Linda Edition Mapper
▶ Big Mama Thornton

Hound Dog

Big Mama Thornton (1952) → Elvis Presley (1956)

Blues
→
Rock and roll
1952 — Leiber & Stoller write a tough R&B for Big Mama Thornton on Peacock Records
Original

Written for Big Mama Thornton by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and recorded in 1952, this R&B number held #1 on the R&B chart for seven straight weeks — yet stayed a hit only within the Black market.

Now playing
After
Elvis Presley — 1956

Rock and roll

Elvis Presley’s 1956 rock and roll recording — with its national television appearances and explosive sales — pushed rock and roll into an irreversible social phenomenon, elevating teenagers into the center of popular music.

The Black R&B original "Hound Dog" became, through Elvis’ rock and roll, the social phenomenon that put the teenage market at the center of popular music.

From original to redefined

What to listen for

The Black R&B original "Hound Dog" became, through Elvis’ rock and roll, the social phenomenon that put the teenage market at the center of popular music.

  • Shuffle to rock beat

    The R&B shuffle is replaced by Elvis’ fierce rock beat

  • Made visible on TV

    The hip-swinging performance scandalized national television and made rock and roll visible

  • Crossing the color line

    A Black R&B song became a white teenage national hit

  • Teen market established

    Young buyers became the center of popular music

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