A Tribute to Big Mama Thornton is a biographical exploration of the influential 20th century artist Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton. The work is written, conceived, and embodied by the poet and performer Pamela Sneed. A Tribute to Big Mama Thornton is a vivacious cabaret performance dedicated to an unsung Black woman founder of rock and roll, best known as the original voice behind “Hound Dog” and “Ball ‘n’ Chain.” Backed by a live four-piece band led by guitarist and Music Director Viva DeConcini, Sneed sings, speaks, and celebrates the complications and beauty of Thornton’s journey into vivid theatrical life. Crafted with an eye toward restorative justice, Big Mama pays overdue credit to Thornton’s musical legacy.

Please note that Joe’s Pub’s menu of food and drinks will be served throughout these fully-seated cabaret performances with a two-drink or one food item minimum per person.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Pamela Sneed is a New York-based poet, performer, cultural critic, educator, and visual artist. She has performed and exhibited widely throughout the United States and Europe. She is the recipient of a Creative Capital in Literature, as well as several other awards. She is the author of Imagine Being More Afraid of Freedom Than Slavery, KONG and Other Works, Sweet Dreams, and Funeral Diva. Funeral Diva won the 2021 Lambda Lesbian Poetry Award and was featured in The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, Lit Hub, Art Net and more. In 2021, Sneed was a panelist for The David Zwirner Gallery’s More Life exhibit, and has spoken at Bard Center for Humanities, The Ford Foundation, The Gordon Parks Foundation, Columbia University, The New School, New York Public Library, The Brooklyn Museum, MOMA, DIA, and NYU’s Center For Humanities. She has published in The Paris Review, Frieze Magazine, Art Forum, The Academy of American Poets, The Brooklyn Rail, THEM, BOMB, and most recently Poetry Magazine. She has appeared in Nikki Giovanni’s The 100 Best African American Poets. Her visual work has appeared at Ford Foundation, Kates-Ferris, and Laurel Gitlen Gallery in New York City.

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