Big Mama Willie Mae Thornton, Elvis Presley//Hound Dog

Friends, I'm pretty siked to say that tomorrow I'm going to be co-leading a workshop, the subject of which is the art of the houseshow, at the Brooklyn-based Willie Mae Rock and Roll Camp for Girls. Last night I compiled a digital file of pictures from houseshows over the years and fantastic fliers made by friends and conspirators. This almost brought a tear to my eye. What is it about houseshows? I don't know. They are magical.

Switching gears, the camp, which is awesome through and through, is named for "Big Mama" Willie Mae Thornton, also awesome through and through. This is the song they've decided to take up as their anthem, understandably. Like yesterday's featured performer, Big Mama grew up in the south and learned to sing in church.

In addition to being one of the first women to play the music that was soon to become "rock and roll," Big Mama was the first person to record this song, which later went on to be one of Elvis's most recognizable hits. Her version is deeper, darker, slower, richer and generally sexier than The King's pop hit. Not that his version is bad. Although, changing that lyric to: "you never caught a rabbit?" Really? REALLY? Once you hear Big Mama's sultry version, you'll never go back. Long live the queen.



Hound Dog.mp3 [Big Mama Version]



Hound Dog.mp3 [Elvis Version]

You ain't nothing but a hound dog,
Been snoopin' round my door.
You ain't nothing but a hound dog,
Been snoopin' round my door.
You can wag your tail,
But I ain't gon' feed you no more.
You told me you was high class,
But I can see through that.
You told me you was high class,
But I can see through that.
Daddy, I know
You ain't a real cool cat.