Hound Dog (song) facts for kids

Hound Dog is a super famous song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It was first sung by Willie May Thornton in March 1953. But it became a huge hit and is best known by Elvis Presley when he sang it in 1956. The song's style is called twelve-bar blues, which is a classic type of blues music.

The Story Behind "Hound Dog"

The song "Hound Dog" was created by two talented songwriters, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. They wrote it specifically for a blues singer named Willie May Thornton, who was also known as "Big Mama" Thornton.

Big Mama Thornton's Original Version

Big Mama Thornton recorded "Hound Dog" in 1952, and it was released in March 1953. Her version was a big success on the rhythm and blues charts. It had a strong, powerful blues sound, and Big Mama Thornton's singing was very raw and emotional. She sang it with a lot of attitude, telling off someone who wasn't being loyal.

Elvis Presley's Iconic Cover

Three years later, in 1956, Elvis Presley recorded his own version of "Hound Dog." His recording was very different from Big Mama Thornton's. Elvis's version was faster and had a rock and roll feel. It quickly became one of the best-selling singles of all time and helped make Elvis a worldwide superstar.

Why Elvis's Version Was So Popular

Elvis's performance of "Hound Dog" was energetic and exciting. He sang it with a lot of swagger, and his stage moves were revolutionary for the time. This version introduced the song to a much wider audience beyond the blues fans. It became a symbol of the new rock and roll music that was taking over the world.

The Blues Style of "Hound Dog"

"Hound Dog" is a great example of a twelve-bar blues song. This is a common pattern in blues music where the chords and melody follow a specific 12-measure structure. It's a simple but very effective way to create catchy and soulful music. Both Big Mama Thornton's and Elvis Presley's versions use this blues structure, even though they sound quite different.

Legacy of the Song

"Hound Dog" is still one of the most famous songs in music history. It shows how a song can be interpreted in different ways by different artists. It also highlights the connection between blues music and the birth of rock and roll. The song has been honored many times and is considered a true classic.

See also

In Spanish: Hound Dog para niños