Blues legend Koko Taylor died Wednesday at her home in Chicago. She was 80 years old.
Taylor died from complications following a May 19 surgery for gastrointestinal bleeding, her Web site is reporting.
Born Cora Walton in Memphis, Tenn., Taylor was known for her powerful voice and hit song “Wang Dang Doodle.” She was nicknamed Koko because of her love of chocolate.
Taylor’s final performance was on May 7 when she won her 29th Blues Music Award. She was named “Traditional Blues Female Artist of Year”.
She’s won every major blues award, including a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1985 for her album “Queen of the Blues.”
In her 40-year career, Taylor shared the stage with nearly every major blues performer, including B.B. King, Junior Wells and Muddy Waters.
Survivors include her husband, Hays Harris; daughter, Joyce Threatt; son-in-law Lee Threatt; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Click here to read more.
