Thornton, Big Mama With Muddy Waters' Blues Band : Big Mama Thornton With Muddy Waters' Blues Band

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

This album finds her recording with the legendary Muddy Waters Blues Band, including Muddy himself (guitar), James Cotton (harmonica), and Otis Spann (piano) - 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

Includes Thornton on drums and harmonica as well as her powerful vocals, backed on this album by the legendary Muddy Waters Blues Band, including Muddy himself on guitar, James Cotton on harmonica, Otis Spann on piano, and more.

Recorded during a time of career resurgence for Thornton, which saw her appearing at the Monterey Jazz Fest, American Folk Blues Festival tour of Europe.