About the song
Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,” burst onto the scene in the mid-1950s with his revolutionary blend of rockabilly, blues, and country music. His charismatic stage presence, combined with his powerful vocals and energetic performances, captivated audiences around the world. One of the defining moments in his early career came on June 5, 1956, when he appeared on The Milton Berle Show and performed his iconic hit, “Hound Dog.”
The Milton Berle Show was a popular variety show that aired on NBC. Berle, a seasoned comedian and entertainer, was known for his flamboyant style and energetic performances. When Elvis Presley appeared on the show, he was already a rising star, but his performance that night would cement his status as a cultural icon.
As Presley took the stage, he was dressed in a black leather jacket and jeans, a look that would become synonymous with his rebellious image. He began the song with a slow, seductive introduction, before launching into the energetic, upbeat chorus. Presley’s performance was electrifying, as he gyrated his hips and moved his body in a way that had never been seen before on television.
The audience was both captivated and shocked by Presley’s performance. Some viewers were appalled by his uninhibited movements, while others were thrilled by his raw energy and charisma. However, there was no denying that Presley had made a lasting impression. His performance of “Hound Dog” was a watershed moment in rock and roll history, and it helped to solidify Presley’s status as a cultural icon.
Following his performance, Presley engaged in a brief dialogue with Milton Berle. Berle, ever the showman, played along with Presley’s rebellious persona, teasing him about his “bad boy” image. The exchange was lighthearted and fun, and it helped to further endear Presley to the audience.
Elvis Presley’s appearance on The Milton Berle Show was a historic moment in television history. His performance of “Hound Dog” was a landmark event that helped to usher in a new era of popular music. Presley’s charismatic stage presence, combined with his groundbreaking music, captivated audiences and challenged traditional notions of what was acceptable on television. The legacy of his performance continues to be felt today, as “Hound Dog” remains one of the most iconic songs in rock and roll history.
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