Elvis Presley’s Iconic 1956 Performance Of “Hound Dog” On “The Milton Berle Show”

Elvis Presley’s performance of “Hound Dog” in 1956 is a pivotal moment in rock and roll history. Originally written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song was first recorded by blues singer Big Mama Thornton in 1952. Thornton’s version, characterized by its raw and powerful delivery, was a hit in the R&B charts and contributed significantly to the evolution of rock music.

Elvis’ rendition of “Hound Dog,” however, propelled the song into mainstream success. Recorded on July 2, 1956, at RCA Studios in New York, it featured his distinctive energetic style, which included his famous hip-swinging moves. The song was backed by his regular band members: Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, D.J. Fontana on drums, and Shorty Long on piano, with vocal harmonies by The Jordanaires. Released as a single, it became an immediate hit, topping the Billboard pop charts and becoming one of Elvis’ most iconic performances.

The cultural impact of Elvis’ “Hound Dog” performance was immense. It was not just about the music; it was his stage presence and the way he moved that captivated audiences. His appearance on “The Milton Berle Show” on June 5, 1956, where he performed “Hound Dog” without his guitar, is particularly memorable. This performance was controversial due to his provocative dance moves, which caused a media frenzy and solidified his image as a rebellious figure in rock and roll.

Another notable performance was on “The Steve Allen Show” on July 1, 1956. In a humorous twist, Elvis was asked to sing “Hound Dog” to a basset hound wearing a top hat. This stunt was part of an effort by the show’s host to present Elvis in a more restrained light, but it only added to the song’s and Elvis’s fame. Despite the comedic setup, the performance underscored Elvis’s versatility and ability to engage with his audience in various settings.

Elvis’ version of “Hound Dog” also marked a significant moment in the racial integration of music. While the song originated in the African American blues tradition, Elvis’s performance brought it into the predominantly white mainstream. This crossover success was part of the broader cultural shifts occurring in the 1950s, where rock and roll began to blur racial lines and challenge societal norms.

“Hound Dog” remained a staple of Elvis’s live performances throughout his career and has been covered and referenced by numerous artists across different genres. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful blend of rhythm, blues, and rock elements, and to Elvis’s charismatic interpretation.

Elvis Presley himself, born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, grew up in a working-class family and developed a deep love for music from an early age. His rise to fame in the mid-1950s with hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog” transformed him into the “King of Rock and Roll.” His influence extended beyond music to film and fashion, and he became a cultural icon whose legacy continues to resonate. Despite his untimely death in 1977, Elvis’s impact on music and popular culture remains profound.