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2022 Award Recipient

Joe Louis Walker

Joe Louis Walker, a versatile blues icon, blends gospel, jazz, and rock. A prolific artist and mentor, his legacy and influence span generations, keeping the blues vibrant and evolving.

2014 Award Recipient

Eddie Shaw

Eddie Shaw, a legendary saxophonist, shaped blues with his work alongside Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. His legacy endures through his music and mentorship in the blues community.

2013 Award Recipient

John Primer

John Primer, a stalwart of Chicago blues, rose from Mississippi roots to fame with Muddy Waters and Magic Slim. His authentic style and mentoring keep the blues vibrant for future generations.

2012 Award Recipient

Bobby Rush

Bobby Rush, a blues legend, rose from humble beginnings in Louisiana to Grammy-winning fame, blending traditional blues with funk and soul, inspiring generations with his dynamic performances and resilience.

2012 Award Recipient

Lonnie Brooks

Lonnie Brooks, born in Louisiana, became a blues icon with his unique blend of Delta, Texas, and Chicago blues. His influential career, marked by dynamic performances and mentoring, left a lasting legacy.

2011 Award Recipient

Otis Clay

Otis Clay, a gospel-rooted soul and blues icon, bridged musical genres with his powerful voice, leaving a lasting legacy of emotional depth and community dedication.

2010 Award Recipient

Hubert Sumlin

Hubert Sumlin, a blues guitar legend, known for his emotive, innovative style with Howlin' Wolf, influenced generations of musicians, leaving an enduring legacy in blues and rock.

2009 Award Recipient

Sugar Pie DeSanto

Sugar Pie DeSanto, a dynamic blues artist, blended cultural influences into her music, leaving a lasting legacy of passionate performances and powerful vocal delivery.

2009 Award Recipient

Magic Slim

Magic Slim, born Morris Holt, was a blues titan from Mississippi. His powerful guitar and gritty vocals defined Chicago blues, leaving an enduring legacy in the genre.

2008 Award Recipient

Denise LaSalle

Denise LaSalle, born in Mississippi, rose to fame with hits like "Trapped by a Thing Called Love." A trailblazing blues singer, songwriter, and producer, her legacy inspires future generations.

2008 Award Recipient

Billy Boy Arnold

Billy Boy Arnold, a Chicago blues legend, revolutionized harmonica playing and influenced generations with hits like "I Wish You Would," leaving an indelible mark on blues and rock music.

2007 Award Recipient

Nappy Brown

Nappy Brown, born in 1929, blended gospel, blues, and R&B with his powerful voice. His hits like "Don't Be Angry" and dynamic performances left a lasting legacy in music.

2007 Award Recipient

Jimmie Jones

Jimmie Jones, a jazz and blues historian, photographer, and advocate, dedicated his life to preserving and promoting these genres, leaving a lasting legacy of passion and education.

2007 Award Recipient

Alberta Adams

Alberta Adams, the Queen of Detroit Blues, rose from humble beginnings to become a trailblazing vocalist, blending blues, jazz, and gospel, leaving an enduring legacy in American music.

2006 Award Recipient

James Cotton

James Cotton, "Superharp," revolutionized blues harmonica, mentored by Sonny Boy Williamson II and played with Muddy Waters. His energetic performances and albums left a lasting legacy on the blues genre.

2005 Award Recipient

Sterling D. Plumpp

Sterling Plumpp, a blues poet, bridged music and literature, capturing African American experiences in his works. His legacy inspires future generations in both genres.

2005 Award Recipient

R. L. Burnside

R.L. Burnside, a Mississippi blues legend, fused traditional Delta blues with modern sounds. His gritty style and resilience left an enduring impact on the blues genre and future generations.

2004 Award Recipient

Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, a genre-blending blues virtuoso, left an indelible mark on music with his eclectic style, Grammy-winning albums, and unforgettable performances. His legacy endures.

2004 Award Recipient

Bob Koester

Bob Koester, founder of Delmark Records, preserved and promoted blues and jazz, impacting the genre significantly with his recordings and dedication. His legacy endures through his work and influence.

2003 Award Recipient

John Mayall

John Mayall, the "Godfather of British Blues," shaped the genre with his Bluesbreakers, nurturing legends like Eric Clapton. His enduring legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

2003 Award Recipient

Henry Townsend

Henry Townsend, a blues legend, bridged Delta and urban styles. Spanning 80 years, his career included iconic recordings, influential mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the blues.

2003 Award Recipient

Fred Anderson

Fred Anderson, a saxophone virtuoso, bridged jazz and blues. From Louisiana to Chicago, his innovation and mentorship left a lasting impact on the music scene and future generations.

2002 Award Recipient

“Little Milton” Campbell

Little Milton, born James Milton Campbell, was a soulful bluesman from Mississippi. Known for blending blues and soul, his hits like "We're Gonna Make It" left a lasting legacy on the genre.

2001 Award Recipient

Odetta

Odetta Holmes, the "Voice of the Civil Rights Movement," bridged folk and blues, inspiring artists like Bob Dylan. Her powerful performances championed social justice and equality.

2001 Award Recipient

Koko Taylor

Koko Taylor, the "Queen of the Blues," rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to blues stardom with hits like "Wang Dang Doodle," breaking barriers and influencing future generations.

2001 Award Recipient

John Dee Holeman

John Dee Holeman was a Piedmont blues artist known for his fingerpicking guitar style, blending traditional and modern blues. His legacy includes preserving the Piedmont blues and influencing future generations.

2000 Award Recipient

Henry Gray

Henry Gray, born in Louisiana in 1925, was a pioneering blues pianist who shaped Chicago blues. His legacy lives on through iconic recordings and influence on future musicians.

2000 Award Recipient

Gene “Daddy G” Barge

Gene "Daddy G" Barge, saxophonist and producer, shaped blues and R&B with Chess Records, iconic tracks, and innovative arrangements, leaving a lasting legacy in music.

2000 Award Recipient

Boozoo Chavis

Boozoo Chavis, zydeco pioneer, blended Creole, blues, and Cajun sounds. Known for hits like "Paper in My Shoe," he shaped zydeco and influenced future generations.

2000 Award Recipient

Bobby “Blue” Bland

Bobby "Blue" Bland, born in Tennessee, became a blues legend with hits like "Two Steps from the Blues." His blend of blues and soul influenced countless artists, leaving a lasting legacy.

1999 Award Recipient

Pinetop Perkins

Pinetop Perkins, born in 1913, was a legendary blues pianist whose career spanned eight decades. His boogie-woogie style and influence on the blues genre remain unmatched.

1999 Award Recipient

Howard Armstrong

Howard Armstrong, a versatile blues musician, blended diverse musical traditions, influenced American roots music, and left a lasting legacy through his recordings and charismatic performances.

1999 Award Recipient

Francis Clay

Francis Clay, influential blues drummer, shaped the Chicago blues sound with Muddy Waters. His blend of jazz and blues rhythms left a lasting impact on the genre and future generations.

1998 Award Recipient

John Jackson

John Jackson, a master of Piedmont blues, rose from humble beginnings to preserve traditional blues, inspiring future generations with his authentic style and soulful performances.

1998 Award Recipient

Jay McShann

Jay McShann, a pioneering pianist and bandleader, blended blues and jazz, shaping Kansas City jazz and mentoring talents like Charlie Parker, leaving a lasting musical legacy.

1997 Award Recipient

Snooky Pryor

Snooky Pryor, a pioneering blues harmonica player, revolutionized the genre with his amplified sound. His influential career and innovative style left a lasting legacy on the blues.

1997 Award Recipient

Franz Jackson

Franz Jackson, a jazz and blues legend, bridged New Orleans jazz and Chicago blues, leaving a lasting legacy through his recordings, performances, and mentorship of young musicians.

1996 Award Recipient

Robert Lockwood Jr.

Robert Lockwood Jr., a pioneering blues guitarist mentored by Robert Johnson, fused delta and Chicago blues, leaving a lasting legacy through his recordings and mentorship.

1995 Award Recipient

David “Honeyboy” Edwards

David "Honeyboy" Edwards, a Delta blues legend, preserved traditional blues while inspiring future generations with his emotive guitar work and rich storytelling. His legacy endures.

2001 Award Recipient

Koko Taylor

The Undisputed Queen of the Blues

Koko Taylor, born Cora Anna Walton on September 28, 1928, in a small town called Shelby County, Tennessee, grew up in a modest sharecropping family. The Walton family lived in a small wooden shack, and young Cora’s life was filled with the rhythm of hard work and the soulful sounds of gospel music that permeated the Southern air. Despite the harshness of their living conditions, music was a source of solace and joy for the Walton family. Cora’s father played the guitar, and her mother, who passed away when she was just 11, sang gospel songs in church. This early exposure to music deeply influenced Cora’s future path.

Introduction to Music and Early Influences

Cora’s introduction to the blues came from the radio broadcasts and records she heard in her youth. The powerful voices of blues legends like Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, and Muddy Waters resonated with her, planting the seeds of a lifelong passion. In 1952, seeking better economic opportunities, Cora moved to Chicago with her future husband, Robert “Pops” Taylor. The bustling city, with its vibrant blues scene, provided the perfect backdrop for her burgeoning musical ambitions.

Key Moments and Milestones in Her Career

Koko Taylor’s career began in earnest when she was discovered by the legendary bluesman Willie Dixon in 1962. Impressed by her raw, powerful voice, Dixon helped her secure a contract with Chess Records. Her first single, “Honky Tonky,” was released in 1963, but it was her 1965 recording of “Wang Dang Doodle” that catapulted her to stardom. The song, originally penned by Dixon and recorded by Howlin’ Wolf, became a major hit for Taylor, selling over a million copies and establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the blues world.

Significant Albums, Songs, and Performances

Throughout her illustrious career, Koko Taylor released several albums that solidified her reputation as the “Queen of the Blues.” Albums like “I Got What It Takes” (1975), “From the Heart of a Woman” (1981), and “Force of Nature” (1993) showcased her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence. Songs such as “I’m a Woman,” “Hey Bartender,” and “Voodoo Woman” became fan favorites and blues standards. Taylor’s live performances were legendary, characterized by her fiery energy and deep connection with her audience. Her appearances at major blues festivals and iconic venues like the Chicago Blues Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival further cemented her status as a blues icon.

Impact on the Blues Genre and Music Industry

Koko Taylor’s impact on the blues genre and the music industry at large is profound. She broke barriers as a female blues artist in a male-dominated field, earning respect and admiration for her authenticity and vocal prowess. Taylor’s powerful, gritty voice and unapologetic style influenced countless musicians and helped to keep the traditional Chicago blues sound alive. Her work with Alligator Records, which she joined in 1975, marked a significant period in her career, allowing her to reach a wider audience and maintain her relevance in the evolving music landscape.

Personal Anecdotes or Notable Stories

One of the most endearing stories about Koko Taylor involves her nickname. As a young girl, Cora was given the nickname “Koko” because of her love for chocolate. This playful moniker stuck with her throughout her life and became a part of her legendary persona. Another notable anecdote is Taylor’s resilience in the face of adversity. In 1989, she was involved in a serious car accident that left her with multiple injuries. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, Taylor made a remarkable recovery and continued to perform and record music, demonstrating her indomitable spirit and dedication to her craft.

Legacy and Influence on Future Generations

Koko Taylor’s legacy extends far beyond her impressive discography and unforgettable performances. She paved the way for future generations of female blues artists, proving that women could command the stage with the same power and authority as their male counterparts. Taylor received numerous accolades throughout her career, including a Grammy Award in 1985 for Best Traditional Blues Album and multiple Blues Music Awards. Her influence can be heard in the music of contemporary blues artists like Shemekia Copeland and Susan Tedeschi, who carry the torch of the blues into the modern era.

Koko Taylor passed away on June 3, 2009, but her spirit and music continue to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world. Her life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the enduring legacy of the blues. As the undisputed Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor’s contributions to the genre will forever be remembered and celebrated.

Calling All Student Poets!

We currently don’t have a poem for this artist, and we invite you to fill this space with your creativity. As part of our Portrait Poets Blues Quest, you can write a poem inspired by this artist’s life and music. Your teacher can submit your poem through our Upload Portal in the Teacher Resources section, and we will select one or two to showcase here. Join us in celebrating the legacy of the blues—your words could help honor this remarkable artist!

Background

BornSeptember 28, 1928
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedJune 3, 2009 (aged 80)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
GenresChicago blues, electric blues, rhythm and blues, soul, soul blues, traditional blues
Occupation(s)Singer
Instrument(s)Vocals
LabelsAlligator, MCA, Checker, Chess, Yambo, Charly