Elvis Presley based his version of the song on Freddie Bell and the Bellboys’ performance with amended lyrics which he attended in Las Vegas in 1956.
About This Song
Comparing Elvis Presley’s performances of “Hound Dog” in 1956 and 1973 reveals several key differences:
Year:
- 1956: Originally released as a single, famously performed on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
- 1973: Live performance from his “Aloha from Hawaii” concert.
Tempo and Energy:
- 1956: Faster tempo, with a more energetic and rebellious feel, reflecting the early rock and roll style.
- 1973: Slower tempo, with a more polished and playful approach, characteristic of his later Las Vegas performances.
Vocals:
- 1956: Younger and rawer vocals, with a touch of improvisation and youthful enthusiasm.
- 1973: More mature and seasoned vocals, showcasing greater control and smoother delivery.
Stage Presence:
- 1956: Iconic hip-swinging movements and playful interactions with the band, causing controversy due to its perceived suggestiveness.
- 1973: More subdued stage presence, with focus on vocal delivery and engaging the audience through storytelling and humor.
Overall Tone:
- 1956: Groundbreaking and revolutionary performance that captured the rebellious spirit of rock and roll.
- 1973: Entertaining and nostalgic performance, showcasing Elvis’s stage experience and ability to connect with the audience.
Significance:
- 1956: Instrumental in propelling Elvis to superstardom and defining the early rock and roll era.
- 1973: Showcases Elvis’s adaptability and enduring popularity as a seasoned performer.
Both versions remain popular and influential. The 1956 performance holds historical significance for its impact on music and culture, while the 1973 version showcases Elvis’s evolution as a performer. Ultimately, which version resonates more depends on individual preferences for the raw energy of the early days or the polished entertainment of his later years.
Video
Elvis Presley – Hound Dog 1956
Elvis Presley – Hound Dog 1956
Lyric
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dogCryin’ all the timeYou ain’t nothin’ but a hound dogCryin’ all the timeWell, you ain’t never caught a rabbitAnd you ain’t no friend of mine
Well, they said you was high-classedWell, that was just a lieYeah, they said you was high-classedWell, that was just a lieYeah, you ain’t never caught a rabbitAnd you ain’t no friend of mine
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dogCryin’ all the timeYou ain’t nothin’ but a hound dogCryin’ all the timeWell, you ain’t never caught a rabbitAnd you ain’t no friend of mine
Well, they said you was high-classedWell, that was just a lieYeah, they said you was high-classedWell, that was just a lieWell, you ain’t never caught a rabbitAnd you ain’t no friend of mine
Well, they said you was high-classedWell, that was just a lieYa know they said you was high-classedWell, that was just a lieWell, you ain’t never caught a rabbitAnd you ain’t no friend of mine
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dogCryin’ all the timeYou ain’t nothin’ but a hound dogCryin’ all the timeWell, you ain’t never caught a rabbitYou ain’t no friend of mine
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog