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Ball N' Chain

Big Mama Thornton
Ball N' Chain
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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

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

Album Info

Catalog Number(s)

ARH00305, CD-305, CD 305

Year(s) Released

1989

Recording Date(s)

1965, 1966, 1968

Recording Location(s)

London, England; San Francisco, CA; Hollywood, CA

Label/Collection

Arhoolie Records

Genre(s)

African American Music; Blues

Country(s)

United States

Culture Group(s)

African American

Instrument(s)

Band; Bass; Drums; Guitar; Harmonica; Organ; Piano; Saxophone, tenor; Vocals

Credit(s)

Chris Strachwitz - Producer, Photographer (Cover), Liner Notes, Photographer, Liner Notes
 Elizabeth Weil - Designer
 Jim Marshall - Photographer
Download Liner Notes
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