The incomparable “Queen of the Blues”, Koko Taylor, has passed today due to complications from a recent surgery to correct a gastrointestinal bleed, according to her website.  Any lover of the blues, such as myself, is most definitely suffering a serious case of the blues upon hearing this terribly sad news. If you do not have Koko in your musical library, do yourself a favor and include some, if not all, of her recordings.  This is a voice, and woman, who cannot be replaced and will most definitely be missed.  RIP Koko Taylor 1928-2009.

“Ernestine”

***ADDED 6/5/09***

From a Koko Taylor MySpace bulletin:

• Wake/Visitation (Lying in State)
  Thursday, June 11, 2009
  4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  Rainbow Push Coalition National Headquarters
  930 East 50th Street at Drexel Blvd.
  Chicago, IL 60615
• Funeral Services
  Friday, June 12, 2009
  6:00 pm
  (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Visitation)
  Rainbow Push Coalition National Headquarters
  930 East 50th Street at Drexel Blvd.
  Chicago, IL 60615