Koko Taylor – so named because of her lifelong fondness for chocolate – was born in 1928 and earned the title “Queen of the Blues” after cutting her teeth on Chicago’s club scene in the early 1950s.
She had moved there from Tennessee with future husband Robert ‘Pops’ Taylor, armed – in Koko’s words – with just “35 cents and a box of Ritz crackers”.
Chess signed her up in the 60s, and it was with that label that she recorded the million-selling hit Wang Dang Doodle (1966).
It was a song that showcased her raw blues shout, taking her cue from Big Mama Thornton and Memphis Minnie.
She was also nominated for seven Grammys. Taylor passed away in August 2009.
Related Posts
Sharon Tandy If there was any justice in the world, Johannesburg-born Sharon Tandy (born Sharon Finkelstein) would have been up there with Dionne…
Al Wilson Al Wilson was born in Meridian, Mississippi, in June 1939 and sang in a church choir and his own gospel…
Steampacket Because their ranks included a future superstar, The Steampacket have received more attention than they really deserve. Featuring vocalists Rod Stewart, Long…
Johnny Mathis Johnny Mathis was born in September 1935 in Gilmer, Texas, and grew up in San Francisco. The son of a…
Dells, The The Dells have been around so long they make The Rolling Stones look like young whippersnappers. Starting out in Chicago as a Doo…
Freddie King Texas bluesman Freddie (originally 'Freddy') King was often named as one of 'the Three Kings' alongside BB and Albert. Although not as…
Larry Parnes 1929 - 1989 Laurence Maurice Parnes was born on 3 September 1929 to a Jewish family in Willesden, London. After…
Doris Troy Born Doris Elaine Higginsen in the Bronx, she later took her grandmother's name and grew up as Doris Payne. Her…
