Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton (November 12, 1926, Montgomery, Alabama – July 25, 1984 in Los Angeles, California) was an American blues singer, harp player and songwriter.
Thornton was the first who recorded "Hound Dog" by Leiber and Stoller. Another song which is often covered is "Ball ´n Chain". It is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame list of the "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll". It is one of her best-known songs because of being performed and recorded by Janis Joplin.
A: Big Mama Thornton was an American blues singer, harp player, and songwriter.
A: Big Mama Thornton is known for being the first to record "Hound Dog" by Leiber and Stoller, and for her song "Ball 'n Chain", which is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame list of the "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll".
A: Big Mama Thornton was born on November 12, 1926, in Montgomery, Alabama.
A: Big Mama Thornton passed away on July 25, 1984, in Los Angeles, California.
A: "Ball 'n Chain" is a song that Big Mama Thornton recorded which gained popularity due to Janis Joplin performing and recording it.
A: Big Mama Thornton being the first to record "Hound Dog" by Leiber and Stoller was significant as it marked the beginning of her career and also influenced the development of rock and roll music.
A: The inclusion of "Ball 'n Chain" in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame list of the "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll" signifies its importance in the development of rock and roll music, and also recognizes the impact of Big Mama Thornton as an artist.
