Big Mama Thornton performing “Hound Dog” live in 1964.

Willie Mae Thornton,December 11, 1926 – July 25, 1984, better known as Big Mama Thornton because of her height (nearly 6 feet), and weight (200 pounds), was an American singer and songwriter of the bluesand R&B. She was the first to record Leiber and Stoller's "Hound Dog", in 1952, which was written for her and became her biggest hit, staying seven weeks at number one on the Billboard R&B chart in 1953. According to Maureen Mahon, a music professor at New York University, "the song is seen as an important beginning of rock-and-roll, especially in its use of the guitar as the key instrument". Thornton's other recordings include the original version of "Ball and Chain", which she wrote.

with Buddy Guy on guitar

@TJStJerome SHE PLAYED AT THE SKYRIVER ROCK CONCERT I WAS AT.

This makes me care about a song I've never cared about

@afropunk Look at the fit. She got the red and black lumberjack w/ the hat ta match

@TJStJerome IS THIS FOR MENEPAUSEAL GIRLS NOW?

@ThomasAtcheson Please get into @lynneedenise ‘s book on this blues/rock & roll architect “Why Willie Mae Thornton Matters”

Witherspoon Buddy Guy on guitar

Man, what a voice!

'And bow-wow to you too'.