Shonka dukureh biography

Shonka Dukureh, the Nashville blues singer who made her film debut playing Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis, died on Thursday. She was

Dukureh was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 3, She earned a Bachelors degree in Theatre and later a Masters degree in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University, with intentions to become a teacher.

Shonka Dukureh, Who Played Big Mama Thornton in 'Elvis,' Dies ...

But instead, she followed her passion into the arts.

Luhrmann discovered Dukureh while searching for vocalists to feature in his Elvis Presley biopic. "Her performance was so great she seemed the perfect person to play the all-important role of 'Big Mama' Thornton," he previously said. Willie Mae Thornton was the first to record "Hound Dog" in , a year before Presley made it a hit.

(Austin Butler stars as Elvis in the film.)

Dukureh's recording of "Hound Dog" appears on the movie's official soundtrack, with her vocals also featured on Doja Cat's track, "Vegas. 'Elvis' Actress Shonka Dukureh's Cause of Death Confirmed ... TIKIC