There are many rock artists throughout history that have had lasting impacts on the culture but may not receive the proper recognition they deserve. We all know and love The Beatles and The Rolling Stones and continue to give them their flowers today, but there are so many other artists who have shaped rock music as we know it that deserve bigger spotlights.
That's why Collider decided to make a list of the "10 Most Underrated Classic Rock Artists of All Time" in an effort to prop up some forgotten heroes of the genre while recognizing all the challenges they might have faced and the accomplishments they were able to achieve despite them.
"Ahead, the stories of these oft-neglected kings and queens of rock and roll who inspired the likes of Little Richard, Buddy Holly, The Rolling Stones and countless others," Collider writes. "In these trailblazers' stories are the roots of modern rock music and even fandom culture."
Big Mama Thornton. Blues singer opens at the Colonial.https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/big-mama-thornton-blues-singer-opens-at-the-colonial-news-photo/502519513?adppopup=true
The list includes classic rock legends such as Richard Berry at No. 7, LaVern Baker at No. 5 and Sister Rosetta Tharpe at No. 3. Just shy of the top spot is Ma Rainey — also known as the "Mother of Blues" — whose influence in blues music can be seen in the works of Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin.
But the No. 1 most underrated classic rock artist, according to Collider, is none other than the 1950s rock legend Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton. Thornton rarely ever receives the proper credit that she deserves for the impact she's had on rock music. Her powerful vocals on the 1952 iconic song "Hound Dog" was her biggest hit, and was later popularized by Elvis Presley when he recorded his own version of the song three years later.
Band leader Johnny Otis tags out Little Arthur Matthews as "Big Mama" Willie Mae Thornton umpires in circa 1956.Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
This would not be the first time Thornton's talent would be overshadowed or under-appreciated by the music industry. After her record label refused to let her release her 1961 song "Ball and Chain," Thornton missed out on receiving royalties for the hit after it was recorded and released by Janis Joplin to major success. Thornton died in 1984 at the age of 57, cutting her talent and career far too short.
It's no secret that Thornton's race, gender and sexuality played a significant role in the way she was overlooked throughout the course of her career. Despite having immense talent and being a pioneer in the rock music world ), the lack of recognition she received at the time was a reflection of attitudes surrounding race in the 20th century and how it seeped into music as well.
(L-R) Aretha Franklin, Big Mama Thornton performing on the ABC tv series 'Omnibus'.Photo by Jim Britt /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images
"With sexual lyrics, open lesbianism and larger-than-life stage presence, Thornton challenged the rigid conventions of femininity and embodied the iconoclasm at the heart of rock and roll," Collider writes. "Without her, the entire genre may very well have lacked its rebellious spirit from the start."
But Big Mama Thornton's legacy continues to shine today. Doja Cat's single "Vegas" for the Elvis movie in 2022 sampled Thornton's "Hound Dog," with Thornton even appearing as a character in the film. In 2024, she was inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame.
Related: '80s Rocker's Health Concerns Force Cancellation of Several 2026 Tour Dates
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