Whilst Elvis,Scotty,Bill and DJ were performing in Las Vegas in 1956 Elvis during his time off went to watch other performers at work. One such combo was Freddie Bell & The Bellboys who performed their frenetic version of "Hound Dog" which Elvis took a liking too and chose to perform on The Milton Berle Show some weeks later.The reaction was unbelievable and a studio date was arranged in New York to get the song recorded.Apparently,Elvis had to be convinced that he should record it as he saw it merely as a knockabout tune for fun rather than a song with serious hit potential.The rest,as they say is history, I would,however, add that; during his performance of the song on his legendary 1968 TV Special he did sing a more "Big Mama Thornton" influenced version adding the "creeping round my door" part for the first time.

Regards.

Sidewinder.