WILLIE MAE
“BIG MAMA”
THORNTON

Willie Mae Thornton was born on December 11, 1926, either near Montgomery, Alabama or in Ariton, Alabama, a small town in Dale County. Better known as “Big Mama” Thornton, for both her size and her powerful voice, she was a blues singer and songwriter whose career spanned more than 40 years. She is best known for her fiery 1952 rhythm and blues recording of “Hound Dog,” later covered by Elvis Presley, and for her original song “Ball and Chain,” made famous by Janis Joplin. Thornton’s compositions include more than 20 blues songs.

Wendell Wilkie Gunn
Willie Mae Thornton

WILLIE MAE
“BIG MAMA”
THORNTON

Willie Mae Thornton was born on December 11, 1926, either near Montgomery, Alabama or in Ariton, Alabama, a small town in Dale County. Better known as “Big Mama” Thornton, for both her size and her powerful voice, she was a blues singer and songwriter whose career spanned more than 40 years. She is best known for her fiery 1952 rhythm and blues recording of “Hound Dog,” later covered by Elvis Presley, and for her original song “Ball and Chain,” made famous by Janis Joplin. Thornton’s compositions include more than 20 blues songs.

Wendell Wilkie Gunn
Willie Mae Thornton
This Month in African American History
Kendra Angion
Learn about the book
This Month in African American History
Kendra Angion
Learn about the book
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