LOGIN | REGISTER

Koko Taylor, Queen of Blues, dies
Queen of the Blues and award-winning singer Koko Taylor has died in the hospital, according to Taylor’s record label. The female singer was 80 years old.

Taylor was one of the rare women to have had a substantial career in a genre known to be dominated by men.  The singer was the vocal force behind nine blues albums, and picked up one Grammy and 29 Blues music Awards.  She was also the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts medal, given for her contribution to American music.

Taylor passed away after complications due to a recent surgery.

The daughter of a sharecropper, Koko Taylor was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1928 under her given name Cora Walton.  Her stage name came later, and referred to the singer’s love of chocolate.

The Queen of the Blues found success in Chicago, where she moved in 1952 with her late husband Robert “Pops” Taylor.

The singer, who is survived by her daughter as well as three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, was the recipient of “every award the blues world has to offer,” according to a statement on her website.  These include recognition for her best-selling hit “Wang Dang Doodle.”
Back to Top