Old School Saturdays--Blues Legend, Koko Taylor 1928-2009
photo courtesy of thebluesblast.comA few days ago, I had my TV on while I was getting dressed; on the news they mentioned that Koko Taylor had passed away, the astonishing blues singer. I made a note to self, “Old School Saturday’s post will be about Koko.”
Popularly known as “Queen of the Blues,” Koko Taylor was born Cora Walton, in 1928, in Tennessee. Her signature voice, rough and powerful and her traditional blues stylings were a dead give away when she blessed a blues song. In 1952, Koko left Tennessee and headed for Chicago with her husband, Robert “Pops” Taylor; she started singing in Chicago clubs in the late 50s. In 1926, she was noticed by the likes of Willie Dixon, a singer/songwriter, blues bassist, record producer, and arranger; this led Koko to her first recording contract and a wider audience. Signed to Chess Records, in 1965, she recorded her first hit single, Wang Dang Doodle, written by Dixon and featured guitarist Little Walter. This single reached #4 on the R & B charts in 1966, selling millions of copies. Koko later went on a national tour, opening up her fan base and making her more accessible to a wider record-buying public in the late 60s and early 70s. She saw much success after signing with Alligator Records in 1975. Eight of her nine albums recorded at Alligator were Grammy-nominated, all the while, Koko was dominating the female blues ranks, winning twenty-five W.C. Handy Awards (more than any other artists).
Many other awards would follow including being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, winning a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album, receiving the Blues Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award and more. Koko is also said to have influenced artists such as Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Shemekia Copeland, Shannon Curfman, and Susan Tedeschi.
To read more about Koko Taylor check out her website at kokotaylor.com. Now enjoy the playlist I’ve put together for you.
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3 comments:
She was a legend - I was so sad at her passing but she made a great contribution to the music world that lives on!
I agree she is a legend and she had A voice.
It's a shame that we dont have much really talented singers like her now.
thank you both for your comments. @suZen, you're right, her music will live on and will continue inspiring artists.
@lazyking, yea, talented singers today are few and far between.
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