Big Mama Thornton was introduced to songwriters, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.   After hearing Thornton rehearse several songs, Leiber and Stoller "forged a tune to suit her personality—brusque and badass".  It was as much her appearance as her blues style that influenced the writing of 'Hound Dog' and the idea that they wanted her to growl it.

Weighing nearly 300lbs and with scars all over her face, and a voice that could tear a brick wall in half, the song writers created a tale that only she could deliver with it’s true intent: “Hound Dog” is an old southern black slang expression referring to a man who sought a woman to take care of him. the tale of a woman throwing a gigolo out of her house and her life.

Leiber and Stoller along with Johnny Otis, also wrote a different version to the "Hound Dog" song structure on behalf of Big Mama Thornton, recorded with an alternative lyric entitled "Tom Cat".

Thornton's recording of "Hound Dog" is credited with "helping to spur the evolution of black R&B into rock music."

When it was re-released year’s later by Elvis Presley, the song sold over two million records. Although partially written and arranged by Thornton, she only received one cheque for $500 and never saw another dime from the song again. 

 "Didn't get no money from them at all. Everybody livin' in a house but me. I'm just livin." - Big Mama Thornton