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Conversation: Alligator Records' Bruce Iglauer Reflects on Legacy of Koko Taylor

Koko Taylor; photo courtesy of Alligator Records

Posted by Jeffrey Brown , June 4, 2009

In 1975, Koko Taylor signed on with Chicago-based Alligator Records. She went on to record numerous albums with the label, including her final recording, "Old School," from 2007.

Bruce Iglauer is the founder of Alligator and Koko Taylor's longtime producer, manager and friend. He was among the family and friends by her side Wednesday. He joined me on the phone from Chicago:

Listen to Koko Taylor's hit song, "Wang Dang Doodle":

Comments

Posted:
06/ 4/09 at
09:58 PM

Jennifer Stace : I used to get down to Koko's music and I still can... alright!!! right on -- fabulos! thanks, jenny benny
Posted:
06/ 4/09 at
10:17 PM

Elaine Gliner : Coco performed at the Legendary Blues Cruise last October and I happened to sit next to her watching a demonstration of second line New Orleans music. She got up to dance and besides being a legendary Blues singer she had the moves. Although not knowing me she encouraged me to get up and join her. " you can go girl!" she said and was a joy. She will always be with us.
Posted:
06/ 5/09 at
08:17 AM

Nan Siegler : We have lost a survivor, a mentor, and a blueswoman whose gift was so great that only the passing of time will bear how great her gift to us all really was. Her energy, both onstage and in the studio, was unparalleled. My heart is heavy in the knowledge that she can no longer bless us with her magnificent voice. I am grateful for having been able to have attended several of her shows. God Bless you, Cora Walton. You will be missed.
Posted:
06/ 5/09 at
11:05 AM

meb : I was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta where I saw Koko perform several times. She is one of the giants of the spirit that will remain always in the center of my heart. ...You have done us proud great lady and will live forever in our soul.
Posted:
06/ 5/09 at
12:40 PM

rockstone49 : Koko Taylor was a lot more than "Wang, Dang, Doodle." Way back in '94, my wife & I went on a 10-day "blues cruise" with KT & and other bands (Fabulous Thunderbirds, Lil' Ed, Delbert McClinton, Matt Murphy and more...) 3 shows each night... then the musicians would meet at the top deck bar and jam 'til the breakfast buffet was served. i was VERY lucky and got to hang with her band, The Blues Machine. Eddie.. and Vino, in particular, took me under their wing, showed me lots of cool stuff on guitar. the only thing they asked in return:"... promise you'll keep the blues alive..." I have kept up my end of the deal.
Posted:
06/ 5/09 at
04:15 PM

dablueshound : My heart aches.
Posted:
06/12/09 at
02:15 PM

Dan Nivinski : I booked over 900 small venue events, mostly in the ninties, KoKo was the biggest event I ever produced. 5400 people came out to see her perform in Rockford, IL in 1999. Thanks for the memories KoKo.

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