Koko Taylor Queen of the Blues

It's taken me way too long to pen my tribute to Koko Taylor. I've commented on a couple sites but haven't done the dear lady the justice she deserves.

My personal favorite Let the Good Times Roll starts out with one of my favorite all-time lines, "You only live once, and when you're dead you're gone". Ain't it the truth.

I first heard Koko Taylor on the infant WXRT, on the Blues Breaker Show. I was a huge XRT fan, back then they featured the latest cutting edge music as well as spotlighting Chicago musicians and singers. I heard about her and then found out she was doing a show up on the north side at Biddy Mulligans. After twisting my friends arm to go all the way up Sheridan Road (almost to Evanston, the other side of the world, LOL). Off we went. We arrived at this rather small divey bar that was pretty crowded for a week night. We sat at the bar and ordered a few beers. The band was playing (she always had a great band) and they started to really roll. We were enjoying the music even without a singer.

Then an older woman comes and sits down next to me. She smiles and says, how are you doing tonight? In that gravely voice of hers and I smile and say great. We all sat and bopped up and down and sideways to the music (I love the blues). Next thing we know, the band is really getting into it and the announcer says let's welcome Koko Taylor! And who gets up to go on stage (which was really the floor level and about 10 feet from where we were sitting) the woman next to me. I just about fell off my chair, and my friend just burst out laughing. Well needless to say that was my first introduction to the Queen.

We staying all night and closed the bar, we danced to every song and had an unbelievable time. The next day at work was a little rough - but it was always worth it. We went back every time we could and brought more people with us. It was back in the late 70's and the parties were always wild and fun.

I followed Koko throughout the years and always enjoyed seeing her in person. The last time I saw her was at Blues Fest last year. She needed help getting on stage, but when she started singing it was just like the first time I saw her. That same great voice and energy. What a performer.

You will be missed Koko, but you will most certainly not be forgotten. Thanks for all the wonderful memories I love them all.