This Moment in Music History for 06-05-2024

Music History Daily

05-06-2024 • 1 min

On June 5th in music history, one significant event took place in 1956. This was the day when Elvis Presley introduced his new single, "Hound Dog," on The Milton Berle Show, a popular television variety program.

Elvis's performance was electrifying and controversial. Dressed in a stylish black tuxedo, the 21-year-old singer gyrated his hips provocatively while singing the song, driving the mostly teenage audience into a frenzy. This was a defining moment in Elvis's career and the history of rock and roll.

The song "Hound Dog" was originally recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton in 1952, but Elvis's version brought it to mainstream popularity. His energetic delivery and suggestive dance moves were unlike anything most viewers had seen before on television.

Elvis's performance on The Milton Berle Show was so controversial that it drew criticism from some quarters. Some viewers found his movements vulgar and sexually suggestive. However, this only served to increase his popularity among young fans and cement his status as a cultural icon.

"Hound Dog" became a massive hit for Elvis, spending 11 weeks at number one on the Billboard pop singles chart. It was also one of the songs that helped define his early sound and style, blending elements of blues, country, and rock and roll.

Elvis's rendition of "Hound Dog" on June 5, 1956, remains an iconic moment in music history, representing a pivotal point in the evolution of popular music and the emergence of rock and roll as a dominant cultural force.