Chris Janson brought high energy to Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala stage, and delivered a lively rendition of an iconic rock and roll hit alongside his hound dog, Willie.
Performs Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog”
After being introduced by Entertainment Tonight host Rachel Smith, Janson showcased his musical prowess with a rollicking performance of Elvis Presley’s classic, “Hound Dog.”
As the country hitmaker rocked the stage, his hound dog, sporting a black hat, observed the performance from atop a road case on the side of the stage. In the midst of Janson’s performance, Chris Janson wowed the audience with a remarkable harmonica solo that views won’t soon forget.
Willie, the hound dog, also displayed his vocal talents by joining in with heartfelt howls alongside his human companion during the performance.
The History Of “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley
“Hound Dog” stands as a blues song penned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, boasting over 250 recorded versions. The rendition most universally recognized is by the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Recorded in 1956, Presley’s version claimed an impressive 11-week reign at the top of the charts.
The tune has appeared on several film soundtracks, including Grease, Forrest Gump, A Few Good Men, and more.
Walked Pink Carpet At Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala With Wife And Dog
Ahead of the show, Chris Janson arrived in style on the pink carpet with his wife, Kelly Janson, and their hound dog, Willie. Together, the couple posed for photos with their pooch.
Live Debut Of Forthcoming New Song, “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get”
He also performed his forthcoming new release, “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get,” for the first time ever.
Fans now have the opportunity to pre-save Chris Janson’s upcoming track, “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get,” set for release on March 8 through BMLG Records/Harpeth 60 Records/Universal Music Distribution. The song is scheduled to impact Country radio starting March 11, 2024.
“There is no better way to describe me on a daily basis,” Janson said of the track, which was co-written by Jason alongside Tyler Hubbard, RaeLynn, Blake Hubbard and Jarrod Ingram. ”This song is 100% authentic, every word. It’s fun, it’s rowdy and it’s the truth. Roll your window down and crank it up!”
The song encourages listeners to celebrate themselves and be who they want to be and not what others want them to be. “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get” marks Janson’s first new release since the release of his album, The Outlaw Side Of Me, a project that spawned the chart-topping hit, “All I Need Is You.”
Additionally, fans can catch Chris Janson on the road throughout the year with his own headlining tour dates. He will also serve as support on select dates of Cody Johnson’s Leather Tour.
Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala
Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala featured performances by some of the biggest stars in music, including Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce, Chris Janson, Joy Oladokun, Grace Bowers, KC of KC And The Sunshine Band, and more.
Iain Armitage, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Bell, Kristin Cavallari, Kristin Chenoweth, Margaret Cho, Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose, Neil Patrick Harris, Carson Kressley, Jim Nantz, Jessica Simpson and Tigirlily Gold were also on hand to serve as presenters.
Additionally, the show presented a one-of-a-kind runway, showcasing the best in doggie fashion, as well as spotlighting some of Parton’s most iconic looks. The pups starring in the show also wore dazzling outfits from the “9 to 5” singer’s Doggy Parton pet collection.
Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala aired on Wednesday, February 21, at 9/8c on the CBS Television Network, and streamed on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs).
