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Big Mama Thornton

Big Mama Thornton

Born: 1926-12-11 • Montgomery, Alabama, USA

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.

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Filmography
Elvis: A Life in Music poster
Elvis: A Life in Music
2026 • Self (archive footage)
The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1969, Vol. 3 poster
The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1969, Vol. 3
2004 • Self
Gunsmoke Blues poster
Gunsmoke Blues
2004 • Self
The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1966, Vol. 2 poster
The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1966, Vol. 2
2003 • Herself