SqueezeMyLemon: Big Mama Thornton

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Big Mama Thornton

Ball n' Chain
Ball n' Chain by Big Mama Thornton with Lightnin' Hopkins

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Several online friends who regularly send me YouTube clips and other music info have been sending Big Mama Thornton clips. She was so cool back in her day and had a great stage presence. My favorite thing about her is that she played the harmonica and drums. If you have read my blog for long, you have probably read about my affection for women harmonica players.

She is a memeber of the Blues Hall of Fame, she had a monster hit with the 1952 song "Hound Dog" later covered by Elvis (1955) and she also wrote and recorded "Ball 'n' Chain," which became a hit for her. Janis Joplin later recorded the song and had a huge success in the late 1960s.

Someone also mentioned how Toshi Reagon resembles Big Mama Thornton. At first I did not make the connection, but after looking at a few of Big Mama's early clips I get it.

Big Mama Thornton ft. Buddy Guy - Hound Dog (1965)