… creates quite a stir on The Milton Berle Show!
On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley shook things up when he appeared on TV to perform “Hound Dog”. It was the first time The King performed the song for a television audience, and his now-famous gyrations – very shocking at the time – created a controversy. “Hound Dog” went on to be Elvis’ best-selling single, remaining at #1 on the charts for 11 weeks (until it was replaced by “Love Me Tender”).
But “Hound Dog” had been around for some time before Elvis made it his own: the song was originally recorded in 1952 by blues singer Big Mama Thornton. By the end of 1953, versions had been recorded by no less than six other musicians (mainly Country groups). Elvis himself stumbled upon the song when he heard Freddie Bell and the Bellboys perform it in Las Vegas in April, 1956 (supposedly he also lifted the infamous moves from the band’s performance, too).
Aside from being a beloved artist who changed the landscape of both rock & roll and popular culture, Elvis may also be The King of our Collectibles category. We’ve featured dolls, lamps, busts and lots of other Presley memorabilia.