RIP Koko Taylor

Linda · **Posted:** Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:44 pm

Quote:

'Blues queen' Koko Taylor dies

Koko Taylor, who was known as the "Queen Of Blues," died today (June 3) at a Chicago hospital. She was 80.

The singer, who won a Grammy Award in 1984 and appeared in the David Lynch film 'Wild At Heart', passed away about two weeks after she underwent surgery for a gastrointestinal bleed, reports the Associated Press.

Taylor, whose career spanned more than 50 years, gave her last performance in Memphis, Tennessee on May 7 at the Blues Music Awards. She was widely lauded for being a successful woman in a male-dominated genre, and performed an average of 100 concerts a year.

Born Cora Walton to Tennessee sharecroppers, she earned her nickname 'Koko' because of her love of chocolate.

Taylor is survived by her husband Hays Harris, her daughter, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will soon be announced, said her label Alligator Records.

http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/45093

Murdog · 29 Sep 2006

Koko Taylor was fabulous. This is a loss for anyone who loves the blues. God rest your sweet soul Koko.

Tuna · 21 Dec 2007

So sorry to hear this.

GoogaMooga · 02 Aug 2006

RIP Koko Taylor. There aren't many of the old guard left. I've got her Chess album and a few on Alligator and was fortunate to see her live in a small club. She immortalized the song "Wang Dang Doodle".

Stackolee · 17 Oct 2007

I was a huge fan of Koko Taylor. Saw her live twice (once in a small club and once at a festival in Telluride). Interviewed her once. Wonderful singer and songwriter. Beautiful human being. The Blues Music Award she won last month was her 29th. That's more than anyone else and all well deserved. Thanks for the music, Koko. We'll miss you.

NoURider · **Joined:** 21 Jul 2006 **Posts:** 3309

I've seen Koko so many times in Chicago, that it would get to the point of, oh Koko's on the bill...yet she always delivered. One of my favorites was in the 84 sitting literally at her feet while she played to the lunch crowd @ the Dailey Center in downtown Chicago.
What a voice. What power. What a person.
RIP.

Harcourt Fenton Mudd · 11 Feb 2006

I never got the chance to see her live.

I own a bunch of her music.

There's nothing else to say.

cryton · **Joined:** 06 Feb 2007 **Posts:** 5214

Very sorry to read this. I was fortunate enough to see Koko once - at the Kansas City Jazz & Blues Festival.

R.I.P. Koko and thank you for the music.

Jeff Leventhal · 12 Jan 2007

I was never fortunate enough to have seen her live.

It's sad that most blues-related news consists of the passing of yet another giant in the field.

RIP Koko Taylor

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