~ Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton
courtesy of Yahoo Images
I know there's a bunch of you out there who like the Blues, and, I'm right there with you! It is a known fact that many folks believe that the Blues singers and song writers from the beginning of time, paved the way for much of the rock and roll, country and folk music that has come our way. One such singer/songwriter's name came across my desk a while back..oh, I'd say on Elvis Presley's 83rd Birthday? And, this lady was one of Elvis's greatest influences in his younger years.
The lady I'm talking about is none other than "Big Mama" Thornton! Big Mama started her career as an early teenager, right after her mother died. She worked in a saloon at night, cleaning and singing part time to fill in when a singer was needed. Prior to her mother's passing, Willie Mae had spent most of her youth singing in the Church, where her father was a minister. Big Mama was eventually spotted by a promoter, and, by the time she was in her early 20's, she was on her way to Atlanta. There she performed at Sammy Green's "Hot Harlem Revue", playing drums and harmonica in addition to singing. What a treat that would have been!
~ Big Mama Thornton on drums * Yahoo Images
* In the late 1940's and 50's, a female who was talented enough to play multiple instruments, was not likely to gain much recognition. But in Willie Mae's case, these talents of hers were impressive, and, got her a record deal with Peacock Records. It didn't hurt any that she possessed a robust, bluesy voice, with a knack for belting out gutsy lyrics either!
* Yahoo Images
***Speaking of "Hound Dog"!!! In 1952, Willie Mae recorded this song, written by Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller and released in 1953. Subsequently, "Big Mama's" "Hound Dog" remained at #1 for 7 of the 14 weeks it spent on the R&B charts. Well, as the story goes, "Big Mama" only received about $500.00 for her recording of the song, which was revamped a few years later by Elvis Presley, earning him a much more substantial compensation. He, of course, was then launched into stardom, which continues to thrive today!
* collage created by Suzanne * images from Yahoo
***
Willie Mae ran that circuit during the mid to late 1950's, even performing at the Apollo, where she earned her name, "Big Mama" for her loud voice, size, and personality. Apollo manager, Frank Schiffman said her voice was louder than a microphone, and he didn't want a mic to ever be as loud as Big Mama's voice was! She could really belt those songs out!
~ How about these two 'mega-blues' gals!
I think Willie Mae and Janis Joplin, who were a generation apart, had a great deal in common! I always liked Janis' rendition of "Ball and Chain", and since I didn't know who "Big Mama" was, I had no idea who actually penned the song! Let's take a gander:
*** WOW! This was "Ball and Chain" performed by Big Mama Thornton with the Buddy Guy's Blues Band, I'm thinking in 1970. Big Mama even gives Ms. Janis Joplin credit for making her song famous. Now that's a lady with soul! Janis nailed this song and it happens to be my favorite Janis Joplin song! I have tried to sing it myself, but, WOE is me...lol! Send in the clowns!
***
In the later 1950's and early 60's, Willie Mae found herself heading for California and located to the San Francisco Bay area, where, she played some clubs with her old friend, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, and recorded on various record labels. Big Mama toured Europe in 1965 with the American Folk Blues Festival, enjoying some success.
* Big Mama Thornton * Yahoo Images
Rumor has it that she was a pretty tough cookie, and sometimes dressed in men's clothing. This female "Blues Steamroller" was always invited to perform at the Monterrey Jazz Fest in the company of Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Big Walter Horton, and Dr. Ross, to name a few. Her powerhouse vocals and guileless storytelling helped bring back "Big Mama's" faltering career during this time. However, her sexual inclinations had become questionable when "Big Mama" appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1980. She performed in the "Blues is a Woman" concert, sporting a man's 3-piece suit, and straw hat.
~ Big Mama * Yahoo Images
By the 1970's, it was evident that Willie Mae, "Big Mama" was drinking heavily, and her health was suffering the debilitating effects. She continued to tour, having performed in 1979 at the San Francisco Blues Festival with B. B. King and Muddy Waters. In addition to writing "Ball and Chain", Big Mama wrote at least 20 other songs: Among her works are, "Quit Snoopin' Around My Door", "The Fish", "I Smell a Rat", and, on the flip side of "Hound Dog", was "They Call Me Big Mama."
* Willie Mae's most successful album is "Stronger Than Dirt", which was released, I think around 1969, on Mercury Records. The album ranked 198 in the Billboard Top 200. One of her songs on this album, "Summertime", brought some very good reviews. "Big Mama's" delivery of the song is said to have been: "incredible", "This is my Big Mama, no doubt.", and "She is absolutely breaking everyone's heart on this song...fantastic!"
* I listened to Big Mama's "Summertime" performance, and totally agree. How about you?
Have a listen!
Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton-Summertime 1970
What can I say? Didn't that number just "rule"! "Big Mama" said, "I didn't go to music school. I taught myself to sing and blow harmonica, and even to play drums by watchin' other people. I can't read music, but I know what I'm singing!"
The years of alcohol consumption was taking its toll on "Big Mama", and by 1980, she had lost quite a lot of weight (255 pounds), due to illness. She had to be helped onstage to perform sitting down, but still delivered magnificent performances. I believe "Big Mama's last live performance was in April of 1984, where she performed her biggest hit, "Ball and Chain" in Los Angeles.
* Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton passed away in a Los Angeles rooming house, July 25, 1984. She was 57 years old, and died of a heart attack and liver disorder. *
* "Big Mama" Thornton is one of those "Unsung Heroes". She was overshadowed by white artists, receiving very little credit and recognition for two major hits that she introduced into the Blues, R&B/Rock and Roll community. For her recording and work on "Hound Dog", she was quoted as saying, " I never got what I should have. I received one check for $500.00, nothing more." Willie Mae felt cheated out of the success she should have received. Big Mama was never given credit or any compensation for "Ball and Chain", that was written by her., yet, praised Janis Joplin's version of the song. Big Mama's recording of the song didn't even hit the charts! Ms. Joplin did reap rewards from the song, but frequently acknowledged Big Mama's contribution to the industry. *
***
* Big Mama Thornton received a San Francisco Blues Festival award in 1979 and
* She was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1984
* In 2004, the nonprofit Brooklyn's Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls was founded
to offer a musical education to girls ages 8 to 18 *
* I am personally so glad I came across the story of this multi-talented lady! I have listened to more than several of her songs, and, I am hooked! I hope you all have enjoyed this post and the messages it has brought to us all about the 'Blues'
"White, black, rich or poor. If you ever had your heart broke, you have the right to sing the blues."
~ Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton
I know it's time to wrap this program up...how I can go on when given the chance. Thank you so much for coming by and paying my Rockabilly Blog a visit. If you have time, please stop in and say hello, or check one of the reactions at the bottom of this post just to let me know how you liked the program. I appreciate all of your visits and comments.
Now...I came across the most fascinating video of "Big Mama" that I want to share with you all. I have to say, OMG to this one! On this number, Big Mama really gets after it on her harmonica, and the song just continues to accelerate into dynamic excellence!!!
* (1965) Blues by Big Mama Thornton-Hound Dog and
Down Home Shakedown
with: John Lee Hooker, Big Walter Horton & Dr. Ross
* Don't you just love this! *
Thanks to all of my resources...and there were plenty!
Blogger
Google
Yahoo images
Wikipedia
Gotta go now...see you next time. Sending love and Peace your way.
Please have a safe Memorial Day weekend! 💖
* photo by Suzanne
~ Big Mama Thornton on drums * Yahoo Images
* In the late 1940's and 50's, a female who was talented enough to play multiple instruments, was not likely to gain much recognition. But in Willie Mae's case, these talents of hers were impressive, and, got her a record deal with Peacock Records. It didn't hurt any that she possessed a robust, bluesy voice, with a knack for belting out gutsy lyrics either!
* Yahoo Images
***Speaking of "Hound Dog"!!! In 1952, Willie Mae recorded this song, written by Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller and released in 1953. Subsequently, "Big Mama's" "Hound Dog" remained at #1 for 7 of the 14 weeks it spent on the R&B charts. Well, as the story goes, "Big Mama" only received about $500.00 for her recording of the song, which was revamped a few years later by Elvis Presley, earning him a much more substantial compensation. He, of course, was then launched into stardom, which continues to thrive today!
* collage created by Suzanne * images from Yahoo
***
Willie Mae ran that circuit during the mid to late 1950's, even performing at the Apollo, where she earned her name, "Big Mama" for her loud voice, size, and personality. Apollo manager, Frank Schiffman said her voice was louder than a microphone, and he didn't want a mic to ever be as loud as Big Mama's voice was! She could really belt those songs out!
~ How about these two 'mega-blues' gals!
I think Willie Mae and Janis Joplin, who were a generation apart, had a great deal in common! I always liked Janis' rendition of "Ball and Chain", and since I didn't know who "Big Mama" was, I had no idea who actually penned the song! Let's take a gander:
*** WOW! This was "Ball and Chain" performed by Big Mama Thornton with the Buddy Guy's Blues Band, I'm thinking in 1970. Big Mama even gives Ms. Janis Joplin credit for making her song famous. Now that's a lady with soul! Janis nailed this song and it happens to be my favorite Janis Joplin song! I have tried to sing it myself, but, WOE is me...lol! Send in the clowns!
***
In the later 1950's and early 60's, Willie Mae found herself heading for California and located to the San Francisco Bay area, where, she played some clubs with her old friend, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, and recorded on various record labels. Big Mama toured Europe in 1965 with the American Folk Blues Festival, enjoying some success.
* Big Mama Thornton * Yahoo Images
Rumor has it that she was a pretty tough cookie, and sometimes dressed in men's clothing. This female "Blues Steamroller" was always invited to perform at the Monterrey Jazz Fest in the company of Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Big Walter Horton, and Dr. Ross, to name a few. Her powerhouse vocals and guileless storytelling helped bring back "Big Mama's" faltering career during this time. However, her sexual inclinations had become questionable when "Big Mama" appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1980. She performed in the "Blues is a Woman" concert, sporting a man's 3-piece suit, and straw hat.
~ Big Mama * Yahoo Images
By the 1970's, it was evident that Willie Mae, "Big Mama" was drinking heavily, and her health was suffering the debilitating effects. She continued to tour, having performed in 1979 at the San Francisco Blues Festival with B. B. King and Muddy Waters. In addition to writing "Ball and Chain", Big Mama wrote at least 20 other songs: Among her works are, "Quit Snoopin' Around My Door", "The Fish", "I Smell a Rat", and, on the flip side of "Hound Dog", was "They Call Me Big Mama."
* Willie Mae's most successful album is "Stronger Than Dirt", which was released, I think around 1969, on Mercury Records. The album ranked 198 in the Billboard Top 200. One of her songs on this album, "Summertime", brought some very good reviews. "Big Mama's" delivery of the song is said to have been: "incredible", "This is my Big Mama, no doubt.", and "She is absolutely breaking everyone's heart on this song...fantastic!"
* I listened to Big Mama's "Summertime" performance, and totally agree. How about you?
Have a listen!
Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton-Summertime 1970
What can I say? Didn't that number just "rule"! "Big Mama" said, "I didn't go to music school. I taught myself to sing and blow harmonica, and even to play drums by watchin' other people. I can't read music, but I know what I'm singing!"
The years of alcohol consumption was taking its toll on "Big Mama", and by 1980, she had lost quite a lot of weight (255 pounds), due to illness. She had to be helped onstage to perform sitting down, but still delivered magnificent performances. I believe "Big Mama's last live performance was in April of 1984, where she performed her biggest hit, "Ball and Chain" in Los Angeles.
* Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton passed away in a Los Angeles rooming house, July 25, 1984. She was 57 years old, and died of a heart attack and liver disorder. *
* "Big Mama" Thornton is one of those "Unsung Heroes". She was overshadowed by white artists, receiving very little credit and recognition for two major hits that she introduced into the Blues, R&B/Rock and Roll community. For her recording and work on "Hound Dog", she was quoted as saying, " I never got what I should have. I received one check for $500.00, nothing more." Willie Mae felt cheated out of the success she should have received. Big Mama was never given credit or any compensation for "Ball and Chain", that was written by her., yet, praised Janis Joplin's version of the song. Big Mama's recording of the song didn't even hit the charts! Ms. Joplin did reap rewards from the song, but frequently acknowledged Big Mama's contribution to the industry. *
***
* Big Mama Thornton received a San Francisco Blues Festival award in 1979 and
* She was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1984
* In 2004, the nonprofit Brooklyn's Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls was founded
to offer a musical education to girls ages 8 to 18 *
* I am personally so glad I came across the story of this multi-talented lady! I have listened to more than several of her songs, and, I am hooked! I hope you all have enjoyed this post and the messages it has brought to us all about the 'Blues'
"White, black, rich or poor. If you ever had your heart broke, you have the right to sing the blues."
~ Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton
I know it's time to wrap this program up...how I can go on when given the chance. Thank you so much for coming by and paying my Rockabilly Blog a visit. If you have time, please stop in and say hello, or check one of the reactions at the bottom of this post just to let me know how you liked the program. I appreciate all of your visits and comments.
Now...I came across the most fascinating video of "Big Mama" that I want to share with you all. I have to say, OMG to this one! On this number, Big Mama really gets after it on her harmonica, and the song just continues to accelerate into dynamic excellence!!!
* (1965) Blues by Big Mama Thornton-Hound Dog and
Down Home Shakedown
with: John Lee Hooker, Big Walter Horton & Dr. Ross
* Don't you just love this! *
Thanks to all of my resources...and there were plenty!
Blogger
Yahoo images
Wikipedia
Gotta go now...see you next time. Sending love and Peace your way.
Please have a safe Memorial Day weekend! 💖
* photo by Suzanne
Hi, Suzanne!
ReplyDeleteGoing in, I knew that Big Mama Thornton was the first to record "Hound Dog," a single that, as you pointed out, spent 7 weeks atop the R&B Singles chart in the spring of 1953. However, I learned a lot more about the artist through your post and thoroughly enjoyed watching these videos and listening to her perform. Big Mama had a powerful yet nicely controlled vocal style. She made singing seem effortless. With her amazing talent it is hard to believe she was self taught.
Before I forget, "Ball And Chain" brought to mind one of my favorite recordings by one of Big Mama's contemporaries, LaVern Baker. Listen to "Wrapped, Tied And Tangled."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9xpU6fd_uA
Over the years I have posted on my blog numerous examples of white singers, groups and bands covering the original recordings of black artists and enjoying much greater success with the songs. "Hound Dog" is a textbook example and so is "Ball And Chain." Before reading your post I was unaware that Big Mama Thornton penned and first waxed "Ball And Chain." I am sure you have seen on YouTube Janis Joplin's incredible live performance of the song at the Monterey Pop Festival. Another Mama, Cass Elliot, sat spellbound in the audience as lady Janis sang the blues. It's no wonder Big Mama T gave Janis props for her handling of the song. As troubling as it is when white artists further their careers with songs borrowed from less successful, relatively obscure black artists, it softens the blow when the white artist in question is the real deal like Janis Joplin and performs the material authentically, making sure to give credit where it is due, to the original artist. I have a much bigger problem with artists that base almost their entire careers on covering the songs of black artists and, in the process, whitewash them squeaky clean for the consumption of middle class white audiences. Those artists include Pat Boone, Georgia Gibbs, Teresa Brewer, Gale Storm, the Crew-Cuts and the Fontane Sisters. Even so, those artists are not always personally to blame. Many times the record companies dictated the material the artists on their rosters were given to record and the talent had little or no say in the matter. In addition, some of the white covers of black material turned out so good that they stand, in my opinion, as classic versions in their own right.
You're right, Suzanne. It was an absolute thrill listening to Big Mama's performance of the Gershwin song "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess, probably the best version I've ever heard. It was also a mind boggling experience to watch her do "Hound Dog" at the American Folk Blues Festival immediately followed by that dueling harmonicas rave-up "Downhome Shakedown" featuring several other blues giants with her on stage. It was truly a great moment in music history.
Thank you very much for continuing to post on Karo's blog and for doing your part to keep the 20th century memories alive. I know my buddy Karo would agree that it is imperative for music lovers like us to sing the praises of unsung music greats like Big Mama Thornton and to get their stories in print.
Thank you very much, dear friend Suzanne. I wish you and Scootie a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Hi Shady,
ReplyDeleteI have seen Janis Joplin's performance of "Ball and Chain", and I fell in love with the song. I learned the words and tried to sing it myself, with no great luck, lol! I do like Big Mama's recording of the song too, and it's even better when you can see her performing it with her friends backing her up. "Summertime" is one of my all time favorites, and I have heard it by various artists, but Big Mama does bring it home. I agree with you, Shady, it's probably the best version.
I became heartily attached to this lady's voice and presence. As you said, her powerful vocals are controlled and seem to be effortless. It is a shame she didn't receive more accolades and recognition for her talents and efforts. She was invited to perform frequently at various Blues and Rock festivals, but, she somehow fell through the cracks...I think she may have been a threat to some folks who were a bit less talented, but knew more of the right people. And, rightly so, it does seem as though she had some bitterness toward some of the unfairness regarding her own writings. She did express some gratefulness that "Ball and Chain" was out there, and remarked that Janis Joplin "feels like me". But, Big Mama carried on, and was glad to be a part of the industry. She gave stellar performances at each event. Listen to me...I still sing her praises! I just sat flabbergasted as I watched the "Downhome Shakedown" video! Loved it!
Thank you so much for coming by Shady, and for the great comments you made on this post. I'm glad to keep this one going, and hope to have another post for it sooner that a year off, lol! I appreciate all of your visits and comments, and I will listen to LaVern Baker's "Wrapped, etc."
Take care, and have a wonderful, safe holiday weekend!
Some great music here and wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteHappy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Hi Carol! I really enjoyed writing this post...Big Mama's music is a real treat. Thank you so much for coming by!
DeleteI discovered Big Mama several years ago after hearing "Unlucky Girl", which is a song that seems overlooked. Then going on to hear more from her, now I feel like I know her personally. She had that way of connecting with the audience that only a special few manage to achieve. Her voice is pure emotion. Listen to her version of "Rock Me" and compare with Rolling Stones etc, no-one does it like Big Mama. She is truly a great talent!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Big Mama was so talented, and the way she got after that harmonica was fascinating! I did watch an early performance of Big Mama doing "Rock Me", and wow...it was so soulful. I can see where Janis Joplin got some of her influences and I am glad someone came along to keep Big Mama's work on the map. Big Mama was a true inspiration to the Blues and Rock and Roll Industry. And you are correct when you say she connected with her audience. Even the younger crowds were rocking to her style and music.
DeleteThank you for coming by and leaving your comment Phil! I appreciate your input and appreciation of Big Mama's music.