Thornton, Big Mama : In Europe

This reissue marks the centennial for Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Blues Hall of Famer; rock & roll, blues, and rhythm & blues originator; primary influence on Elvis Presley as well as the British blues bands of the 1960s; and subject of new PBS documentary - She had a million-selling, R&B chart-topping hit with "Hound Dog," later covered by Elvis Presley
She went on to inspire the likes of Janis Joplin (who recorded her "Ball n' Chain") and The Alabama Shakes. Recorded during the legendary American Folk Blues Festival, her debut full- length album sees her reinterpreting her biggest hit for a 1960s audience backed by Buddy Guy, and, on several tracks, deep bluesman Mississippi Fred McDowell. Smithsonian Folkways will reissue the LP in mono with a tip-on cover and the original artwork.

"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 of the Alabama Shakes

Her first full-length album, finding her backed by blues great and Sinners film star Buddy Guy as well as all- time great blues sidemen like Fred Below (drums), Eddie Boyd (piano/ organ), Jimmy Lee Robinson (bass), and Walter "Shakey" Horton (harmonica). Mini- set of deep blues with the great Arhoolie artist Mississippi Fred McDowell playing slide guitar.

In Europe was recorded during the famous American Folk Blues Festival, with Thornton on harmonica and drums on selected tracks, and includes her takes on hit songs "Hound Dog" (for Elvis Presley), "Little Red Rooster" (for the Rolling Stones), "Sweet Little Angel" (for B.B. King), and "Everything Gonna Be Alright" (for Little Walter), as well as gospel music and original songs.