A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs Episode 15: “Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thornton
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Jan 14, 2019 Exploring the roots of rock and roll music, the legacy of Diamond Teeth Mary, identity struggles of artists, songwriting disputes, and unfair exploitation in the music industry are discussed in this intriguing episode.
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Rock and Roll's Racial Context
- Rock and roll's development is linked to America's racial landscape in the mid-20th century.
- Racial lines were being redrawn, creating liminal spaces where interesting art emerged.
Diverse Collaboration
- Big Mama Thornton's "Hound Dog" resulted from a collaboration between a Black singer, a Greek-American producer, and two Jewish songwriters.
- This collaboration exemplifies the diverse cultural influences shaping rock and roll.
Mentorship and Early Career
- Big Mama Thornton, a powerful blues singer, was mentored by Diamond Teeth Mary.
- Mary, Bessie Smith's half-sister, discovered Thornton and launched her career.