This page contains Big Mama Thornton songs, albums and video links. Music profile for Big Mama Thornton with events, tracks, videos, pictures, lyrics and band information.
Willie Mae ("Big Mama") Thornton (December 11, 1926 – July 25, 1984) was an United States|American Texas blues, Rhythm and blues|rhythm and blues (R&B) singer, and songwriter. She was the first to record the hit song "Hound Dog (song)|Hound Dog" in 1952. The song was #1 on the Billboard charts|Billboard R&B charts for seven weeks.<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/bio/index.jsp?pid=1433 Billboard: History about the song Hound Dog]</ref> The B-side was "They Call Me Big Mama," and the single sold almost two million copies.<ref>[http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/TT/fthpg.html University of Texas: Willa Mae Thornton]</ref> Three years later, Elvis Presley had recorded the hound dog version, which was 100% original except its title of the song. In a similar occurrence, she wrote and recorded "Ball 'n' Chain (Big Mama Thornton song)|Ball 'n' Chain," which became a hit for her. Janis Joplin later recorded "Ball and Chain," and was a huge success in the late 1960s.<ref>[http://www.oafb.net/once105.html Ball 'n' Chain: Big Mama Thornton]</ref>
Biography
Early life
Thornton was born in Montgomery, Alabama. Her introduction to music started in the Baptist church (building)|church. Her father was a Minister of religion|minister and her mother was a church singer. ... read all
