Big Mama Thornton

Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton was an African-American blues and R&B singer. Born in Alabama in 1926, she possessed a massive, gravelly voice, played the harmonica and drums with raw skill and had a fierce stage presence. She stood tall and commanded attention with every performance. In 1952, Thornton recorded the original version of "Hound Dog" written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It topped the R&B charts for seven weeks. Then, in 1956, Elvis Presley’s cover of the same song rocketed it into the history books. Thornton also wrote and recorded "Ball and Chain" which Janis Joplin later turned into a rock anthem. She faced racism and financial exploitation throughout her career, yet she remained true to her powerful, unpolished style, helping shape the sound of early rock and roll.