We are sad to announce the death of one of our all time favourite female blues singers - Koko Taylor. Her death occurred on June 3rd, 2009 in Chicago. This was a result of corrective surgery for a gastrointestinal bleed. In May 2009, Koko had won her 29th Blues Music Award (traditional blues artist of the year). Her last cd was released in 2007 ('Old School') which was nominated for a prestigious Grammy award.

Koko was born near Memphis on 28th September 1928 on a farm. The name Koko was given to her because of her love of chocolate. Her influences were gospel music and disc jockeys including B.B King and Rufus Thomas. She moved to Chicago with her husband Robert 'Pops' Taylor, became a cleaner by day and a guest singer at the blues clubs by night.

Willie Dixon proved to be pivotal to her singing career, securing her with a Chess contract and writing 'Wang Dang Doodle' for her. This became her signature tune as well as a million seller. He also joined in on vocals. This song was played frequently at the Blue Note club in Manchester where its haunting backing track could almost have been the club's theme tune, so well did it describe the unique atmosphere.