[Fiji Hill]

The concept of cultural appropriation is rooted in what was historically a very real problem. We can take an example from American music in the mid-20th century. Elvis Presley can be credibly accused of appropriating the song “Hound Dog” from Big Momma Thornton.

But the problem with that was not that Presley created a new version of the song, but that the music industry of the time privileged his version with more air time, opportunity, and pay than it did hers. The answer to this problem is to level the playing field, not to segregate artistic output.

Elvis Presley actually appropriated Freddy Bell & the Bell Boys' version of Hound Dog--and this was a white group.

Big Mama Thornton's version of Hound Dog was a bestseller and spawned a few answer songs--Call Me a Hound Dog, Bear Cat, etc. But even if Big Mama's version had gotten moree promotion and airplay, many pop music fans would have preferred Presley's polished style over her down-home bluesy treatment.

[Hardastarboard]

Wow. I never cared for Elvis much, not even Hound Dog. Big Mama Thornton’s version is great, and seems to be the way it should be performed. Thanks for posting that.