Koko Taylor

Koko Taylor

Accurately dubbed "the Queen of Chicago blues" (and sometimes just the blues in general), Koko Taylor helped keep the tradition of big-voiced, brassy female blues belters alive, recasting the spirits of early legends like Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Big Mama Thornton, and Memphis Minnie for the modern age. Taylor's rough, raw vocals were perfect for the swaggering new electrified era of the blues, and her massive hit "Wang Dang Doodle" served notice that male dominance in the blues wasn't as exclusive as it seemed. (AllMusicOutstanding. File under: Blues Divas.

Discography:

In the music library: Blues 29: Wang Dang Doodle

The Alligator Records 25th Anniversary CollectionEvil 

Links: Wikipedia     AllMusic     Discogs     45cat       Alligator Records 

Christgau Consumer Guide                  NPR      Koko Taylor Photo Page      

Queen of theBlues: Koko Taylor Talks About Her Subjects

Obituary: Chicago Sun-Times      The Guardian      The Telegraph      YouTube: Koko Taylor: The Life of a Blues Legend

© Ian Hughes 2015