‘Hound Dog’ — Elvis Presley
Even before Elvis Presley covered this song, it was already a hit for Willie Mae’s “Big Mama” Thornton. However, the King of Rock and Roll version was the one that reached No. 19 on the Rolling Stone top 500. He included it in his 1956 setlist after hearing Freddie Bell and the Bellboys sing it in Las Vegas. Presley also famously serenaded a dog in a top hat on Steve Allen Show later in the year. He revealed, “It was a ridiculous appearance I ever did, and I regret ever doing it.” At any rate, “Hound Dog” became his best-selling single. It is now one of the best-selling singles in history.
‘Hound Dog’ — Elvis Presley
‘Rock Around The Clock’ — Bill Haley And The Comets
While this is a rock ‘n’ roll classic, Bill Haley and the Comets rendition is the most successful and the best-known version of it. In 1954, the band released it to great success. It earned the top spot in both the U.K. and U.S. charts. This is partly thanks to the fact that it was played in The Blackboard Jungle’s opening credits. The Guardian even called the song “the world’s first rock anthem.” It caused riots in cinemas and schools. You can even say that it paved the way for pop music as we know it.
‘Rock Around The Clock’ — Bill Haley And The Comets
