Koko Taylor, born Cora Walton on September 28, 1928, was known as the "Queen of the Blues" for her gritty, powerful vocals and indomitable presence in a genre dominated by men. Taylor's journey in music began in the shadows of her Tennessee sharecropper parents' lean existence, with her moving to Chicago in the 1950s. There, she immersed herself in the vibrant blues scene and eventually caught the attention of Willie Dixon, a major figure in the development of the Chicago blues sound. Dixon's guidance and songwriting helped Taylor score her first major hit with "Wang Dang Doodle" in 1965, which became an enduring blues classic.

Through the years, Koko Taylor's music became synonymous with the raw and emotive spirit of the blues. She recorded a string of successful albums for the illustrious Chess Records, and later for Alligator Records, where her work like "The Alligator Records Years" consolidated her legacy. She earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy award in 1984 for Best Traditional Blues Album with "Blues Explosion," a testament to her dynamic performances and contribution to keeping the blues alive. Taylor's career spanned across decades, influencing countless artists and solidifying her place as blues royalty with an immeasurable impact on the genre. Even after her passing in June 2009, Koko Taylor's music continues to resonate, capturing the timeless essence of Chicago blues for future generations.

Genres

Blues

Chicago Blues

Electric Blues

Traditional Blues

Related Artists

Etta James

Muddy Waters

Big Mama Thornton

Howlin' Wolf

Janis Joplin

Bessie Smith

Little Walter

Willie Dixon

Shemekia Copeland

Ma Rainey

Tina Turner

Bonnie Raitt

Latest Release

The Alligator Records Years

Koko Taylor

Album - 15 Tracks - Released August 6, 2013