VIA PRESS RELEASE | “Big Mama Thornton was rock & roll before rock & roll. She had the energy. She had this rawness. There was electricity when she would perform. I actually think she inspired a whole lot of singers but nobody could really hit like she does.” —Brittany Howard
Celebrating Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Blues Hall of Famer Big Mama Thornton’s centennial and coinciding with the new documentary about her life, I Can’t Be Anyone But Me, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is reissuing Thornton’s essential first two Arhoolie Records albums In Europe (originally released in 1966) and Big Mama Thornton with Muddy Waters’ Blues Band (1967) on vinyl LP. The LP reissues arrive December 4, one week before her centennial on December 11.
Both albums were remastered by Don Godwin, with In Europe restored to its original mono and Big Mama Thornton with Muddy Waters’ Blues Band in stereo. Both show the rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm & blues architect in full command at the front of all-star blues bands.
In Europe, recorded in London in 1965, finds Thornton backed by a band that featured nine-time Grammy Award-winning guitarist and Sinners film actor Buddy Guy alongside Blues Hall of Famer Eddie Boyd on piano and Fred Below—the legendary Chicago blues drummer and veteran of Chuck Berry sessions—on drums.
It was taped during the American Folk Blues tour, an event that helped spur a worldwide blues revival and the “British Invasion” hitting the United States. Several deep blues numbers also showcase Mississippi Fred McDowell on slide guitar or Walter Horton (also known as Big Walter or Walter “Shakey” Horton) on harmonica. She co-wrote or arranged many of the songs herself. In addition to being a powerhouse singer, Thornton was also a skilled and soulful harmonica player and lively drummer who often accompanied herself, including on select tracks on this LP.
In Europe includes Thornton’s re-recording of her 1953 rhythm & blues chart-topping hit song “Hound Dog,” originally written for her by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Her 1953 recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013. When Elvis Presley recorded the song in 1956, his version became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
In 1966, the same year that In Europe was released, Arhoolie label-founder Chris Strachwitz recorded Big Mama Thornton with Muddy Waters’ Blues Band, with Thornton resolutely fronting the Waters and his group through a set of blues and spirituals. Those sessions, which took place in San Francisco, include Blues Hall of Fame-inducted harmonica great James Cotton, Blues Hall of Fame pianist Otis Spann, Waters himself, and other Chicago blues masters. Thornton plays drums on “Everything Gonna Be Alright.” In a sign of deep respect, this is one of the only sessions of the 1960s on which Muddy Waters plays guitar behind another artist.
Big Mama Thornton with Muddy Waters’ Blues Band includes three tracks written by the great Memphis Minnie: “Looking the World Over,” “Black Rat,” and “Bumble Bee.” Thornton takes a co-writer credit for the latter two. Across her work, Thornton drew inspiration from classic and country blues women musicians. Often backed by all-male groups, Thornton also donned men’s suits and short-brimmed hats, throwing her shoulders back as she belted the blues.
With her powerful voice, commanding presence, and charismatic performance style, Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton (1926-1984) made a deep and lasting impact that has exceeded the bounds of the genres she performed in. Thornton was born on December 11, 1926, and raised in Alabama. As a vocalist, she was dexterous and versatile, singing blues and rhythm & blues and moving easily between guttural shout and soaring contralto.
Thornton recorded singles and LPs on a variety of labels, including the iconic Peacock Records. She also toured extensively, including as a showstopper with the Johnny Otis Revue at several points in her career. Years after Thornton first recorded her original song “Ball and Chain,” Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company’s hit cover of the song ushered in club and festival performances and the release of new albums, including these two on Arhoolie Records.
Following the vinyl reissue of the celebrated compilation Classic Blues From Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, these two Thornton reissues continue to drive home the legacy of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings as a home for key blues recordings and collections, especially following the acquisition of Arhoolie Records.
The Smithsonian Folkways Recordings catalogue includes foundational recordings by Lead Belly, Clifton Chenier, Mance Lipscomb, Snooks Eaglin, Robert Pete Williams, Rev. Gary Davis, ‘Honeyboy’ Edwards, Memphis Slim, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Josh White, Big Joe Williams, Lonnie Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Cephas & Wiggins, Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry, Son House, Roosevelt Sykes, Etta Baker, Elizabeth Cotten, Henry Townsend, Lucinda Williams, Chris Thomas King, Joe Turner, Champion Jack Dupree, Lowell Fulson, Big Bill Broonzy, Charlie Musselwhite, Earl Hooker, Booker White, Jesse Fuller, Sonny Boy Williamson, Pink Anderson, and more.
