Big Mama Thornton

Biography

Willie Mae 'Big Mama' Thornton (December 11, 1926 – July 25, 1984) was an American rhythm-and-blues singer and songwriter. She was the first to record Leiber and Stoller's "Hound Dog", in 1952, which became her biggest hit, staying seven weeks at number one on the Billboard R&B chart in 1953 and selling almost two million copies. Thornton's other recordings included the original version of "Ball 'n' Chain", which she wrote. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Known For

The Dick Cavett Show

Elvis: A Life in Music

The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1969, Vol. 3

The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1966, Vol. 2

Gunsmoke Blues

All Movies (4)

• Elvis: A Life in Music2026 · as Self (archive footage)
• The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1969, Vol. 32004 · as Self
• Gunsmoke Blues2004 · as Self
• The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1966, Vol. 22003 · as Herself

All TV Shows (1)

• The Dick Cavett Show1968 · as Self - Guest