The question of who owns the rights to the song “Hound Dog” is a complex one, as there are multiple parties involved in its creation and subsequent popularity. In this case, band leader Johnny Otis claims rights to 1/3 of the royalties as a co-author of the song, along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, after Elvis Presley’s version became incredibly popular.
To understand the ownership of the song, it is important to delve into its history. “Hound Dog” was originally written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who were prominent songwriters in the 1950s. They were known for their contributions to rock and roll and rhythm and blues music. It was initially recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952 and achieved moderate success.
In 1956, Elvis Presley, who was already gaining fame as the King of Rock and Roll, decided to record his own version of “Hound Dog.” This rendition, recorded with his band, the Jordanaires, became a massive hit and catapulted Presley to even greater stardom. His energetic performance and unique style captured the attention of the masses, and the song quickly became synonymous with his name.
However, in the midst of the song’s success, Johnny Otis, a well-known band leader and musician, claimed that he deserved co-authorship of the song and was entitled to 1/3 of the royalties. Otis argued that he had made significant contributions to the creation of the song and should be recognized as a co-writer.
Otis’s claim stems from his involvement in the recording of the original version of “Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thornton in 1952. He had been instrumental in arranging the song and had also played drums on the recording. Otis believed that his contributions to the song’s arrangement and overall sound were substantial enough to warrant co-authorship.
The legal battle over the rights to “Hound Dog” ensued, with Otis asserting his claim against Leiber and Stoller, as well as Elvis Presley’s management. Eventually, an agreement was reached, and Otis was granted 1/3 of the song’s royalties as a co-author.
It is worth noting that disputes over songwriting credits and ownership are not uncommon in the music industry. Many songs have multiple contributors, and determining the exact extent of each person’s contribution can be challenging. In some cases, legal battles are necessary to resolve these conflicts and ensure that all parties receive proper recognition and compensation.
The rights to the song “Hound Dog” are shared between Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, and Johnny Otis. While Leiber and Stoller are the original writers, Otis successfully claimed co-authorship due to his involvement in the original recording and arrangement of the song. This case highlights the complexities of song ownership and the importance of recognizing the contributions of all those involved in creating a hit song.