Introduction: Elvis Presley and Hound Dog

Elvis Presley, also known as the "King of Rock and Roll," was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He recorded hundreds of songs throughout his career, but one of his most iconic hits is undoubtedly "Hound Dog." This song, released in 1956, became a cultural phenomenon and helped solidify Elvis’ place in music history.

The Story Behind Hound Dog

"Hound Dog" was actually written and recorded by blues singer Big Mama Thornton in 1952. However, it wasn’t until Elvis covered the song four years later that it became a massive hit. The song’s catchy rhythm and Elvis’ energetic performance helped propel it to the top of the charts, where it stayed for 11 weeks.

The Cost of the Original Recording

Big Mama Thornton’s original recording of "Hound Dog" was produced by Johnny Otis and released on the Peacock label. It’s unclear how much the recording sessions cost, but it’s safe to assume that it was a relatively modest expense given the limited resources available to independent blues artists at the time.

The Cost of the Song’s Publishing Rights

The publishing rights to "Hound Dog" were owned by two men: Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Leiber and Stoller were a songwriting duo who had already written a few hits for Elvis, including "Jailhouse Rock" and "Love Me." They acquired the rights to "Hound Dog" from the song’s original writer, Jerry Lieber, for a reported $300.

Elvis’ Purchase of Hound Dog

Elvis was interested in recording "Hound Dog" after hearing it on the radio, but he needed to secure the publishing rights first. He contacted Leiber and Stoller and offered to buy the rights to the song. After some negotiations, they agreed to sell the rights to Elvis for $25,000.

The Amount of Elvis’ Purchase

Elvis paid $25,000 for the publishing rights to "Hound Dog." Adjusted for inflation, that’s equivalent to roughly $230,000 today. While this was a significant amount of money at the time, it was a smart investment for Elvis, as the song went on to become one of his biggest hits and helped solidify his place in music history.

The Terms of the Purchase Agreement

The purchase agreement between Elvis and Leiber and Stoller stipulated that Elvis would own the publishing rights to "Hound Dog" for a period of 99 years. This meant that Elvis would receive royalties for the song every time it was played on the radio, used in a movie or TV show, or covered by another artist.

The Impact of Elvis’ Purchase

Elvis’ purchase of "Hound Dog" was significant for a few reasons. First, it allowed him to record and release the song without any legal issues. Second, it gave him a steady stream of income from royalties for the rest of his life. Lastly, it helped establish him as a savvy businessman who understood the value of owning the rights to popular songs.

The Success of Hound Dog

"Hound Dog" was an enormous success for Elvis. It stayed at the top of the charts for 11 weeks, sold millions of copies, and helped cement his reputation as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. The song has since been covered by countless artists and remains a beloved classic to this day.

The Legacy of Hound Dog

"Hound Dog" is a song that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its catchy rhythm, memorable lyrics, and iconic performance by Elvis have made it a timeless classic. The song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and it’s been covered by everyone from The Beatles to Madonna.

Conclusion: The Significance of Elvis’ Purchase

Elvis’ purchase of the publishing rights to "Hound Dog" was a savvy business move that helped establish him as a major player in the music industry. It allowed him to record and release the song without any legal issues and gave him a steady income stream from royalties. More importantly, it helped cement his legacy as one of the greatest artists of all time. Even today, "Hound Dog" remains a beloved classic and a testament to Elvis’ enduring influence on music.

References and Further Reading

• "The Story Behind the Song: ‘Hound Dog’" by Carl Wiser (Songfacts)
• "Elvis Presley’s ‘Hound Dog’ and Its Journey to the Top of the Charts" by Elinor J. Brecher (The Miami Herald)
• "The Business Behind Elvis Presley’s ‘Hound Dog’" by Ken Zurski (Ken Zurski’s Blog)