Queen of the Blues Koko Taylor's Treasured Items Sold at Chicago Flea Market
A collection of personal belongings belonging to Koko Taylor, famously known as the "Queen of the Blues," was sold inexpensively after a junk dealer bought the contents of her storage locker in Orland Park.
Unexpected Discovery at Flea Market
Ben Lewis was browsing through photographs, greeting cards, and business documents at a flea market booth in Back of the Yards when he experienced a “deer in the headlights moment.” Every item he encountered featured the name Koko Taylor.
He soon realized these were priceless memorabilia once owned by the Chicago-born singer, hailed as the greatest female blues artist of her time. Despite their significance, these artifacts were laid out on cheap foldable tables and in plastic bins, available for anyone to buy for a few dollars.
Collection Highlights
- Photographs of Taylor 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.
- Autographed photos from Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, and the rock band Styx. Bonnie Raitt’s message read:
“So great to be on the same show finally!!”
- Handy Awards for Blues Entertainer of the Year and Best Blues Vocalist of the Year.
- Several dozen handwritten song lyrics, including ones from her 2013 song “Ernestine.”
- Christmas cards and other personal correspondence.
“So great to be on the same show finally!!” — Bonnie Raitt
Summary: Priceless artifacts from Koko Taylor's career, including awards and autographed photos, unexpectedly appeared at a Chicago flea market, highlighting the undervalued legacy of the blues legend.