Mary Allen
Introduction: The Mystery of "Hound Dog"
"Hound Dog" is one of the most well-known and iconic songs in popular culture. It was made famous by Elvis Presley’s 1956 recording, and it has been covered by countless artists over the years. Despite its popularity, the authorship of the song has been a subject of controversy and debate. Many different individuals have been credited with writing "Hound Dog," and the true authorship of the song has remained a mystery for decades.
Who Wrote "Hound Dog"?
"Hound Dog" was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, two prominent songwriters who were responsible for many of the biggest hits of the 1950s and 1960s. Leiber and Stoller were known for their innovative approach to songwriting, and they were among the first songwriters to incorporate elements of rhythm and blues into mainstream pop music. "Hound Dog" was one of their most successful compositions, and it helped to establish them as major figures in the music industry.
The Controversy Surrounding the Song
Despite the fact that Leiber and Stoller are officially credited with writing "Hound Dog," there has been controversy surrounding the true authorship of the song. Many people have claimed to have written the song, including Big Mama Thornton, a blues singer who recorded the original version of "Hound Dog" in 1952. Thornton’s recording was a hit in its own right, and some people have argued that she should receive credit for writing the song. However, Leiber and Stoller have maintained that they were the true authors of "Hound Dog," and their claim is supported by the official copyright records.