On Aug. 11, 1956, Elvis Presley released the double-sided single “Don’t Be Cruel/Hound Dog.” Both songs hit No. 1 on the charts and remained at the top for 11 weeks.
Those two tracks helped cement Elvis as rock ’n’ roll’s biggest star. “Hound Dog” showed his raw energy and swagger. “Don’t Be Cruel” revealed his smoother side. Together they reached a huge audience and kept radio playing them nonstop.
The single’s success changed pop music and set a new standard for singles. It’s still one of the most famous releases in rock history. Fans and musicians still cite those songs as major influences.
