Elvis Presley was once accused of stealing a song from a lesser-known musician, Big Mama Thornton.
The recent death of actress Shonka Dukureh, who played Big Mama Thornton's role in the Presley biopic from Baz Luhrmann "Elvis," brought back the issue the King of Rock and Roll faced in the past.
The same movie showed how the powerhouse singer sang "Hound Dog" in 1952 after recording it. The performance happened four years before Presley "released" it, causing rumors that the late rocker allegedly stole it.
Songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller wrote it for Thornton. They also worked on Presley's hit songs like "Jailhouse Rock," "Trouble," and "You're So Square (I Don't Care)," among others.
Although Leiber died in 2011 to reveal what truly happened, Stoller remains strong at 89. He then took the chance to reveal on Rolling Stone Music Now podcast that the news about Presley "stealing the song" from Big mama Thornton was misguided.
According to Stoller, Presley knew Thornton's version of the song. Thus, his rendition was actually inspired by Freddie Bell and the Bellboys' version of "Hound Dog."
"It didn't have the groove that Big Mama's record had, which was fantastic. That's true of not only Big Mama, but of many black performers and songwriters," he said.
The songwriter also defended Presley from the cultural appropriation issues and accusations.
Shonka Dukureh Found Dead
The revelation came out after Durukeh, who played Thornton's role in "Elvis," was dead in her Nashville Apartment.
Nashville Metropolitan Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that the actress was found dead in the bedroom of her Kothe Way apartment. One of her two young children ran to a neighbor's apartment and asked for help.
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The news release disclosed that no foul play was suspected. Currently, the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department is reportedly waiting for autopsy results from the Davidson County Medical Examiner's Office to determine Shinka Dukureh's cause of death.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper penned a statement via Fox17, sending his message of condolences to the family.
"My deepest condolences to the family of Shonka Dukureh. Shonka graduated from Fisk and called Nashville home for many years. Her powerful voice and artistry will live on through her music, and we honor her memory on this sad day," the mayor said.
Meanwhile, Thornton also faced a tragic death when she passed away after suffering heart and liver disorders.
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