The Missouri Hound Dog

Album: Songwriting Masters (1881)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to his biographer, John Jay Daly, this James Bland composition was used in the Champ Clark headquarters at the Democratic Convention in Baltimore. If so it would be one of at least three Bland songs which have been used in election campaigns.

    However, as with many songs of this era, its authorship is not totally proven. It is known by variant names, including "Quit Kicking My Dog Around" and "The Hound Dog Song." It has also been attributed to Mrs. William Stark (of Stark Publishing) in 1912 - Bland died in 1911. She was said to have used a male pseudonym for fear of rejection. The song is said to have changed hands for ten thousand dollars, although this resulted in a court case in which the plaintiff was paid in full. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Little Big Town

Little Big TownSongwriter Interviews

"When seeds that you sow grow by the wicked moon/Be sure your sins will find you out/Your past will hunt you down and turn to tell on you."

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."