“Don’t Be Cruel” & “Hound Dog” by Taylor Vaden — LIVE (Elvis Covers)

Few records capture the explosion of Elvis Presley in 1956 quite like “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog.” Released together by RCA Victor in July 1956, these two songs became a phenomenon, with both songs reaching No. 1 and helping define the year Elvis changed popular music forever. “Hound Dog” brought the raw energy and controversy, while “Don’t Be Cruel” showed the smoother side of the same young performer who was taking America by storm. For Elvis Week, it only seemed right to put these two back together. These performances come from Memphis Thunder’s LIVE! album, and I hope you enjoy our take on two songs forever linked to Elvis and 1956! Cover art inspired by RCA Victor’s 1956 The Real Elvis EP (EPA-940), which also featured “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog.” I had a little fun reimagining the original sleeve as The Real Elvis Tribute. Recorded live at Starmount High Auditorium on February 23, 2019, with Scott Williams on guitar, Brad Ford on drums and Todd Phillips on upright bass. #elvistributeartist #elvistribute #elvispresley #dontbecruel #hounddog