'Queen of the Blues' Koko Taylor’s Priceless Memorabilia Sold at Chicago Flea Market
A collection of Koko Taylor's belongings was sold for mere pennies after a junk dealer randomly bought the contents of her storage locker in Orland Park. Ben Lewis was browsing through photographs, greeting cards, and documents at a flea market booth in Back of the Yards last week when he experienced a “deer in the headlights” moment. Every item he picked up bore the name Koko Taylor.
Lewis soon realized he was surrounded by priceless keepsakes belonging to the Chicago singer acclaimed worldwide as the “Queen of the Blues” and the greatest female blues singer of her generation. Despite their significance, these artifacts were casually displayed on portable tables and in plastic bins, available to anyone with a few dollars.
Remarkable Items Found
- Photographs of Taylor with prominent figures such as President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Willie Nelson, Robert Plant, James Brown, Eric Clapton, and “Blues Brothers” stars John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
- Autographed photos from Bonnie Raitt (“So great to be on the same show finally!!”), Etta James, and the rock band Styx.
- Handy Awards recognizing Taylor as Blues Entertainer of the Year and Best Blues Vocalist of the Year.
- Dozens of handwritten song lyrics, including those from her 2013 track “Ernestine.”
- Various Christmas cards.
“So great to be on the same show finally!!” — Bonnie Raitt, on a signed photo to Koko Taylor
Koko Taylor’s cherished memorabilia unexpectedly became accessible at bargain prices, revealing a striking contrast between the immense cultural value of her legacy and the casual manner in which these artifacts were dispersed.
Summary: Koko Taylor’s invaluable blues memorabilia, including awards and autographed photos, was sold cheaply after being found in a storage locker, highlighting both the fragile preservation of musical history and her enduring legacy.