"Big Mama" Willie Mae Thornton was a legendary blues musician whose influence on Blues, R&B, and Rock& Roll are undeniable, yet she does not receive proper recognition. Her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is long overdue. 

In 1952 she was the first to record Leiber and Stoller's "Hound Dog" which became her biggest hit, staying seven weeks at number one on the Billboard R&B chart in 1953 and selling almost two million copies. Yet this song has always been associated with Elvis Presley. Let us not give another white man credit in the history books for the accomplishment that should be attributed to a Black woman. 

Thornton's other recordings included the original version of "Ball and Chain", which she wrote but was popularized by Janis Joplin. "Ball 'n' Chain" is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame list of the "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll" yet no further acknowledgement has been made to her accomplishments. 

We would like to specify here that we are fighting to get her full credit with a nomination in the "Performer" category, as opposed to the "Early Influences" category.

Watching her sing you will be swayed by her raw, vivacious talent that radiates off the screen. She sang with her heart and soul bared for all. If you aren't convinced already - check out these links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxoGvBQtjpM & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJlBo5KJ3b4 

Big Mama has received greater recognition for her popular songs, but she is still underappreciated for her influence on the blues, rock & roll and soul music. Thornton's music was also influential in shaping American popular music. The lack of appreciation she received for "Hound Dog" and "Ball 'n' Chain" as they became popular hits is representative of the lack of recognition she received during her career as a whole.

Many critics argue that Thornton's lack of recognition in the music industry is a reflection of an era of racial segregation in the United States, both physically and in the music industry. Scholars suggest that Thornton's lack of access to broader audiences (both white and black), may have been a barrier to her commercial success as both a vocalist and a composer.

Big Mama's influence inspired generations of legendary musicians across all genres, particularly inspiring Black women. In 2004, the nonprofit Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, named for Thornton, was founded to offer a musical education to girls from ages eight to eighteen.

Willie Mae was honored in the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame - read more info on her here: https://www.alamhof.org/news-1/2020/2/9/black-history-month-spotlight-willie-mae-big-mama-thornton and here: https://www.kut.org/post/texas-womens-history-month-soulful-blues-big-mama-thornton

In 1984, she was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. Despite the fact that she has been eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1976, Willie Mae she has never even been nominated. 

We must honor the undeniable legacy Willie Mae Thorton has had on the music industry. We must correct her omission and get her inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for your help.