Elvis Presley admitted he felt “remorse” after a live performance of one of his hit singles in 1956. The star was still rising in the music world, but was slowly gaining fame across the United States. As a result, he was invited to perform on The Steve Allen Show on July 2, 1956, to play one of his biggest hits at the time: Hound Dog. But when he got to the stage, disaster befell the young man.
Elvis was still very new to the industry at that time. At just 21 years old, he’s been learning the ropes, and has already earned a reputation for his flabby hips. The Tub Elvis, as he was known, was condemned by critics across the country for his “vulgar” dance moves. So, as a result, Steve Allen changed things up for his performance.
Steve was, at the time, a well-respected TV host, and although he was open to performing all kinds of acts on his show, he wasn’t thrilled with Elvis’ dance moves. As a result, he convinced his bosses at NBC that he could control Elvis’ movements. He went on to strike a deal with King’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, who agreed to have the star take the stage in a “new and improved” fashion.
As a result, instead of appearing in one of his flashy suits, Elvis stepped onto Steve’s stage in bow ties and tails.
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Years later, Elvis would be asked about this performance which had him standing almost completely still while singing next to a dog.
“It was the most ridiculous look I’ve ever done,” he admitted. With an added anger the star rarely shows, he said, “I regret ever doing that.”
Despite the terrible experience he had on the TV show that day, Elvis went on to record Hound Dog for the first time the next day. And it was a complete success.
Hound Dog has hit #1 on eight Billboard Hot 100 charts, including the most played and best-selling lists. In the United Kingdom, it reached number two on the national singles charts.
Years later, in 1988, Elvis’ version of the classic song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at number 19 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The song was so successful that it was covered by The Beatles. Paul McCartney and John Lennon were big fans of Elvis and were constantly influenced by King’s music. Lennon was once quoted as saying, “Nothing affected me until I heard Elvis. Without Elvis, there would be no Beatles.”
Hound Dog also broke a record previously held by Bing Crosby. The song had sold over 3 million copies by 1958, making it the first single since White Christmas to do so.
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