How Much is That Hound Dog

This week will be some funny songs by Homer and Jethro and the Moran Brothers. Homer and Jethro were the stage names of American country music duo Henry D. “Homer” Haynes (1920–1971) and Kenneth C. “Jethro” Burns (1920–1989), popular from the 1940s through the 1960s on radio and television for their satirical versions of popular songs. Known as the Thinking Man’s Hillbillies, they received a Grammy Award in 1959 and are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.The lyrics of this song tell a humorous tale of someone who is interested in buying a hound dog. They jokingly ask about the price of the dog, comparing it to their girlfriend and amusingly struggling to tell them apart. The song takes a hilarious turn when the protagonist plans to leave the dog and their girlfriend behind while they enjoy a trip to Louisiana. The lyrics perfectly match the playful and comedic style that Homer & Jethro were known for. This duo, consisting of Jethro Burns and Homer Haynes, was famous for their satirical take on popular songs in the country genre. Their unique blend of humor and musical talent made them popular during the mid-20th century. “(How Much Is) That Hound Dog In The Window?” was released in May 1953 and gained significant attention. This song is actually a cover of two previous hits: “Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thornton and “That Doggie In The Window” by Patti Page. Homer & Jethro’s rendition added their signature comedic twist and garnered them considerable success. One interesting aspect of this song is the mention of a “basketball nose” on the hound dog’s face. The mention of a basketball nose refers to a dog with a droopy and constantly running nose, much like how a basketball dribbles all over the place. It adds a humorous touch to the song and showcases Homer & Jethro’s wit.