The 10 Most Legendary Blues Songs

9. They Call Me Big Mama – Big Mama Thornton

Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton’s career took off in 1948, with her deep and powerful voice earning her the title of the “New Bessie Smith”. The blues singer wrote and recorded several famous tracks – “Hound Dog” and “Ball ‘n’ Chain” – which reached popularity in the hands of other artists, such as Elvis Presley and Janis Joplin. However, my pick for her most legendary track is “They Call Me Big Mama” because of the character and female empowerment that it displays.