‘Queen of the Blues’ Koko Taylor’s Prized Possessions Sold at Chicago Flea Market
A collection of treasured items belonging to Koko Taylor, the Chicago-born singer hailed as the “Queen of the Blues,” was sold for a very low price after a junk dealer bought the contents of her storage locker in Orland Park.
Discovery at the Flea Market
Ben Lewis was browsing photographs, greeting cards, and business documents for sale at a flea market booth in the Back of the Yards neighborhood last week when he experienced a “deer in the headlights moment.” Everything he examined bore the name Koko Taylor. It dawned on him that these were priceless keepsakes once owned by the iconic blues artist, renowned worldwide as one of the greatest female blues singers of her time.
Items Found in the Collection
- Photographs with notable 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.
- Signed photos from artists like Bonnie Raitt, who wrote,
“So great to be on the same show finally!!”
, Etta James, and the band Styx. - Awards including Handy Awards for Blues Entertainer of the Year and Best Blues Vocalist of the Year.
- Dozens of handwritten song lyrics, including from her 2013 track “Ernestine.”
- Christmas cards and other memorabilia.
Significance of the Collection
These irreplaceable mementos of Koko Taylor’s life and career were surprisingly displayed on inexpensive portable tables and stored in plastic bins, available for purchase by anyone with minimal funds.
“So great to be on the same show finally!!” — Bonnie Raitt
Author’s summary: Koko Taylor’s invaluable blues memorabilia—including awards, signed photos, and personal items—were unexpectedly found and sold cheaply at a Chicago flea market, highlighting a lost cultural treasure.