Queen of the Blues Koko Taylor's Priceless Items Sold at Chicago Flea Market
A collection of Koko Taylor's personal belongings, including a Grammy, was unexpectedly sold for very low prices after a junk dealer bought the contents of her storage locker in Orland Park.
Discovery at Chicago Flea Market
Ben Lewis was browsing through photographs, greeting cards, and business documents at a booth in the Back of the Yards flea market. He suddenly had a “deer in the headlights” moment when he noticed the name “Koko Taylor” appearing on all the items he examined.
“So great to be on the same show finally!!” — Bonnie Raitt
He realized he was surrounded by irreplaceable memorabilia from the life of the Chicago blues singer, known worldwide as the “Queen of the Blues” and regarded as the greatest female blues singer of her generation.
Items on Sale
- Photographs featuring Koko Taylor with President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton
- Pictures with Willie Nelson, Robert Plant, James Brown, Eric Clapton, and “Blues Brothers” John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd
- Autographed photos from Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, and the rock band Styx
- Blues awards including Handy Awards for Blues Entertainer of the Year and Best Blues Vocalist of the Year
- Dozens of handwritten song lyrics, including for her 2013 song “Ernestine”
- Various Christmas cards
Despite their historical and cultural value, these artifacts were spread across simple tables and bins, available to anyone able to pay a few dollars.
Legacy and Impact
Koko Taylor’s memorabilia highlights the significant impact she had on blues music and the depth of connections she made with fellow artists and public figures.
Author’s summary: Priceless items from blues legend Koko Taylor, including a Grammy and personal mementos, surfaced unexpectedly at a Chicago flea market, offering a rare glimpse into her storied career.