R.I.P. Koko Taylor

Koko Taylor, the Queen of the Blues, died yesterday. Born near Memphis, she moved to Chicago and cleaned houses while sitting in at blues clubs at night...until Willie Dixon found her. Signed to Chess Records, she became a touring phenomenon. A serious car accident and a heart attack couldn't do it, but complications from intestinal surgery finally did.

Man oh man, was she amazing on stage. I got to see her about twenty years ago at a blues festival. Her set simply smoked, but the highlight was when she came up and surprised Albert King and sat in with his band. She was playful, soulful, amazing.

Rest in peace Koko and thank you.