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Koko Taylor Dies of Surgery Complications

The world-renowned "Queen of the Blues," Koko Taylor, passed away yesterday. According to her longtime record label, Alligator, Taylor died of complications from a recent surgery. She was 80.

Chess Records first signed Taylor in 1962. The Willie Dixon-led imprint released two of her records and several singles, including the 1965 smash "Wang Dang Doodle." Taylor's move to Alligator happened in 1975. She eventually released nine albums for the label, eight of which were nominated for Grammys.

Taylor's final public appearance was during the Blues Music Awards last month, where she performed "Wang Dang Doodle" and accepted an award for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
06.05.09