Big mama

thornton
a prestation by Norah
Who was Big mama thornton?
Big Mama Thornton was a blues, jazz and
rock singer. Big Mama Thornton was
known for her powerful voice and her
talent playing many instrument. She go
her name from being 6 feet tall and 300
lbs. She was active from 1948-1984 and
had passed away July 25th, 1984 at 57.
She released several albums and sold
over 2 million copies. She is considered
on of the earliest female, black rock and
rollers.
Early Life
Willie Mae Thornton was born on
December 11th, 1926 in Ariton, Alabama.
She was one of six kids. She was first
introduced to music at the Baptist chruch
where her father was a preacher and
mother a choir singer.

Thornton moved away from Ariton in 1940

to begin working on her music career
learning from several differenent jazz and
blues musicians.
her LEGACY
Big Mama Thornton won the Blues Music Award six times and
was added to the Blues Hall of Fame in 1984. She has topped the
charts many times. Despite her important career, she remains
relatively unknown.

Event though she is considered an important musician in

American history, she often didn't get the recognition or
deserved credit for many of the songs she sang. For example
she recorded "Hound Dog" before it became a hit until sung by
Elvis Presley, a song that some say started Rock and Roll. Her
music influenced many musicians such as Elvis Presley, Janis
Joplin and Buddy Holly.

In 2004, a non-profit "Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls" was

formed offering music education for girls aged 8-18. Later, her
biography "Big Mama Thornton: The Life and Music" written by
Michael Spörke put a new spotlight on her life, musical influence
and importance.
The end!