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