Big Mama Thornton, Blues Singer born - African American Registry

Big Mama Thornton was born on this date in 1926. She was an African American blues singer, songwriter, drummer and harmonica player. Willie Mae Thornton was raised in a religious setting in Montgomery, AL. Her father was a minister and her mother sang in the choir. Thornton's musical aspirations led her to leave home in 1941 at age 14 and join the Georgia-based Hot Harlem Revue. Her seven-year tenure with the Revue gave her significant singing and stage experience and enabled her to tour the South, settling in Houston in 1948.

CLASSIC WILLIE MAE BIG MAMA THORNTON 78 HOUND DOG - auction details

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On December 11th, 1926, Blues singer and songwriter Willie Mae Big Mama Thornton was born in Ariton Alabama. Big Mama was the first to record Hound Dog and sold nearly 2 million

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