Shonka Dukureh, who portrayed Willie Mae - Big Mama Thornton in the "Elvis" biopic, has died.
Reports say the 44-year-old singer was found unresponsive in her Nashville apartment on Thursday.
Police say one of her children found her and went to neighbours for help. Foul play is not suspected.
Shonka was a well know gospel singer in the Nashville area and was planning on releasing her first album shortly.
Image courtesy Warner. Bros pictures
"Elvis" was her first motion picture, portraying iconic R&B singer Big Mama Thornton.
As shown in the film, Thornton was the first to record the 1952 hit "Hound Dog," which Elvis later went on to make an even bigger hit.
Dukureh sings the song in the film and is featured in the film's soundtrack.
feature image courtesy Warner. Bros pictures
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