Koko Taylor: The Queen of Chicago Blues

Cora "Koko" Taylor was an American blues singer whose powerful, gritty voice became a defining sound of Chicago blues. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, her career was cemented by the 1966 hit "Wang Dang Doodle," which sold a million copies and became her signature song.

Early Career

Born Cora Anna Walton in 1928, she grew up in Memphis and began singing in church before moving to Chicago in 1952 with her husband, Robert "Pops" Taylor. Immersed in the city's vibrant blues scene, she was discovered by blues legend Willie Dixon in the early 1960s, who helped her secure a recording contract with Chess Records.

Breakthrough

Her breakthrough arrived in 1966 with the Willie Dixon-penned single "Wang Dang Doodle." Released on Chess Records, the song became a major R&B chart success, reportedly selling over a million copies and earning Taylor the nickname "Queen of the Blues." This hit established her as a leading figure in the genre and a rare female powerhouse in a male-dominated scene.

Key Tracks

Wang Dang Doodle - This raucous, party anthem was her commercial breakthrough and definitive hit, written for her by Willie Dixon.

I'm A Woman - A bold declaration of strength and independence, this track perfectly showcased her commanding vocal presence.

Let Me Love You Baby - A staple of her live performances, this song highlighted her raw, emotive delivery within the Chicago blues tradition.

After Chess Records closed, Taylor signed with Alligator Records in 1975, a move that revitalized her career. She recorded a series of acclaimed albums for the label, including 1978's "The Earthshaker" and 1984's "Queen of the Blues," which earned her a Grammy nomination. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Koko Taylor remained a relentless performer, touring extensively and winning numerous Blues Music Awards. Her 2007 album "Old School" was a critically hailed return to form, winning her the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.

Artists with a similar powerful, Chicago-rooted blues style include Buddy Guy, a fellow Chess Records alumnus and guitar icon. The soulful delivery of Etta James shares a similar emotional depth and vocal power. For the raw, electric Chicago sound, listen to Howlin' Wolf, whose influence is heard in Taylor's forceful approach.