Page 7 - "52" Magazine Final

Did You Know? ... Willie Mae Thorton

Willie Mae Thornt on

Born: December 11, 1926

Died: July 25, 1984

Courtesy of wikipedia
B
et t er known as "Big Mama Thornt on", Willie was an all
American rhyt hm and blues singer and songwrit er during t he
1950's.

Thornt on's gut sy voice became t he st aple behind t he legendary
song, "Hound Dog" by Leiber and St oller. Becoming her biggest

recorded hit in 1952, "Hound Dog" t opped t he Billboard R&B
chart s for 7 weeks, selling almost 2 million copies. Despit e it s
t remendous sales, Thornt on only received $500.00.

In cont rast , Elvis Presley's 1956 version, great ly enhanced for
mainst ream audiences, brought him bot h prominence and
considerable financial compensat ion. This was a prime example

of inequit y t hat oft en exist ed when a black original was covered
by a whit e art ist .

Courtesy: Youtube

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