Big Mama Thornton - Hound Dog (1952) Blues Here

Thornton's version is distinct from the more famous rock and roll covers:

: Unlike later versions about a literal dog, Thornton's lyrics are a woman's declaration of independence, telling a "cheating, trifling man" to leave. Big Mama Thornton - Hound Dog (1952) Blues

: It is a classic 12-bar blues with a spare arrangement that focuses on her resonant, "gravelly" vocals rather than the honking saxophones common in R&B at the time. Thornton's version is distinct from the more famous