Blues legend Big Mama Thornton was born in Ariton, Alabama on December 11, 1926. Known for her powerful voice and sexually explicit lyrics, Thornton was the original performer of the hit song “Hound Dog,” commonly associated with Elvis Presley, and “Ball and Chain,” covered by Janis Joplin. Thornton was known for her tough demeanor as well as her stocky frame and powerful voice. She dressed in men’s clothing and drank heavily throughout her adult life. Her drinking may have contributed to her de