Big Mama Thornton
Blues artist Big Mama Thornton was born Willie Mae Thornton in Ariton, Alabama
in 1926. By the time she was a teenager the regard in the deep south towards
civil rights made it a tough environment for any African American performer,
especially a female, but Thornton's talent carried her through and she
eventually relocated to Texas in 1948 to pursue her ambitions.
A measure of her stature as a singer can be gauged by both Janis Joplin and
Elvis Presley citing her as having a significant effect on their own vocal
styles. Her first hit was a version of Leiber and Stoller's 'Houn...
Ball n' ChainBig Mama Thornton
The Great Tomato Blues Package
4:31
Sweet Little AngelBig Mama Thornton and Willie Mae Thornton
The Way It Is
Ball and ChainB.B. King and Big Mama Thornton
Stronger than Dirt
I Smell a RatLeiber & Stoller and Big Mama Thornton
They Called Me Big Mama
1:44
Hound DogBig Mama Thornton
Stronger than Dirt
2:50
Ball and ChainBig Mama Thornton
Sassy Mama!
7:43
