#R&B/Soul

[longliveblackness]

Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton was a blues singer and songwriter whose recordings of “Hound Dog” and “Ball ‘n’ Chain” later were transformed into huge hits by Elvis Presley and Janis Joplin.

She was born on December 11, 1926 outside of Montgomery in rural Ariton, Alabama. Her father was a Baptist minister and her mother was a church singer in his congregation. Thornton’s mother died when the singer was 14, and she left home to pursue a career as an entertainer. She joined the Georgia-based Hot Harlem Revue as an accomplished singer, drummer, and harmonica player and spent seven years as a regular performer throughout the South. Following her years as a traveling blues singer, Thornton moved to Houston in 1948 to begin her recording career.

In Houston, Thornton joined Don Robey’s Peacock Records in 1951, often working closely with fellow label artist Johnny Otis.

One of Thornton’s earliest and most popular recorded tracks was “Hound Dog,” initially released by Peacock in 1953. Thornton’s version of “Hound Dog” topped the R&B charts for seven weeks and sold over two million copies nationwide. Though the song brought acclaim to Thornton, it only yielded her about $500. The song became even more popular as Elvis Presley’s first hit record in 1956.

•••

Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton fue una cantante y compositora de blues cuyas grabaciones “Hound Dog” y “Ball ‘n’ Chain” luego fueron transformadas en grandes éxitos por Elvis Presley y Janis Joplin.

Nació el 11 de diciembre de 1926 en las afueras de Montgomery, en la zona rural de Ariton, Alabama. Su padre era pastor bautista y su madre, cantante en su congregación. La madre de Thornton falleció cuando la cantante tenía 14 años, y ella abandonó el hogar para dedicarse al arte. Se unió a la Hot Harlem Revue, con sede en Georgia, como una cantante, baterista y armonicista, y pasó siete años presentándose con regularidad por todo el sur. Tras sus años como cantante de blues, Thornton se mudó a Houston en 1948 para comenzar su carrera discográfica.

En Houston, Thornton se unió a Peacock Records de Don Robey en 1951, trabajando a menudo en estrecha colaboración con su colega y artista de sello, Johnny Otis.

Una de las primeras y más populares canciones grabadas por Thornton fue "Hound Dog", publicada inicialmente por Peacock en 1953. Su versión de "Hound Dog" encabezó las listas de R&B durante siete semanas y vendió más de dos millones de copias en todo el país. Aunque la canción le trajo gran éxito a Thornton, solo le ganó unos 500 dólares. La canción se hizo aún más popular al convertirse en el primer éxito de Elvis Presley en 1956.

[leanmachine5]

[saydesole]

Vinyl Records 🎶

Music is the most beautiful thing in the world 🫶🏽

[tha-wrecka-stow]

[brincessbarbie]

[bey0utifulsoul]

[supremefleadon]

[taweetie]

Coco Jones | BET Awards 2024

[paymetea]

Whitney Houston 𓆩♡𓆪

[essencewigs]

If anyone should be called the Queen of neo soul, it should be Angie Stone. We remember, the neo soul Queen, Angie Stone, a talent gone too soon. Angie began her musical career as a member of the first female hip hop trio, The Sequence. The hip hop group performed throughout the United States and had a number of hits that resonated with their fans. The group ultimately disbanded in the 1980s.

Angie continued on her journey performing as a member of other groups such as Vertical Hold and Devox. She worked as a songwriter and backup vocalist for musical acts, Lenny Kravitz and D'Angelo. Stone ventured out to become a solo artist and achieved amazing success in the music industry.

Her solo career spanned decades, releasing memorable hits such as "Brotha" and "No More Rain (In this Cloud).” Ms. Stone sang the theme song for the hit series, Girlfriends. Her albums, Black Diamond and Mahogany Soul were certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Angie was still performing right up until her untimely loss. She was comfortable in her skin and proudly sported natural texture, kinks and afros. Angie leaves behind two children, Diamond and Michael (Swayvo Twain).

Rest in Peace to a real one, Ms. Angie Stone. Sending prayers, love and well wishes to her family.

[chroniclesofnadia111]

The last thing I expected to hear today was that the incomparable Angie Stone passed away in a fatal car accident. Her musical legacy shall continue to live on and we will forever celebrate her. Thank you Angie for uplifting the community with songs like this. ✊🏾 An angel in life and death ❤️ we love you. 🕊️

[frostedmagnolias]

Etta James performing in 1963 at the New Era Club in Nashville, Tennessee

[blacksoular]

[saydesole]

My dear God I know you don't make mistakes but Angie why 🥹

Rest In Peace Angela Laverne Brown 1961-2025

[brincessbarbie]