About the song
Elvis Presley’s performance of “Hound Dog” on October 28, 1956, on *The Ed Sullivan Show* is one of the most iconic moments in the history of American television and popular music. By this time, Elvis had already taken the music world by storm with his unique blend of rock and roll, country, and rhythm and blues. “Hound Dog,” originally recorded by blues singer Big Mama Thornton in 1952, was reinterpreted by Elvis in a way that resonated with a much wider audience, cementing his status as the “King of Rock and Roll.”
When Elvis appeared on *The Ed Sullivan Show* for the second time in 1956, he was already a household name, and his performances on the show were eagerly anticipated by millions of viewers. His first appearance on the show had drawn an unprecedented audience, and his return only heightened the excitement. “Hound Dog,” with its driving beat and defiant lyrics, was the perfect vehicle for Elvis to showcase his electrifying stage presence and unique vocal style.
The October 28th performance is particularly memorable for several reasons. First, it demonstrated Elvis’s ability to captivate an audience not just with his voice, but with his physical charisma. His energetic movements, including his famous hip gyrations, were both thrilling and controversial, leading to a mix of adulation from his fans and concern from more conservative viewers. This performance helped to solidify the image of Elvis as a rebellious figure, challenging the norms of the 1950s with his bold and unrestrained style.
“Hound Dog” itself is a song steeped in blues tradition, but Elvis’s version transformed it into a rock and roll anthem. The song’s lyrics, which tell the story of someone fed up with a cheating partner, took on a new level of intensity when delivered by Elvis. His rendition was faster, more aggressive, and infused with a raw energy that spoke to the youthful spirit of the time. The performance on *The Ed Sullivan Show* is often credited with helping to break down racial barriers in music, as Elvis brought a song rooted in African American culture to a mainstream, predominantly white audience.
The impact of this performance was immediate and far-reaching. “Hound Dog” had already been a hit for Elvis, reaching number one on the Billboard pop chart earlier that year, but his appearance on *The Ed Sullivan Show* propelled it to even greater heights. It became a defining moment in Elvis’s career and in the broader history of rock and roll, symbolizing the genre’s explosive rise in the mid-1950s.
For older and educated audiences, this performance of “Hound Dog” is not just a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era, but a pivotal moment in the evolution of popular music and culture. It encapsulates the youthful energy, rebellion, and boundary-pushing spirit that defined the early days of rock and roll, while also highlighting Elvis Presley’s unique ability to connect with audiences across generational and cultural divides. This performance remains a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, challenge, and unite.
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