Thornton recorded the original version of "Hound Dog" with Johnny Otis.
In 1952, Willie Mae Thornton recorded "Hound Dog," a song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, alongside producer Johnny Otis. This track became Thornton's signature song. Little did she know, "Hound Dog" would later become an iconic rock and roll anthem. Her original version was a gritty and raw rendition that dominated the R&B charts, reaching No. 1 in 1953. As a jazz-infused blues record, it exemplified Thornton's powerful vocal style and was revolutionary in paving the way for rock's trajectory into mainstream music.