Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

Professor writes book  about 'Hound Dog' 

February 15, 2024
Dr. Ben Wynne, a professor of history Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ, has published a book about the story behind Elvis Presley's iconic hit 'Hound Dog.'

Article By: Clark Leonard

Dr. Ben Wynne, a professor of history at the University of North Georgia (Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ), has published a book through Louisiana State University Press about the story behind Elvis Presley's iconic hit "Hound Dog."  

was released Feb. 7.   

Wynne's book outlines how Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton first had a rhythm-and-blues hit with "Hound Dog" before Freddie Bell and the Bellboys rewrote much of the song to include it in their lounge performances at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Wynne said Presley walked into the lounge one day, heard the song and decided it would provide the perfect comic relief in his rock-and-roll shows.  

Wynne pointed to Presley's sexually suggestive performances of "Hound Dog" on network television during the 1950s as a tipping point that transformed the singer from a popular rock 'n' roll performer into a global superstar. 

"It seems like a simple song on the surface," Wynne said. "But it's got a pretty complicated backstory."  


Nanzan professor shares culture at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

Nanzan professor shares culture at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ is hosting Dr. Nanako Machida, professor emeritus at Nanzan University, through the Fulbright-Scholar-in-Residence Program this spring.
International Women’s Day recognized with concert

International Women’s Day recognized with concert

The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Department of Music recognized International Women's Day with female student and faculty performances at the Gainesville Campus.
Students embrace chamber internships

Students embrace chamber internships

A Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ student and a recent alumnus have made the most of their internships with local chambers of commerce and begun to blaze their career paths thanks to those experiences.
Language skills help alum land job

Language skills help alum land job

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ alumnus Alex Howell landed a job with an American risk management consulting company that supports Japanese clients after attending the 2024 Japan-Georgia Futures Forum.