Big Mama: Big Mama Thornton

Wikipedia

She was the first to record the hit song "Hound Dog" in 1952. The record was #1 on the Billboard R&B charts for seven weeks in 1953... Three years later, Elvis Presley recorded his even more broadly successful rendition of "Hound Dog," based on a version performed by Freddie Bell and the Bellboys. Similarly, Thornton wrote and recorded "Ball 'n' Chain", which became a hit for her, yet Janis Joplin's later recording of it made a bigger impact in the late 1960s

Texas State Historical Association

The nickname "Big Mama" came from somebody after the first show, and it stuck. She was a large, tall woman, and the name suited her vocal tension and coarseness.

 

I Feel Like Going to Church - Big Mama Thornton - Wade In The Water

Muddy Waters Interview On Tour 1971

I really like this clip of Muddy Waters being interviewed in a van while on tour back in 1971. Note that he is sitting next to Big Mama Thornton, and she makes a small interjection into the conversation.

It's the Birthday of Big Mama Thornton

Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton was born on December 11, 1926 and she passed away on July 25, 1984. I've always thought of her as one of the great ladies of blues shouting, and she also was a wonderful harmonica player.

According to Wikipedia;

Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton (December 11, 1926 – July 25, 1984) was an American rhythm and blues singer and songwriter. She was the first to record the hit song "Hound Dog" in 1952. The song was #1 on the Billboard R&B charts for seven weeks. The B-side was "They Call Me Big Mama," and the single sold almost two million copies. Three years later, Elvis Presley recorded his version, based on a version performed by Freddie Bell and the Bellboys. In a similar occurrence, she wrote and recorded "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.

With the Muddy Waters Blues Band 1966






Big Mama Thornton @Amazon.com

Big Mama Thornton

Ball n' Chain

please click image for info @Amazon.com
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)


Big Mama Thornton @SqueezeMyLemon
Big Mama Thornton @Amazon.com
Big Mama Thornton @Wikipedia.com
Big Mama Thornton @YouTube.com

Big Mama Thornton - Female Harmonica Player

Now I do get excited by female blues guitar players (like Memphis Minnie in my last couple of post), but let me tell you, if you are a female that knows how to play a harmonica, I'll make Mrs. F. sleep on the floor.

You probably don't understand, but that is OK. Consider if you will Big Mama Thornton. Son when I tell you that she could rip it up, you better believe that.

And if you don't, then see for yourself.

Ball and Chain



Big Mama Thornton - Down Home Shakedown
Includes John Lee Hooker



Big Mama Thornton - Rock me (Oregon 1971)