Chicago blues legend Koko Taylor, known internationally as the "Queen of the Blues," passed away on Wednesday June 3, 2009 as a result of complications from a recent operation. Taylor had undergone surgery in Chicago on May 19th to fix a gastrointestinal bleed, and according to a previous post on her website, was originally expected to make a full recovery.
Taylor made her last public appearance a couple of weeks ago, singing her signature Chess Records hit "Wang Dang Doodle" in front of a thrilled audience at the 30th Blues Music Awards show in Memphis, Tennessee. Taylor walked off stage that night with the award for "Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year," her 29th W.C. Handy/Blues Music Award, more than any other blues artist. Taylor was also a Grammy™ Award winner and the recipient of a NEA National Heritage Fellowship Award, and was honored by induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1997.
Over an amazing career that spanned 45+ years, Taylor carved out her own niche in the male-dominated blues world. One of Chess Records' most popular artists, Taylor was a master of all media. The bawdy blueswoman appeared in several films, including Blues Brothers 2000, and performed on television several times, including Late Night With David Letterman and Late Night With Conan O'Brien. Taylor remained a creative force at the time of her death, her critically-acclaimed 2007 Alligator Records album Old School widely considered to be one of her best, and earning Taylor a Blues Music Award for "Traditional Blues Album of the Year."
Taylor overcame poverty, tragedy, and physical infirmity to become one of the most popular blues singers in the world, male or female. Her dynamic live performances and recordings have influenced countless young musicians, including artists like Bonnie Raitt, Shemekia Copeland, and Susan Tedeschi. Taylor is survived by her husband, daughter, and other family members. Her presence in the world of the blues will be missed greatly.
Related Content: Koko Taylor profile
Photo courtesy Alligator Records
Comments
To Koko Taylor’s friends & family; my prayers and sympathies. I had the pleasure to meet Koko on the occasion of the Blues Music Awards – this will remain a fond memory. The spirit of truth which she so willingly infused in her music can be felt; will always be felt with each listen.
She will be missed; she will not be forgotten.
….Gary
I’m deeply saddened by the news of Koko’s death, I have loved her for years and she will last in my memory the remainder of my days.
I send my deepest sympathy for her family.
This is from Tokyo, Japan.
I am surprised to hear the news of her passing away.
We missed the Queen of the Blues.
I was lucky to see her last perfomance in Tokyo, Jul.2007 and take photo.
Please see
http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~detectiv/jbsc07koko.htm
R.I.P.
Mrs. Koko Taylor has been and always be my favorite female blues artist of all time…..
My thoughts and prays goes out to her wonderful family…..She will always be remember as the Queen of Blues……
Nancy
So sorry for her family and blues lovers. Another great legend of the blues has left us, and we must try and carry on the tradition, to pass it on to our young.
i was lucky to see Koko play a number of times.
She rocked the house.
I miss you Koko.
God bless your family.
you are missed.
albert grande
We will sadly miss Koko. The great Queen of the Blues. Koko will never be forgotten. She will be in our hearts forever…..Lots and lots of respect to a beautiful lady…Mojo and the boys!
I had the pleasure of seeing Koko about 25 years ago at a little hole in the wall bar in Kitchener Ontario. To this day when my buddies and I talk about some of the better shows we’ve seen, that night is always brought up. Great music and great showmanship. She will be missed. May God bless her,although I think he already has.
Love and peace to Koko and her family, friends, and fans. I was looking forward to seeing and hearing her at the Blues Fest next week. This was to be my first visit to Chicago and now sadly it will be a tribute; but a fitting one I’m sure. Thank you Koko for all the deep resonating music, love, and strength of spirit you gave us all. Peace.
I saw KoKo Taylor for the first time at Max’s On Broadway in Baltimore, Md. in 1993 and became instantly a fan of her’s. A close friend who was a member of the Baltimore Blues Society took me to see her. Thanks Bradley! It saddened me to hear she had died. The world has lost a precious jewel. God Bless her family and friends.
if you people missed this one
you miss agreat lady
a one of a kind
love clod
KOKO will be greatly missed.
I last saw koko Taylor at B.B. King Blues Club in Nashville several years ago. we lost another blues great. as always thanks for keeping us posted rev Keith.
Sad : reminds me of the late Janis Joplin
Aloha! ies