Ball N' Chain

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	05:30
102	Unlucky Girl	Big Mama Thornton	03:20
103	Swing It on Home	Big Mama Thornton	01:55
104	Little Red Rooster	Big Mama Thornton	04:28
105	Hound Dog	Big Mama Thornton	03:01
106	Your Love Is Where It Ought to Be	Big Mama Thornton	03:49
107	School Boy	Big Mama Thornton	04:30
108	My Heavy Load	Big Mama Thornton	05:48
109	I'm Feeling Alright	Big Mama Thornton	03:00
110	Sometimes I Have a Heartache	Big Mama Thornton	03:48
111	Black Rat	Big Mama Thornton	02:51
112	Life Goes On	Big Mama Thornton	03:28
113	Bumble Bee	Big Mama Thornton	04:12
114	Gimme a Penny	Big Mama Thornton	04:37
115	Wade in the Water	Big Mama Thornton	02:56
116	Ball N' Chain	Big Mama Thornton	04:31