Big Mama Thornton

Big Mama Thornton was a pioneering rhythm & blues singer known for her powerful growl and clean shout, influencing generations of R&B and rock artists. Though she never achieved mainstream pop success, her recordings of "Hound Dog" and "Ball & Chain" would become iconic in the rock world. Thornton's career spanned from the '50s to the '80s, with her impassioned blues performances capturing the essence of a rowdy Saturday night.

Born Willie Mae Thornton in 1926, she honed her singing skills in her father's church and learned secular music from artists like Memphis Minnie and Bessie Smith. Signing with Peacock Records in 1951, Thornton's debut single, "Hound Dog," became a hit, setting the stage for her influential career. Despite facing challenges in the industry, she continued to perform and record, leaving a lasting legacy that inspired artists like Janis Joplin. Thornton passed away in 1984, but her impact on the blues and rock scenes endures through her timeless recordings.