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Unsung Heros....
This page is dedicated to the underappreciated
There are so many artists that are so underrated and underappreciated, so this page will pay homage to the unsung hero. Each month, or every couple of weeks, depending on how much time I have, I plan to spotlight one underappreciated artist. If you have someone in mind that you would like to see featured please e-mail me and I will try to feature the artist on this page.
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This Month's Artist is:
Big Mama Thornton
Born December 11, 1926 in Montgomery, Alabama
Died July 25, 1984 from heart failure. |
Willie Mae Thorton, The Original Hounddog!
Big Mama Thornton was born in Montgomery, Alabama to a church minister and a gospel singer. |
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Beauty and the Blues:
She learned to play the harmonica from Junior Parker and taught herself to play the drums. |
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She re-emerged in the '60s, during the Blues Revival, partly thanks to Janis Joplin's cover of her song 'Ball and Chain'.
The picture to the right is of Janis Joplin
Click on picture of Janis to learn more about her.
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In early 1953, her biggest hit, 'Hound Dog' (later covered by Elvis Presley in 1957), reached number one on the charts.
Of course you all know that the picture on the left is of The King, unless you've been hiding in a cave, say oh, forever. |
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called "Big Mama" because of her girth and larger-than-life voice and stage presence.
Truthfully the woman could just wail!
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Big Mama was inducted into the Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame in 1984.
Sassy mama, Rest in Peace. |
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