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...
Hound DogBig Mama Thornton
Stronger than Dirt
2:50
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
Hound DogBig Mama Thornton
Stronger than Dirt
2:50
Ball and ChainBig Mama Thornton
Sassy Mama!
7:43
Little Red RoosterBig Mama Thornton
The Way It Is
4:26
