R.I.P. Koko Taylor

R.I.P. and TCB to Koko Taylor, Queen of the Chicago Blues, who passed away this week at the age of 80.

Born near Memphis, like any good blues artist, Koko made her name in the electrified, gritty Windy City blues scene when she was discovered by the legendary Willie Dixon, who told her “I never heard a woman sing the blues like you sing the blues.” He signed her to Chess Records and wrote "Wang Dang Doodle" for her, which became her signature song.

Koko & Willie also recorded together for Chess, including an amazing track called "Insane Asylum."

She continued recording (later on Alligator Records) and playing over 50 live shows a year right up till the end. Her ferocious, feisty spirit lives on in the blues and far beyond, as PJ Harvey's amazing cover of "Wang Dang Doodle" atttests. Let's think of this as a eulogy to one of the great ladies of the blues. Take it away, Polly.