Items of 'Queen of the Blues' Koko Taylor Sold at Chicago Flea Market
A collection of personal belongings belonging to Koko Taylor, famously known as the "Queen of the Blues," was sold cheaply after a junk dealer randomly bought the contents of her storage locker in Orland Park.
Discovery at the Flea Market
Ben Lewis was examining photographs, greeting cards, and business documents at a booth in the Back of the Yards flea market last week when he had a surprising realization. The name "Koko Taylor" appeared on nearly every item he handled.
“I suddenly realized I was surrounded by irreplaceable keepsakes once owned by the Chicago singer known worldwide as the ‘Queen of the Blues.’”
These important memorabilia from Taylor’s music career were displayed on portable tables and stored in plastic bins, available for anyone to purchase for just a few dollars.
Notable Items Found
- Photographs of Koko Taylor with notable figures such as President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Willie Nelson, Robert Plant, James Brown, Eric Clapton, and “Blues Brothers” John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
- Signed photos from Bonnie Raitt, who wrote, “So great to be on the same show finally!!,” Etta James, and the rock band Styx.
- Handy Awards for Blues Entertainer of the Year and Best Blues Vocalist of the Year.
- Several dozen handwritten song lyrics, including lyrics from her 2013 song “Ernestine.”
- Christmas cards and various personal documents.
Significance
Koko Taylor was celebrated as the greatest female blues singer of her generation worldwide, yet these invaluable pieces of her legacy were sold off without much recognition.
“So great to be on the same show finally!!” — Bonnie Raitt
This discovery highlights how priceless cultural treasures can sometimes be overlooked and undervalued.
Author’s Summary
Koko Taylor’s treasured memorabilia, reflecting her legendary blues career, were unexpectedly sold cheaply, revealing how easily iconic music history can slip into obscurity.