A Hound Dog Tale
Big Mama, Elvis, and the Song That Changed Everything
Published on 28. February 2024
Book
Hardback
184 pages
978-0-8071-8114-0 (ISBN)
Description
The release of the song "Hound Dog" in 1953 marked a turning point in American popular culture, and throughout its history, the hit ballad bridged divides of race, gender, and generational conflict. Ben Wynne's A Hound Dog Tale discusses the stars who made this rock 'n' roll standard famous, from Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton to Elvis Presley, along with an eclectic cast of characters, including singers, songwriters, musicians, record producers and managers, famous television hosts, several lawyers, and even a gangster or two.
Wynne's examination of this American classic reveals how "Hound Dog" reflected the values and issues of 1950s American society, and sheds light on the lesser-known elements of the song's creation and legacy. A Hound Dog Tale will capture the imagination of anyone who has ever tapped a foot to the growl of a blues riff or the bark of a rock 'n' roll guitar.
Wynne's examination of this American classic reveals how "Hound Dog" reflected the values and issues of 1950s American society, and sheds light on the lesser-known elements of the song's creation and legacy. A Hound Dog Tale will capture the imagination of anyone who has ever tapped a foot to the growl of a blues riff or the bark of a rock 'n' roll guitar.
Reviews / Votes
This well-written book offers a glimpse into the tangled world of early rock 'n' roll and those who were part of the perfect storm that produced the song 'Hound Dog.' Ben Wynne addresses the complicated matter of cultural appropriation by white artists using African American musical forms, and he shows how the young Jewish songwriters who penned the lyrics add an intriguing factor that is typical of a hybrid American culture. A Hound Dog Tale is for fans of the music but also for anyone interested in American society at a galvanizing musical moment." - Charles Reagan Wilson, author of Judgment and Grace in Dixie: Southern Faiths from Faulkner to Elvis"[This book is] very well-researched. Wynne tells us the saga of 'Hound Dog' and, in doing so, contributes to the fact that Big Mama Thornton's role in this story deservedly shines again in the public eye." - Michael SpA?rke, author of Big Mama Thornton: The Life and Music
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Baton Rouge
United States
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
9 halftones
Dimensions
Height: 232 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
408 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8071-8114-0 (9780807181140)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2024
Zando - Hillman Grad Books
€19.49
Available for download
Person
Ben Wynne is professor of history at the University of North Georgia and author of In Tune: Charley Patton, Jimmie Rodgers, and the Roots of American Music.