Big Mama Thornton: with the Muddy Waters Blues Band—1966
Big Mama was one of the greatest (if not the greatest) women blues singers (she also played harmonica very well) of the postwar era. Little known today because of the misfortune of having her greatest hit "Hound Dog" (the #1 song on the R&B charts for seven weeks in 1953 which sold over 2 million copies) covered by Elvis. Needless to say Big Mama's version is mostly forgotten, even though it's a better, grittier version than Presley's (Big Mama definitely ain't talkin' bout no dog).
This CD finds her backed by a nonpareil band. Muddy Water's mid 60's unit featuring Muddy on guitar, James Cotton-harmonica, Otis Spann-piano, Sam Lawhorn-guitar, Luther Johnson-bass, and Francis Clay-drums. But even with such stellar backing its still Big Mama's show. If your blues collection contains very few blueswomen, this is a great place to start. Big Mama's still at the top of her game, and there was no greater blues band at the time than Muddy's. Great sound and great music.
Also pick up a greatest hits collection (one that features her 50's material) and decide for yourself which version of "Hound Dog" is best.