In Europe

In 1965, Arhoolie founder Chris Strachwitz recorded legendary R&B singer Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton in London, England. Big Mama was backed by a stellar blues band with Buddy Guy on guitar, Eddie Boyd on piano, and Fred Below on drums. Mississippi Fred McDowell on slide guitar and Walter Horton on harmonica sat in on several numbers. The result was one of the best albums ever recorded by Big Mama and includes two versions of her hit song “Hound Dog.” Other standout numbers are her versions of “Little Red Rooster” and “Chauffeur Blues.” The recording closes with a conversation between Big Mama and Strachwitz.

Track Listing

101	Sweet Little Angel	Big Mama Thornton	05:30
102	The Place	Big Mama Thornton	02:35
103	Little Red Rooster	Big Mama Thornton	04:28
104	Unlucky Girl	Big Mama Thornton	03:20
105	Hound Dog (Take 1)	Big Mama Thornton	03:00
106	Swing It on Home (Take 1)	Big Mama Thornton	01:51
107	Your Love Is Where It Ought to Be	Big Mama Thornton	03:50
108	Session Blues	Big Mama Thornton	04:47
109	Down Home Shake-Down	Big Mama Thornton	03:37
110	My Heavy Load	Big Mama Thornton	05:49
111	School Boy	Big Mama Thornton	04:30
112	I Need Your Love	Big Mama Thornton	03:19
113	Good Time in London	Big Mama Thornton	04:25
114	Chauffeur Blues	Big Mama Thornton	05:07
115	Swing It on Home	Big Mama Thornton	03:24
116	Hound Dog (Take 2)	Big Mama Thornton	03:11
117	Big Mama Talks to Chris Strachwitz	Big Mama Thornton	15:56