Koko Taylor Biography

Short Summary

Koko Taylor, often referred to as the "Queen of the Blues," was a pioneering American blues singer known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. She gained fame in the 1960s with her hit song "Wang Dang Doodle," and continued to perform and record for decades. Taylor's contributions to the blues genre have cemented her place as one of the most influential female blues artists of all time.

Early Life & Education

Born Cora Walton on September 28, 1928, in Shelby County, Tennessee, she was one of six children in a sharecropping family. Her father, a church deacon, exposed her to gospel music, which would later influence her blues style. After her mother passed away when Taylor was just 11 years old, she and her siblings worked alongside their father in the cotton fields. She moved to Chicago in 1952 with her future husband, Robert "Pops" Taylor, where she began to immerse herself in the local blues scene, learning from the greats and honing her craft despite having no formal musical education.

Career Highlights

Her career took off after being discovered by blues legend Willie Dixon, who helped her secure a recording contract with Chess Records. In 1966, her single "Wang Dang Doodle" became a massive hit, selling over a million copies. She became a regular performer at blues festivals around the world, sharing the stage with renowned musicians such as B.B. King and Buddy Guy. Taylor's career spanned over five decades, during which she released numerous albums and won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1984 for her album "Queen of the Blues."

Major Achievements

Released the hit single "Wang Dang Doodle," which sold over a million copies and became a blues standard.
Won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1984 for "Queen of the Blues."
Received 29 Blues Music Awards, more than any other artist in history.
Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1997, recognizing her contributions to the genre.

Famous Quotes

"Blues is my life. It's a true feeling that comes from the heart."
"You ain't got the blues unless you know how it feels to have the blues."

Interesting Facts

Her nickname "Koko" was given to her because of her love for chocolate.
Despite her stage name, she never learned to play any musical instrument.
She worked as a housemaid before her music career took off.
Her version of "Wang Dang Doodle" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

Legacy / Influence

She left an indelible mark on the blues genre, inspiring countless female artists to pursue careers in music. Her powerful voice and emotive performances helped to bridge the gap between traditional blues and contemporary music, bringing the blues to a wider audience. Her influence is seen in the work of many female blues musicians who credit her as a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry.