Black Music Project on Spoutible

Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

4.18.1953 #BigMamaThornton had a no.1 with “Hound Dog” on the R&B charts, but White DJs wouldn’t touch it due to marketing segregation. 3 years later, an unknown country White boy hip to Black music covered it; the rest is history. And the history of Black music is the story of America. #Elvis

A BMP infographic featuring a drawing of Big Mama Thornton holding a mic and singing exuberantly. Next to the illustration is the following text: 4.18.1953 Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton’s “Hound Dog” hit no.1 on the Rhythm & Blues charts—it was a monster success in the Black community, but White DJs wouldn’t touch it due to marketing segregation. And even if you were White and heard the tune somehow, no record stores in your area would carry it. The gatekeepers of mainstream society were not ready or willing to accept this style of unadulterated, raw Blackness, especially in a powerful female form (Big Mama lived up to her name at nearly 6’ 200 lbs).
Three years later, an unknown country White boy hip to Black music covered it; and the rest is history. And the history of Black music is the story of America.

11:04 AM - Apr 18, 2023

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In response to Black Music Project.

I got to see her at the West End Cafe in NYC in 1980 . She was very tall .

11:06 AM - Apr 18, 2023

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