Koko Taylor, The End of an Era

I was deeply saddened to hear that Koko Taylor passed away on June 5th in Chicago. Despite the inevitability of death, survivors feel the loss of those who pass before us.

In Koko's case, we also see the passing of an era. Koko was perhaps the last of a generation of notable women in this culture we call the blues. I do feel fortunate to have seen Koko perform live in the early 90's. She was an aging woman at that time, but she delivered in a way that would be exhausting for the youngest performer. This particular show was at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, a converted theater in Little Five Points. I attended with my friend, Joe. There were several other notable acts on the bill, but I do not recall anything about the others. I only remember Koko.

She came out dressed to the nines with a blond wig and she looked fantastic. Her band was tight, but she was in full command. She sang quite a few blues standards, but gave each one her signature voice. That voice! Powerful, gritty, raspy tones with spot on delivery. The sound of her voice was raw yet an integral part of the band, an instrument unto itself. She moved around on stage, engaged the audience, and put on a great show that left us all screaming for more. In short, she
pitched a Wang Dang Doodle that night.

There are only a few survivors from this era. For each one that passes, we lose part of the rich heritage that transformed music forever. There are a few who try to preserve the memory and the culture of the blues, but this music is not only a
particular sound or a rhythm, it is life itself. This music could only be authentically produced as part of an experience. A way that is no longer possible. It is now a part of history.

It is not that anyone really wants to live in such deplorable conditions. Most people do not. However, it is a way in which we remember what this generation endured. We honor them by preserving this authentic art form.

Like many others, I have attempted to play many of the great blues songs from these artists. But, I cannot truly understand the essence of this music and it will always be, at the very best, a form of tribute. Besides, today's blues is more likely to sound like jazz or rock at times, with amazing guitar licks and digital effects. Yes, there are some who do a good job of reproducing the original sounds, but a part of the culture is lost with the younger generations. It is the experience.

Unfortunately, almost all attempts to reproduce this music is still only a tribute and not to be mistaken for authentic blues from authentic blues artists. I think it is ok to be played as a tribute, but I think it is respectful to understand it as a tribute rather than the real deal. In the meantime, some blues purists need to lighten up a little bit, take a deep breath and enjoy the evolution of music rather than attempt to apply unrealistic standards on those who may give an occasional nod to the past.

While this era will soon be gone forever, some blues organizations help to preserve the culture of the blues. Some groups are also doing a great job of capturing at least a part of the blues, but with more refined sounds to please a different
audience. For example, The North Mississippi All Stars help to capture some elements of this passing era, but it remains influenced by rock and success. I like their music very much, but it is also a tribute.

At least from my perspective, we should honor this music by recognizing the impact that it had on our own culture. At the same time, I think it is ok to recognize and embrace the inevitable influence of later music styles that helped define our own lives. That is, I think that music culture is evolving and not a circle that can or will return to pure roots music as a means of coping with unimaginable conditions. Let's honor Koko by preserving her history while integrating her style into our own. In the meantime, we can also have some fun while singing and playing from our own experience.