I really loved this book. It’s sort of a biography in the form of a collection of essays. This author adds a lot of nuance and care to Willie Mae’s story that is quite refreshing and insightful. I would totally recommend this to anyone who is interested in music history.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

I have always been fascinated with Ms. Willie Mae Thornton. This book did not disappoint. It gives insight into her life, the hardships she faced and the music giants she influenced. I wish she would get the accolades and praise she deserves. This book is an amazing start.

I recommend this book with the highest accolades!!! Her story is remarkable because of her ability to be the trailblazer for black women in blues music. Despite her lack of education, she was able to persevere against racism and opposition in the music world. She’s a true hero. This book was meticulously researched which was evident in the eloquent writing. Bravo to Lynnee Denise for writing this book. Traveling and performing in the heart of the JIm Crow era took a lot of courage and determination!!!! I actually got to see her perform at the Newport Festival in 1969 with the Muddy Waters Band backing her up…remarkable! Thank you for this book on Willie Mae Thornton…..brilliant!

Very god read and insight on this fascinating woman. Been a fan of hers since the first time I heard her. If you want to learn about her, read this book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest opinion. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my review.

This is an outstandingly good collection of essays on ("Big Mama") Willie Mae Thornton's life and career. I knew a little about her before reading, but not much, and some of that is because this is only the second biography written about her. Massively influential to early rock n roll, Thornton had a full blues career that spanned from the 1940s until her death in the 1980s. If one of the goals of the book is to make people want to investigate her music further, then consider it a success.

I have tried to download this book many times, and it is not set up to go to my Kindle. I cannot read on the phone - eyes are too far gone for that. It's a shame - I love Big Mama and listen to her often. This is a book I would have loved to read.

Big Mama's Blues takes readers on a captivating journey into the life and music of the legendary blues woman, Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton. As someone who initially discovered Big Mama through the influences of Elvis and Janis Joplin, I was eager to delve deeper into the story of this incredible artist. This book turned out to be an unexpected joy, exceeding my expectations by not only chronicling her life but also exploring the profound cultural impacts of race and gender within the exploitive world of music.

The writing style is exceptionally well-crafted, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. The author skillfully navigates through Big Mama's personal experiences, shedding light on the challenges she faced as a black woman in the music industry. By delving into the cultural context of the time, the book offers valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of an African American female artist during an era marked by adversity and inequality.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this book was the way it seamlessly weaves together Big Mama's life story and her music. The author's descriptions of her songs, along with their cultural significance, transported me to a different time and place. So much so, that I found myself compelled to listen to her music on repeat while reading. This added layer allowed me to fully appreciate Big Mama's talent and understand her iconic status in the world of blues.

In conclusion, Big Mama's Blues is a highly recommended read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton and the socio-cultural complexities that accompanied her musical journey. Through its well-rounded narrative, this book manages to captivate, educate, and inspire its readers. Prepare to be moved by the powerful voice of Big Mama and the indomitable spirit she possessed.

Having discovered Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton through Elvis and Janis Joplin, I couldn't wait to learn more about this amazing blues woman. I found this book an unexpected joy, not only did it chronicle her life but explored the cultural impact of both race and gender in the exploitive world of music. Well written and thoroughly engaging, it also nudged me to listen to her music on repeat while I was reading. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and University of Texas Press for an advanced reader copy