Big Mama Thornton - "Hound Dog"

Big Mama Thornton was the first to record "Hound Dog", although it seems, a lot of people think this is a cover and that Elvis was the original singer. Big Mama Thornton recorded this Leiber and Stoller written song in 1952 and Elvis released his version in 1956. She sold about 2 million copies, which was quite impressive. Her booming voice is the attraction here and her blues style is my preferred interpretation of this song.