Early in his career, Elvis Presley released the most commercially successful double-sided hit record in pop music history. What were the titles of the two songs on the flip sides of this single record?

In the summer of 1956, Elvis Presley released a 45-rpm single that would become a cultural and commercial phenomenon. The record featured the snarling rocker "Hound Dog" on one side and the smoother, rhythm-heavy "Don't Be Cruel" on the other. At the time, singles typically had a clear "A-side" intended for radio play and a "B-side" that was often considered filler. This release, however, was different. Both songs were so incredibly popular that disc jockeys played them equally.

The single's success was unprecedented. In a move that reflected its dual popularity, Billboard began charting the two songs together. The record spent a staggering 11 weeks at the number one position on the pop charts, a record that stood for 36 years. This dual-sided dominance, with both songs becoming iconic hits in their own right, made it the most commercially successful single of its kind and a landmark release in music history.

The two songs also perfectly showcased Presley's dynamic range. "Hound Dog" was a high-octane cover of a blues song first recorded by the powerful Big Mama Thornton, and Elvis's version was supercharged with a rebellious energy that scandalized older audiences. In contrast (Review), "Don't Be Cruel," written by the legendary Otis Blackwell, was a masterclass in cool confidence and pop sensibility. Together, they cemented Elvis's status as the undisputed King of Rock and Roll.

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