SALUTE: Big Mama Thornton Wails Her Way Deliciously Through 'Hound Dog.'

Willie Mae "Big Mama' Thornton is the badass, raw, greasy REAL DEAL.

Born on December 11th, 1926 in Alabama, 'Big Mama' was an American rhythm and blues singer and songwriter. She was the first to record the hit song "Hound Dog" in 1952. The record was #1 on the Billboard R&B charts for seven weeks in 1953; the single sold almost two million copies. (via WikiPedia)

Sadly, Thornton died of a heart attack in Los Angeles on July 25, 1984, at age 57.

Without 'Big Mama,' there would be no Elvis. Let's be clear. So in honor of her memory, get into this greasy down-home performance of HER hit 'Hound Dog' in 1965, featuring mister Buddy Guy! 

(Big Mama Thornton, Muddy Waters, Otis Spann and the rest of the Muddy Waters Band)