'Queen of the Blues' Koko Taylor's Priceless Memorabilia Sold at Chicago Flea Market
A junk dealer bought the contents of Koko Taylor's storage locker in Orland Park, and her treasured items were suddenly for sale at bargain prices. Ben Lewis discovered the collection last week while browsing a flea market booth in Back of the Yards.
As Lewis examined photos, greeting cards, and business papers, he experienced what he called a “deer in the headlights moment.” Every item bore the name Koko Taylor. He quickly realized he was surrounded by irreplaceable mementos from the life of the legendary Chicago singer, known worldwide as the "Queen of the Blues" and regarded as the greatest female blues artist of her era.
The collection was laid out on inexpensive folding tables and stored in plastic bins, available for anyone with a few dollars.
Notable Items Found
- Photographs with 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!!”
- Autographed items from 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 those from her 2013 song “Ernestine.”
- Christmas cards and other personal memorabilia.
"So great to be on the same show finally!!" — Bonnie Raitt
This unexpected market discovery revealed a unique glimpse into the life and legacy of a blues icon, now scattered and sold without ceremony.
Author’s summary: Priceless artifacts of Koko Taylor, the Queen of the Blues, unexpectedly appeared for sale at a Chicago flea market, highlighting the fragile preservation of musical legacy.