Big Mama Thornton
Written by Suzanne on March 31, 2009I was outside in the sun doing my Jack LaLanne leg lifts while listening to “Hound Dog” on my mp3 player when it dawned on me I should find out more about Big Mama Thornton. I know a lot about Elvis and we’ve all heard his take on this classic tune but have you heard Big Mama’s version?
I looked up Big Mama Thornton and found out her real name was Willie Mae Thornton born in 1926 and died in 1984. She was a rhythm & blues singer, songwriter and the first to record the hit song “Hound Dog” in 1952. The song was #1 on the Billboard R&B charts for seven weeks. You might recall the song by Janice Joplin called “Ball & Chain”. Well Big Mama made that a hit first and then Janice did her own thing with it in the late 60’s.
I’ve mentioned before I like to listen when the collective conscious whispers to me. I’m glad I did because it turns out there is a musical performance going on now in Los Angeles starring Blues & Jazz legend Barbara Morrison.
If you’re in the area do like Big Mama would say, “Go on get!”
Get yourself over to a performance. Visit Barbara’s official site for more information. http://barbaramorrison.com/
A Blues Musical
“Howlin’ Blues & Dirty Dogs”
The life and times of “Big Mama Thornton”
Starring Blues & Jazz Legend Barbara Morrison
details Call : 310-462-1439
Where:
The Stella Adler Theatre
6773 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA.
When:
January 22, – April 12, 2009
Time:
8PM Thursday, Friday, Saturday,
3PM and 6PM on Sundays
Posted in Pop Culture
March 31st, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Cool stuff,
I dig the sound, is groovin’ old school.
I haven’t heard of big momma before, cool stuff they don’t make music like they used to. I was just talking about 1984 today, is a great year, year of the CD, I was 3.
Oh, and was listening to “hound dog” while doing “leg lifts” a pun?
March 31st, 2009 at 1:54 pm
@peter no pun intended but I’m glad to see you read the material.
Worked out nicely if I do say so myself. Get it “worked out” nicely? ;)
March 31st, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Very cool video! I’ve never heard of Big Mama Thornton… Thanks for the story! :)
Lisa
March 31st, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Good post! I remember hearing reference to Big Mama when I was a kid.I love the comment petemayo gave….Oh, and was listening to “hound dog” while doing “leg lifts” a pun? :)