Wednesday, June 03, 2009

RIP Koko Taylor

Legendary blues singer Koko Taylor died today at age 80 in Chicago due to complications from intestinal surgery two weeks ago. Koko did have health problems in recent years but continued to perform. Her final performance was at last month's Blues Music Awards in Memphis. She was born Cora Walton Sept. 28, 1928 in Memphis. Her love of chocolate earned her the nickname Koko. In 1953, she married truck driver Robert "Pops" Taylor and they moved to Chicago. She worked as a maid during the day and sang in clubs at night. Willie Dixon signed her to Chess Records and produced her 1965 hit and signature song Wang Dang Doodle. When Chess had financial problems in the 70s, Koko signed with Bruce Iglauer's fledgling Alligator Records in 1975 and recorded for them for the remainder of her career. Tragedy struck in 1988 when Koko & Robert were in a van accident while on tour. Robert suffered cardiac arrest and died a few months later. Koko took time off but roared back with the 1993 CD Force Of Nature. She also opened her own club in Chicago in 1994 and closed it in 2001 for health reasons. An October 2003 heart attack left Koko in a coma. But she recovered and returned to performing in 2004. Her health forced her to cut back on her schedule but her 2007 CD Old School was nominated for a Grammy. As a woman in a man's game, Koko Taylor's determination and talent made her one of the legends of Chicago Blues. Here's a video about Koko Taylor courtesy of the Chicago Tribune. RIP Koko Taylor.

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