Known in the music world as the "Queen of the Blues", Taylor died of complications from gastrointestinal surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, her record label, Alligator Records, announced.
Taylor’s death came about two weeks after having surgery for a gastrointestinal bleed, the company said. She underwent a surgery on May 15.
Her death also came slightly less than a month after her last performance at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis. The American blues musician gave her final performance on May 7 in the Award show where she collected her record 29th Blues Music Award.
Reactions to the singer’s demise
Reacting to Taylor’s death, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley said: "Koko Taylor's life and music brought joy to millions of people all around the world and Chicago is especially honored that she called our city her home for more than 50 years.
“The strength of her style was formed in the night clubs of Chicago's South Side and she carried that spirit with her wherever she went. She was an ambassador for our city and truly was the queen of a kind of music that makes people think of Chicago whenever they hear it."
"Koko had to be twice as tough as the men to get along. She ruled her band with an iron hand. She was absolutely determined to make it. She just was determined this was her life. This was her job and she was going to do it no matter what," said Bruce Iglauer, owner, Alligator Records.
"The passion that she brought and the fire and the growl in her voice when she sang was the truth," blues singer and musician Ronnie Baker Brooks said of the beloved entertainer. "The music will live on, but it's much better because of Koko. It's a huge loss."
Koko Taylor and her works
Born Cora Walton on Sept. 28, 1928 in Memphis, TN, Taylor picked up the nickname "Koko" because of her love of chocolate as a child. Known primarily for her rough and powerful vocals and traditional blues stylings, Taylor was considered one of the greats in the blues genre.
Taylor released her debut album “Koko Taylor” for Chess Records in 1969, followed by "I Got What It Takes" (1975), "Queen of the Blues" (1985), "The Earthshaker" (1978), and most recent "Old School" (2007).
Taylor, who had a tremendous singing career for 50 years, won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1985 for her album "Queen of the Blues". Her most recent album, 2007's "Old School", released on Alligator, was also nominated for a Grammy.
Besides her signature track “Wang Wang Doodle”, Taylor had many other popular songs, such as “Hey Bartender,” “I’m a Woman”.
Taylor is survived by her husband Hays Harris, daughter Joyce Threatt, son-in-law Lee Threatt, grandchildren Lee Jr. and Wendy, and three great-grandchildren.
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