Historic Marker & Museum Unveiling Honoring Big Mama Thornton in Her Hometown of Ariton, Alabama March 1, 2025

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Historic Marker & Museum Unveiling Honoring Big Mama Thornton in Her Hometown of Ariton, Alabama March 1, 2025

Come be a part of history as the

Wiregrass Blues Society

pays tribute to one of Alabama’s

most influential musical pioneers!

Friday, March 1, 2025 | 11a | FREE

Old Greyhound Bus Station

Corner of W Main Street & Creel Richardson St

Downtown Ariton, AL 36311

MAP

Facebook Event - Invite your friends!

Celebrate the legacy of blues legend Big Mama Thornton

with live performances by Debbie Bond and Lenny Trawick

and an exclusive exhibit featuring photos, posters,

news articles, and memorabilia of both

Big Mama Thornton and JW Warren.

Born on December 11, 1926, in Ariton, Alabama, WILLIE MAE “BIG MAMA” THORNTON musical journey began in a Baptist church where her parents played significant roles. Despite facing early challenges, including the loss of her mother at a young age, Thornton’s resilience and passion for music propelled her to pursue her dreams.

Self-taught and deeply connected to her experiences, Thornton’s powerful voice resonated with audiences across the nation, blending elements of Pop, Rock, and Soul. Her rendition of “Hound Dog”, penned by Leiber and Stoller, became a chart-topping hit and a cornerstone of rock-and-roll history.

Throughout her career, Thornton’s talent shone bright, yet she faced financial hardships and struggles due to the lack of publishing rights to her own creations. Despite these challenges, her impact on the music industry and her influence on future generations of artists remain undeniable.

Tragically, Thornton passed away in 1984, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate music enthusiasts worldwide. In recognition of her immense contributions, she was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024 under the musical influence category.