Big Mama Thornton, Monkey in the barn

wi345

Released on Sue WI 345, Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton was born in 1926 and died of a heart attack in 1984 aged 57. During a long career she recorded the first version of Hound Dog in 1952. It is understood that Tom Cat was recorded in California in 1965.

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Big Mama Thornton | Public Domain | 14627

Updated 13 October 2017

SP

Big Mama Thornton, Tom Cat/Monkey in the barn

117 | 29 February 2024

Big Mama Thornton | Public Domain | 14627

Rhythm and blues singer and song writer Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton was born in Ariton, Montgomery, Alabama on December 11, 1926. Her parents were both involved in the Baptist Church and introduced her to music. When her mother died she left school and got a job at a tavern. In 1940 she left home and toured with “Sammy Green’s Hot Harlem Revue”. Her career took off when she moved to Houston, Texas in 1948. During a long career she recorded the first version of Hound Dog in 1952. She witnessed Johnny Ace’s accidetal death on Christmas Day 1954. She composed the classic blues and rock song “Ball and Chain” among others. It is understood that Tom Cat was recorded in California in 1965.

Willie Mae Thornton died of a heart attack in Los Angeles, California, on July 25, 1984 aged 57.

“Tom Cat”, Soto Play 2039, date unclear. Released on Sue WI 345, February 1965.

Chart position data not available.

Not an original! Collection of Martin Whitell

There is a photo of a test pressing of this single on the Test Disks page.