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This week celebrates the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s hit “Hound Dog/Don’t Be Cruel” reaching #1 on Billboard chart.
“Hound Dog/Don’t Be Cruel” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on August 18, 1956 and it remained their for 11 straight weeks – tying it with Anton Karas’ 1950 hit “The Third Man Theme” and Johnny Ray’s “Cry” (1951) for the longest stay at #1. The record remained intact until it was surpassed by Boyz II Men’s 1992 hit “End of the Road.”
“Don’t Be Cruel” was originally listed as the A side and “Hound Dog” as the B side. However, both singles were such huge hits that eventually RCA Records re-issued the single with double A sides.
“Hound Dog/Don’t Be Cruel” was the first single to hit the top spot on all three Billboard charts – Pop, Country & Western, and Rhythm and Blues. 1956 was the breakout year for Elvis, who soon became a cultural icon around the globe.
After his death in 1977 at the age of 42, the legacy of Elvis continued to grow with Elvis impersonators and Elvis memorabilia collectors throughout the world.
Graceland, the elaborate Memphis estate that was home to “The King,” was opened to the public as a museum in 1982. Elvis, his parents and his grandmother are all buried at Graceland in an area called Meditation Gardens.
More About Elvis:
- The Official Site of Elvis Presley – Get details about Elvis’ life, visiting Graceland and buying memorabilia
- Elvis Information – Find out information about Elvis sightings, Elvis lyrics, Elvis quotes and more
