The Legacy of ‘Hound Dog’: From Elvis to Doja Cat

Baz Luhrmann’s biopic ‘Elvis’ has not only set the box office on fire but has also sparked a revival of interest in the music of The King himself, Elvis Presley and his hit track, ‘Hound Dog.’ Since the film’s release, Presley’s streaming subscribers on Spotify have surged by two million listeners, indicating a renewed fascination with his iconic tunes.

Interestingly, the resurgence of ‘Hound Dog’ in contemporary playlists can be attributed in part to Doja Cat’s chart-topping hit, ‘Vegas,’ which cleverly updates and interpolates the classic song for a modern audience.

Doja Cat’s rendition of ‘Hound Dog’ draws from the 1953 original performed by Big Mama Thornton and penned by the acclaimed songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The original exudes a sauntering blues vibe with its raunchy narrative about a two-timing man. Presley’s version, often accused of theft from Thornton, takes a different route, turning the lyrics towards a tepid tale about an actual dog and transforming the groove radically.

In a revealing interview, Stoller refutes claims of theft, asserting that Presley adopted one of the many covers of ‘Hound Dog,’ particularly the version by Freddie Bell and the Bellboys, a Las Vegas lounge act. Bell’s rendition borrowed its upbeat rhythm from a response song titled ‘Bear Cat,’ echoing the rhythm we now hear in Doja Cat’s contemporary take, ‘Vegas.’ This rendition cleverly melds the best elements of the various versions of ‘Hound Dog,’ creating a synthesis that encapsulates the complex history of the song.

Accusations of Presley pilfering Thornton’s original composition have long circulated, given the sonic similarities between their renditions. However, Stoller’s clarification sheds light on Presley’s adaptation from a cover, challenging the narrative of musical theft. Doja Cat’s ‘Hound Dog’ cover, prominently featured in the ‘ELVIS’ soundtrack, has not only paid homage to the original but has also achieved massive success.

The track seamlessly integrates Thornton’s vocals with a modernized blend of rapping and singing, marking a contemporary triumph in the ongoing musical evolution of Elvis’ hit. For a deeper dive into the intricate history of the song from Big Mama Thornton to Elvis and Doja Cat, the latest episode of ‘Switched on Pop’ offers an insightful exploration.

-Britney Jones