound Dog” was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and was originally recorded by Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton in 1952. Elvis Presley’s 1956 cover brought the song to mainstream success, and his dynamic rendition, accompanied by Scotty Moore’s guitar, became iconic.
2. Record-Breaking Success: Elvis’s version of “Hound Dog” became a massive commercial success. It topped the Billboard pop charts for 11 weeks, making it one of the best-selling singles of the 1950s. The song’s popularity contributed significantly to Elvis’s rise as a cultural phenomenon.
3. Ed Sullivan Show Controversy: Elvis’s electrifying performance of “Hound Dog” on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1956 is legendary. The hip-shaking dance moves caused a stir and were considered provocative for the time. The controversial nature of Elvis’s performances only added to his appeal among young audiences.
4. Cultural Impact: “Hound Dog” is often cited as one of the defining songs of the rock and roll era. Its energetic and rebellious spirit captured the youth culture of the 1950s and marked a turning point in the evolution of popular music. The song has been covered and referenced by numerous artists across different genres.
5. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction: In 1986, Elvis Presley was posthumously inducted into the inaugural class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “Hound Dog” played a crucial role in establishing Elvis as a pioneering figure in the rock and roll genre, and the song’s significance was recognized with his induction into the Hall of Fame.

Video

Lyrics

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

Well, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Yeah, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Yeah, 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

Well, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Yeah, 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

Well, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Ya 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

You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog