As the “Queen of the Blues,” Koko Taylor was certainly benevolent
royalty. It was in her nature to help others and just being in
her presence could give a person a much needed boost. Koko graced
the stage at our annual benefit concert, Hopefest, numerous times and
she always brought down the house with her fiery and impassioned sets.
In recent years, although she was not up for performing, Koko would
still come out and sit in the audience to demonstrate her
support. Like many of her peers, Koko understood the blues;
years ago, Koko started her own foundation to help musicians that had
fallen on hard times and couldn’t pay their medical bills.

Our hearts are heavy with the news that Koko has left us.
Our sympathies go out to the Taylor family as well as to all of Koko’s
ardent fans.

- Michael Nameche