Koko was born in Memphis Tennessee in 1935 and she moved to Chicago at eighteen years old. Her gospel singing background led to her stepping up on stage at clubs frequented by her and her husband, Robert 'Pops' Taylor. Familiar with Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie's work, Koko soon was belting blues with Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and others. Soon discovered by Willie Dixon, Taylor was signed by Chess Records where her take on Willie's "Wang Dang Doodle' became her first hit!
Picked up by Alligator Records after the demise of Chess, Koko debuted I Got What It Takes in 1975. Following up with The Earthshaker, From The Heart of A Woman, Queen Of The Blues, Live From Chicago: An Audience With The Queen, Jump For Joy, Force Of Nature, and Royal Blue. Koko's rise to be known as the 'Queen Of The Blues' came as a result of her stolid determination, her unconquerable style, and her association with Alligator Records. On her Alligator releases, she has been teamed with the cream of blues talent: Mighty Joe Young, Sammy Lawhorn, Abb Locke, Pinetop Perkins, Billy Branch, A.C. Reed, Albert Collins, Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, James Cotton, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Keb' Mo', and Johnnie Johnson.
On these selections she is also joined by the likes of Criss Johnson, Vino Louden, Johnny B. Moore, Johnny B. Gayden, Ray Allison, Professor Eddie Lusk, Bill Heid, Carey Bell, and Gene Barge. Koko's trademark growl and deep registered responses continues to entrance listeners and audiences. Still hot on today's blues circuits, Koko Taylor and her Blues Machine continue performing and touring. This retro-collection shares early and contemporary Koko Taylor with her many fans and another legion and generation of listeners. A deserved and long sought, best of Koko ... the unique affirmation of her legend!
Alligator Records; P.O. Box 60234; Chicago, IL 60660: or, www.alligator.com
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Mark A. Cole, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
For permission to use this review please email Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com
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