In honour
of Black History Month, Jazzanooga will present a live dramatic/musical
performance the life of one of the "most important female architects of
rock & roll and modern blues," Big Mama Thornton.
The event
will be held on two nights; Friday, Feb. 27, and Saturday, Feb. 28, from
7:30-9:30 p.m. at The Camp House, 149 E. ML King Blvd.
Review for
Big Mama: -
Willie Mae
Thornton, known as Big Mama, was the original vocal powerhouse of the hit song
"Hound Dog," commonly associated with Elvis Presley, and "Ball
and Chain," covered by Janis Joplin. In 1984, Thornton was inducted into
the Blues Hall of Fame. Her song "Ball and Chain" appears in the Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame list of "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll."
“Big
Mama’s life story and her struggles to stardom always fascinated me,” states
Shane Morrow, director of Jazzanooga. “I wanted to place a spotlight on this
African American Southern Blues legend that was billed at one time as the “New
Bessie Smith” and bring forth a discovery of her prominent role in Blues and
Rock & Roll in this one-woman musical.
Big Mama
Thornton will be played by locally based vocalist and actress, Azusa
Dance. “Having this opportunity to
showcase the work and spirit of this woman who didn’t let racism or inequality
stop her from becoming an American Legend is truly an honor for me,” states Ms.
Dance. “I hope that the audiences really connect to her struggles as an African
American woman trying to succeed in the 1950s and 60s as a professional
singer.”
General
admission tickets for $15 are now on sale at www.big-mama-thornton.eventbrite.com
and will be available at the door the night of the performance. For more information on the performance and
Jazzanooga, go to their website, www.jazzanooga.org
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