Hound Dog - Elvis Presley

> **HERE HE IS! ... The most talked-about singer in show business with the song he exploded on TV!**  _Cash Box_, July 1956

**Elvis Presley**s superb cover of Hound Dog stands as a landmark in the annals of rock n' roll history. Originally an R&B hit by [**Big Mama Thornton**](https://youtu.be/Jr9q485COk0 "") in 1953, the song radically transformed when Elvis encountered [**Freddie Bell and the Bellboys**](https://youtu.be/3k-RVO_n7M4 "") comedic version in Las Vegas in April 1956. Intrigued by their playful adaptation and dynamic stage presence, Elvis adopted Hound Dog into his repertoire, adding his own flair and hip movements. This decision would soon become a defining moment in his career, as the song captured the raw energy and rebellious spirit that Elvis epitomized.

The controversy surrounding Elvis reached new heights with his [Hound Dog](https://youtu.be/WJnVQDA9rHA "") performance on the Milton Berle Show on June 5, 1956. Foregoing his guitar, Elvis delivered a sensational and provocative rendition that showcased his uninhibited stage presence and sensual charisma. The performance, encapsulated by its slow bluesy ending, incited a wave of both adulation and moral outrage, solidifying Elvis as a cultural lightning rod. Critics lambasted his gyrations, while fans were electrified by his audacious style. This moment marked Elvis' definitive entrance into the national consciousness and the ensuing debates about the morality of rock n roll.

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**Transpose by 0**
**Tempo: 88 BPM**

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Piano tutorial by [**W Piano**](https://youtu.be/h5cJ9G1mTVw "")

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Among the live performances of Hound Dog, Elvis' final appearance at the Louisiana Hayride on December 15, 1956, stands out for its sheer intensity and fervor. With over 9,000 fans in attendance at the Hirsch Youth Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, Elvis delivered a blistering version of [Hound Dog](https://youtu.be/RRSXgXrj0I0 ""), one of the most thrilling live recordings in rock history. **Scotty Moore**s scorching guitar solo, **D. J. Fontana**s pounding drums, and the deafening screams of the audience combined to create an atmosphere of unadulterated Presleymania. The performance, though incomplete, captures the raw, visceral impact of Elvis at the height of his powers.

Elvis' studio recording of Hound Dog, cut on July 2, 1956, just after his contentious appearance on the Steve Allen Show, captures the defiance and energy of his live performances. The single, released on July 13, became an instant hit, further cementing Elvis' status as the King of Rock n' Roll. The songs success was a testament to Elvis' ability to channel his frustration and drive into his music, transforming a playful parody into a rock 'n' roll anthem that still reverberates through the decades.

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**Hound Dog** (Leiber-Stoller)

Produced by Steve Sholes \* Acoustic Guitar: Elvis Presley \* Electric Guitar: Scotty Moore \* Bass: Bill Black \* Piano: Gordon Stoker \* Drums: D. J. Fontana \* Backup Vocals: The Jordanaires