THE LATEST NEWS

THE BLUES MACHINE, KOKO TAYLOR’S BAND,
INVOLVED IN VAN ACCIDENT
press release from Alligator Records, posted 08/26/2008

The Blues Machine, Koko Taylor’s band, was involved in a serious van accident near Black River Falls, Wisconsin early morning on Saturday, August 23. Koko was not in the van at the time. The van was the only vehicle involved in the accident. They were on their way to Thief River Falls, Minnesota for a concert and planned to meet Koko there.

Traveling were guitarist Calvin Louden, guitarist Shunsuke Kikuta, bassist Ricky Nelson, drummer Brian Parker, keyboardist Stanley Banks, driver Jesse Hutson and road manager Lee Threatt (husband to Joyce “Cookie” Threatt, Koko’s daughter).

Louden, Kikuta, Nelson, Parker, and Banks all suffered broken bones and required surgery.  Hutson and Threatt were treated and released from the hospital

There were no life-threatening injuries and all are expected to make full recoveries.

Cards can be sent to individual band members care of Alligator Records, P.O. Box 60234, Chicago IL  60660.

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2008 Blues Music Awards
"And the winner is...."
posted 5/09/2008
 

KOKO TAYLOR!!
Traditional Blues Album of the Year: Old School

KOKO TAYLOR!!
Song of the Year: Gonna Buy Me A Mule, written by Koko Taylor

KOKO TAYLOR!!
Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year

Health Update
by Beverly Howell
posted 2/16/2008 - 1:00 pm CST

We are receiving numerous inquiries regarding rumors that Koko had a heart attack in the last few days.   This is NOT TRUE.  She was discharged last night from Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, where she was being treated with antibiotics for pneumonia-like symptoms.  She is feeling a bit better and recuperating at home.

"Koko has been touring back and forth between very cold and warm climates (i.e., Chicago and Jamaica).  Her doctors thought this might have weakened her immune system,"  said Koko's daughter Joyce ("Cookie") Threatt.

Joyce also added, "We extend our heartfelt thanks for all the prayers and messages that we and Mama's management have received."

Queen of the Blues Koko Taylor
To Perform Live at Grammy Awards Pre-Telecast Show
from Alligator Records  posted 02/01/2008

Legendary blues singer Koko Taylor will join pianist Pinetop Perkins, guitarist Honeyboy Edwards and a full band in a live performance of Let The Good Times Roll. The performance will take place during the 50th Annual Grammy Awards pre-telecast presentation ceremony. The ceremony will air live on www.grammy.com from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 10.  Taylor is nominated for a Grammy Award in the Traditional Blues category for her stellar 2007 release, Old School.

“Old School” Rules!!!
by Donna Johnston  posted 12/13/07

Koko’s 2007 release, Old School, has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album. The 50th Annual Grammy Awards will be presented at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 10, 2008.

Old School was also nominated in the Best Blues Album/CD category of the 27th Annual Chicago Music Awards, which will be handed out at the Park West in Chicago on January 27, 2008.

And save May 8 for the 29th Blues Music Awards celebration at the Grand Casino and Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi. Koko has been nominated for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year, while Old School has been recognized in both the Album of the Year and Traditional Blues Album of the Year categories. In addition, an album cut written by Koko, “Gonna Buy Me a Mule,” has also been nominated for Song of the Year.

Alligator Press Release

Hear  three complete tracks from OLD SCHOOL on Koko's Myspace page!

Koko Taylor Receives Lifetime Music Achievement Award
by Donna Johnston  posted 12/13/07

At the 11th Annual W. C. Handy Heritage Awards held in Memphis on November 18, 2007, Koko was recognized with a Lifetime Music Achievement Award. The W. C. Handy Heritage Awards honor scores of Memphis musicians who have continued Handy’s great legacy, and the Lifetime Music Achievement Award represents the highest honor given out by the sponsoring organization.

The City of Memphis also showed its appreciation by presenting Koko with a Key to the City. Not to be outdone, the State of Tennessee added a governor’s award and proclamation from the state legislature to her honors.
 

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