Ball N' Chain

Big Mama Thornton

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Nicknamed “Big Mama” because of her striking voice and presence, blues singer Willie Mae Thornton devoted her life to music. Learning to sing in church as a child, Big Mama left home at the age of 14 to tour with the Hot Harlem Review, teaching herself to play drums and harmonica along the way. This 1989 release includes tracks from her Arhoolie recording sessions with Buddy Guy’s “All Star” band in 1965 and Muddy Waters’ blues band in 1966. This compilation features two of her greatest hits: “Hound Dog,” later made famous by Elvis Presley, and “Ball ‘N Chain,” written by Big Mama herself and later recorded by Janis Joplin. Liner notes include a biography of the artist.

Track Listing

101	Sweet Little Angel	Big Mama Thornton	5:30
102	Unlucky Girl	Big Mama Thornton	3:20
103	Swing It On Home	Big Mama Thornton	1:55
104	Little Red Rooster	Big Mama Thornton	4:28
105	Hound Dog	Big Mama Thornton	3:01
106	Your Love Is Where It Ought To Be	Big Mama Thornton	3:49
107	School Boy	Big Mama Thornton	4:30
108	My Heavy Load	Big Mama Thornton	5:48
109	I'm Feeling Alright	Big Mama Thornton	3:00
110	Sometimes I Have A Heartache	Big Mama Thornton	3:48
111	Black Rat	Big Mama Thornton	2:51
112	Life Goes On	Big Mama Thornton	3:28
113	Bumble Bee	Big Mama Thornton	4:12
114	Gimme A Penny	Big Mama Thornton	4:37
115	Wade In The Water	Big Mama Thornton	2:56
116	Ball N' Chain	Big Mama Thornton	4:31

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Ball N' Chain

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