Willie Mae Thornton was born on December 11, 1926, in Montgomery, Alabama, and died of a heart attack on July 25th, 1984, in Los Angeles, California.

Willie Mae Thornton, who was known as “Big Mama” because of her gigantic size, continued the legacy of the great female blues singers who made their mark a few decades before their prime.

She was a popular singer on the rhythm and blues scene from the 1950s until her death in 1984.

Her most famous song, “Ball and Chain,” which was also a hit for Janis Joplin, is what most people remember her for. Her booming voice, occasionally 200-pound frame, and vivacious stage presence.

Big Mama Thornton husband: Who is Leon Smith?

In Los Angeles, California, Leon “Rock” Smith and Willie Mae Thornton got married. Little is known about Big Mama Thornton and Leon Smith’s union.

Others claim Big Mama was a lesbian and her father, a priest, would not have approved because she was gay.

Different schools of thought contend that Big Mama wed Leon Smith.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pLHLnpmroaSesrSu1LOxZ5ufonuotI6boKBlnZa6onnToaarpqSku2601KyZmqaUYsSpu4yiqmaklaS7br%2FMoquhZw%3D%3D