Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton was an influential American blues singer and songwriter, active primarily from the 1940s to the 1970s. She is best known for her powerful, raw vocal style and her significant contributions to the rhythm and blues genre. Thornton was the first to record the song "Hound Dog," which later became a hit for Elvis Presley, and she also wrote and performed "Ball 'n' Chain," which was notably covered by Janis Joplin. Her music combines elements of blues, gospel, and rock, and her impactful performances have greatly influenced the development of rock and roll.