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Why Willie Mae Thornton Matters
A queer, Black “biography in essays” about the performer who gave us “Hound Dog,” “Ball and Chain,” and other songs that changed the course of American music.
Born in Alabama in 1926, raised in the church, appropriated by white performers, buried in an indigent’s grave—Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton's life events epitomize the blues—but Lynnée Denise pushes past the stereotypes to read Thornton’s life through a Black, queer, feminist lens and reveal an artist who was an innovator across her four-decade-long career. Why Willie Mae Thornton Matters “samples” elements of Thornton’s art—and, occasionally, the author’s own story—to create “a biography in essays” that explores the life of its subject as a DJ might dig through a crate of records. Denise connects Thornton’s vaudevillesque performances in Sammy Green’s Hot Harlem Revue to the vocal improvisations that made “Hound Dog” a hit for Peacock Records (and later for Elvis Presley), injecting music criticism into what’s often framed as a cautionary tale of record-industry racism. She interprets Thornton’s performing in men’s suits as both a sly, Little Richard–like queering of the Chitlin Circuit and a simple preference for pants over dresses that didn’t have a pocket for her harmonica. Most radical of all, she refers to her subject by her given name rather than "Big Mama," a nickname bestowed upon her by a white man. It's a deliberate and crucial act of reclamation, because in the name of Willie Mae Thornton is the sound of Black musical resilience.
Born in Alabama in 1926, raised in the church, appropriated by white performers, buried in an indigent’s grave—Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton's life events epitomize the blues—but Lynnée Denise pushes past the stereotypes to read Thornton’s life through a Black, queer, feminist lens and reveal an artist who was an innovator across her four-decade-long career. Why Willie Mae Thornton Matters “samples” elements of Thornton’s art—and, occasionally, the author’s own story—to create “a biography in essays” that explores the life of its subject as a DJ might dig through a crate of records. Denise connects Thornton’s vaudevillesque performances in Sammy Green’s Hot Harlem Revue to the vocal improvisations that made “Hound Dog” a hit for Peacock Records (and later for Elvis Presley), injecting music criticism into what’s often framed as a cautionary tale of record-industry racism. She interprets Thornton’s performing in men’s suits as both a sly, Little Richard–like queering of the Chitlin Circuit and a simple preference for pants over dresses that didn’t have a pocket for her harmonica. Most radical of all, she refers to her subject by her given name rather than "Big Mama," a nickname bestowed upon her by a white man. It's a deliberate and crucial act of reclamation, because in the name of Willie Mae Thornton is the sound of Black musical resilience.
210 pages, Hardcover
Published September 12, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 22, 2025
I walked into an independent bookstore nearly a year and half ago with no idea what to buy but knowing I wanted to buy something to support the store. The store was empty when I entered, so I had the employee's full attention. We started talking and she finally directed me to this book.
I'd never heard of Big Mama Thornton, the woman who first sang "Hound Dog," a song that would later be made famous by Elvis (and a song for which she was paid very little). And that's the whole point of the book, really. To put a spotlight on a woman with an incredible voice and musical talent, whose influence was whitewashed in the history of blues and rock 'n roll and who, despite her influence and contributions, isn't even in the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame.
This book is part biography of Thornton and part memoir of Lynnée Denise, and I loved all. I especially enjoyed listening to Big Mama Thornton's music while I read the book.
So kudos to the employee I encountered at Octavia's Bookshelf in Pasadena for the excellent recommendation!
I'd never heard of Big Mama Thornton, the woman who first sang "Hound Dog," a song that would later be made famous by Elvis (and a song for which she was paid very little). And that's the whole point of the book, really. To put a spotlight on a woman with an incredible voice and musical talent, whose influence was whitewashed in the history of blues and rock 'n roll and who, despite her influence and contributions, isn't even in the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame.
This book is part biography of Thornton and part memoir of Lynnée Denise, and I loved all. I especially enjoyed listening to Big Mama Thornton's music while I read the book.
So kudos to the employee I encountered at Octavia's Bookshelf in Pasadena for the excellent recommendation!
February 26, 2025
After watching a short TikTok on Willie Mae Thornton, I wanted to know more about her and her history.
Denise does a superb job here of not just covering Willie’s life but also the history surrounding blues, and the racism within music that has harmed many artists as well as the links within the Black arts movements across many areas of creatives.
It’s a well researched and informative read that is hard to put down.
Rep// I liked that the author also talks about the impact of Willie’s gender non-conforming style, and of spoken history that alluded to the fact Willie could possibly be queer without ignoring it entirely like previous works have.
TW// teen pregnancy, racism, legal theft/appropriation of Black artists work, removal of child from mother’s custody.
Denise does a superb job here of not just covering Willie’s life but also the history surrounding blues, and the racism within music that has harmed many artists as well as the links within the Black arts movements across many areas of creatives.
It’s a well researched and informative read that is hard to put down.
Rep// I liked that the author also talks about the impact of Willie’s gender non-conforming style, and of spoken history that alluded to the fact Willie could possibly be queer without ignoring it entirely like previous works have.
TW// teen pregnancy, racism, legal theft/appropriation of Black artists work, removal of child from mother’s custody.
October 11, 2023
This is an outstandingly good collection of essays on ("Big Mama") Willie Mae Thornton's life and career. I knew a little about her before reading, but not much, and some of that is because this is only the second biography written about her. Massively influential to early rock n roll, Thornton had a full blues career that spanned from the 1940s until her death in the 1980s. If one of the goals of the book is to make people want to investigate her music further, then consider it a success.
December 3, 2023
I recommend this book with the highest accolades!!! Her story is remarkable because of her ability to be the trailblazer for black women in blues music. Despite her lack of education, she was able to persevere against racism and opposition in the music world. She’s a true hero. This book was meticulously researched which was evident in the eloquent writing. Bravo to Lynnee Denise for writing this book. Traveling and performing in the heart of the JIm Crow era took a lot of courage and determination!!!! I actually got to see her perform at the Newport Festival in 1969 with the Muddy Waters Band backing her up…remarkable! Thank you for this book on Willie Mae Thornton…..brilliant!
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September 6, 2023Netgalley
pub date September 12, 2023
rec September 6, 2023
University of Texas Press
pub date September 12, 2023
rec September 6, 2023
University of Texas Press
August 18, 2023
Why Willie Mae Thornton Matters, by Lynnée Denise, is the second volume in the Music Matters series that I've read and is an excellent work on many levels. I came away with a deeper appreciation and a much better understanding of Thornton's life and career.
I was fortunate as a young child to have been befriended by an older (to my 5-year-old eyes they were ancient, but even asking my parents about them later they were likely in their 70s at the time) couple when I wandered around the neighborhood. I was that inquisitive kid that either irritated or amused adults, and this couple allowed me to spend time in their home and listen to their records with them, which was accompanied by their stories, which made the music that much more meaningful. Their main interests were blues and jazz, which aligned nicely, though from a different perspective, with my father's interests. They were my introduction to many of the blues classics, including Thornton, and I wish I had been old enough to remember more of their stories, since they represented history with the acts they had seen and the events they witnessed.
This volume took me back to that period of my life because of the importance of community and family, biological and/or chosen, exhibited in both. There is no single reason Thornton matters, since she matters tremendously to many communities and often for slightly different reasons for each. Denise explores these explanations in ways both personal and academic (but without a lot of jargon), looking at specific moments in her life and, while acknowledging many prevailing accounts, offers what ends up making far more sense when understood in context.
It is hard to read some of this and not feel some anger, or disappointment, or even shame about how Thornton was treated. By "how she was treated" I am talking as much about historically as I am about the racist society she had to function in/alongside. Hopefully, in addition to correcting the past record, we can direct our emotions into working to make change for the future. In other words, a call to action as well as a call to remember.
One aspect of Denise's approach that goes well beyond simply reading Thornton's life and career is her ability to show the reader how to approach events from different perspectives. A key element of any work that sheds new light on someone or something is certainly shifting perspective, but most of those works simply present the results of their perspectival view. Denise, I found, offers a way into understanding how to find these perspectives that might be different from your natural one, then apply that perspective. Maybe it is just because I found her authorial voice appealing that I found this to be the case, but I think most readers may well discover the same thing.
All in all, I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in blueswomen, music in general, the space where popular culture intersects with societal issues such as race, gender, and sexuality, and biographical analyses of overlooked or misunderstood artists. Hell, I think everyone should read it, period.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
I was fortunate as a young child to have been befriended by an older (to my 5-year-old eyes they were ancient, but even asking my parents about them later they were likely in their 70s at the time) couple when I wandered around the neighborhood. I was that inquisitive kid that either irritated or amused adults, and this couple allowed me to spend time in their home and listen to their records with them, which was accompanied by their stories, which made the music that much more meaningful. Their main interests were blues and jazz, which aligned nicely, though from a different perspective, with my father's interests. They were my introduction to many of the blues classics, including Thornton, and I wish I had been old enough to remember more of their stories, since they represented history with the acts they had seen and the events they witnessed.
This volume took me back to that period of my life because of the importance of community and family, biological and/or chosen, exhibited in both. There is no single reason Thornton matters, since she matters tremendously to many communities and often for slightly different reasons for each. Denise explores these explanations in ways both personal and academic (but without a lot of jargon), looking at specific moments in her life and, while acknowledging many prevailing accounts, offers what ends up making far more sense when understood in context.
It is hard to read some of this and not feel some anger, or disappointment, or even shame about how Thornton was treated. By "how she was treated" I am talking as much about historically as I am about the racist society she had to function in/alongside. Hopefully, in addition to correcting the past record, we can direct our emotions into working to make change for the future. In other words, a call to action as well as a call to remember.
One aspect of Denise's approach that goes well beyond simply reading Thornton's life and career is her ability to show the reader how to approach events from different perspectives. A key element of any work that sheds new light on someone or something is certainly shifting perspective, but most of those works simply present the results of their perspectival view. Denise, I found, offers a way into understanding how to find these perspectives that might be different from your natural one, then apply that perspective. Maybe it is just because I found her authorial voice appealing that I found this to be the case, but I think most readers may well discover the same thing.
All in all, I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in blueswomen, music in general, the space where popular culture intersects with societal issues such as race, gender, and sexuality, and biographical analyses of overlooked or misunderstood artists. Hell, I think everyone should read it, period.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
September 16, 2023
Big Mama's Blues takes readers on a captivating journey into the life and music of the legendary blues woman, Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton. As someone who initially discovered Big Mama through the influences of Elvis and Janis Joplin, I was eager to delve deeper into the story of this incredible artist. This book turned out to be an unexpected joy, exceeding my expectations by not only chronicling her life but also exploring the profound cultural impacts of race and gender within the exploitive world of music.
The writing style is exceptionally well-crafted, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. The author skillfully navigates through Big Mama's personal experiences, shedding light on the challenges she faced as a black woman in the music industry. By delving into the cultural context of the time, the book offers valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of an African American female artist during an era marked by adversity and inequality.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this book was the way it seamlessly weaves together Big Mama's life story and her music. The author's descriptions of her songs, along with their cultural significance, transported me to a different time and place. So much so, that I found myself compelled to listen to her music on repeat while reading. This added layer allowed me to fully appreciate Big Mama's talent and understand her iconic status in the world of blues.
In conclusion, Big Mama's Blues is a highly recommended read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton and the socio-cultural complexities that accompanied her musical journey. Through its well-rounded narrative, this book manages to captivate, educate, and inspire its readers. Prepare to be moved by the powerful voice of Big Mama and the indomitable spirit.
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August 15, 2025 I am not going to rate this book at this time; I may or may not write an actual full-length review at some point; we shall see.
Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton has been a musical role model for me since I was, quite literally, a baby. I have felt for many years that it was disgraceful that no serious biography of her existed. When Michael Spörke's Big Mama Thornton: The Life and Music was finally published three decades after her death, I was encouraged. It is far better than no biography at all, but while it was clearly well-intentioned, it was not the definitive biography such an important and influential figure deserves. When I first saw this present book, I hoped it might be at least a little bit closer to a definitive biography.
Sadly, this book is quite possibly the most worthless, obnoxious, self-obsessed waste of print I have ever encountered by any author. This book, you see, is not really about its purported subject, but rather is about the absolutely gigantic ego of the author and her obscenely arrogant "woke scholarship". It is grossly disrespectful to Ms. Thornton, and she must be spinning in her grave with anger...
If you have any respect whatsoever for the late, great Big Mama Thornton, don't waste your money on this. I deeply regret both wasting my money purchasing it, and wasting my time reading it.
Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton has been a musical role model for me since I was, quite literally, a baby. I have felt for many years that it was disgraceful that no serious biography of her existed. When Michael Spörke's Big Mama Thornton: The Life and Music was finally published three decades after her death, I was encouraged. It is far better than no biography at all, but while it was clearly well-intentioned, it was not the definitive biography such an important and influential figure deserves. When I first saw this present book, I hoped it might be at least a little bit closer to a definitive biography.
Sadly, this book is quite possibly the most worthless, obnoxious, self-obsessed waste of print I have ever encountered by any author. This book, you see, is not really about its purported subject, but rather is about the absolutely gigantic ego of the author and her obscenely arrogant "woke scholarship". It is grossly disrespectful to Ms. Thornton, and she must be spinning in her grave with anger...
If you have any respect whatsoever for the late, great Big Mama Thornton, don't waste your money on this. I deeply regret both wasting my money purchasing it, and wasting my time reading it.
January 24, 2024
Saw a signed copy at the Schomburg Center here in Harlem and had to grab it. This book goes into a lot of social detail; about blues music, about how black artists don't get paid, about how white artists borrow/steal from black artists and make the money (looking at you, Elvis), about how black artists are vilified for the same thing white artists are celebrated for, and about how singing the blues does kinda mean you live the blues too. Thornton was an icon and a badass, gender nonconforming in behavior and dress, if not in other ways, before it was recognized as acceptable. She was critical of politicians and the police, rarely compromised, and punk rock in more ways than one (she even recorded in the same studio as the Clash did). So much more than meets the eye.
May 14, 2024
Willie Mae "Big Mama: Thornton is one of the most important and influential figures in 20th century music and was an innovator in so many ways. History doesn't remember her, but it remembers Elvis's cover of her song "Hound Dog." There is so much more to Thorton's life that many readers will likely not know about, and Denise's book is a wonderful guide. It is comprehensive and also very readable, and it's the kind of book that will make you want to yell that without Big Mama Thorton you would not have the Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin or Nirvana or U2. It will also make you want to yell that American music owes so much to Black artists like Thornton who need to be taught about and never forgotten.
August 21, 2023
Having discovered Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton through Elvis and Janis Joplin, I couldn't wait to learn more about this amazing blues woman. I found this book an unexpected joy, not only did it chronicle her life but explored the cultural impact of both race and gender in the exploitive world of music. Well written and thoroughly engaging, it also nudged me to listen to her music on repeat while I was reading. Highly recommended
Thanks to NetGalley and University of Texas Press for an advanced reader copy
Thanks to NetGalley and University of Texas Press for an advanced reader copy
December 28, 2024
if you are interested in music history/biography, this is a gem of the genre. I really enjoy the author's voice in this and how she connects her own life and musical work as well as that of other Black women who trailblazed in the music industry to Thornton's life and story.
also I love that when she talks about the ways white men benefited from the labor and creativity of Willie May Thornton and other Black women, she calls it "white boy magic." really captures the theft and the ways they turned these women's work and talent into careers and awards and legacies for themselves
also I love that when she talks about the ways white men benefited from the labor and creativity of Willie May Thornton and other Black women, she calls it "white boy magic." really captures the theft and the ways they turned these women's work and talent into careers and awards and legacies for themselves
January 18, 2025
You don't have to be a blues fan or even particularly interested in Willie Mae to enjoy this book. Chapters act as essays that chronicle Willie Mae's life while telling the story of what it was like to be a Black musician during her time, the authors time and many points in between. If you're a lover of music history, especially when it comes to how Black folks have created and shaped numerous genres, then this is a book for you.
December 18, 2023
NetGalley ARC Educator 550974
I have always been fascinated with Ms. Willie Mae Thornton. This book did not disappoint. It gives insight into her life, the hardships she faced and the music giants she influenced. I wish she would get the accolades and praise she deserves. This book is an amazing start.
I have always been fascinated with Ms. Willie Mae Thornton. This book did not disappoint. It gives insight into her life, the hardships she faced and the music giants she influenced. I wish she would get the accolades and praise she deserves. This book is an amazing start.
July 23, 2024
Why Willie Mae Thorton Matters was such an impactful book for me. I wish I could articulate everything that I experienced with this book, but I will just say that I appreciate the very thoughtful research, vulnerability and critical analysis. I feel like it brought me closer to my roots... Blues music definitely hits different for me now. 🙏🏿
October 30, 2023
It is very well done. The book is more a collection of essays than your typical biography. Very thought provoking. The music industry was/is full of corruption and much more so if you were a person of color and a woman. Hopefully she starts getting the recognition she deserves.
February 23, 2024
Powerful writing ,it's a shame this wonderful singer song writer continue to rest where she is.
You would think the music industry would do something about it...
You would think the music industry would do something about it...
May 13, 2024
I never did find out if she was born Minnie or Winnie, but an exceptional book overall.
August 10, 2024
fabulous read, beautifully illustrates the inter-connectedness of the blues and the culture of black, queer women.
August 23, 2024
has a beat, mission, etc.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews