Koko Taylor’s band suffers van crash in Wisconsin;

 Koko not on board, seven injured

The Blues Machine, Koko Taylor’s band, was involved in a serious van accident near Black River Falls, Wisconsin early morning on Saturday, August 23. Koko was not in the van at the time. The van was the only vehicle involved in the accident. They were on their way to Thief River Falls, Minnesota for a concert and planned to meet Koko there.

Traveling were guitarist Calvin Louden, guitarist Shunsuke Kikuta, bassist Ricky Nelson, drummer Brian Parker, keyboardist Stanley Banks, driver Jesse Hutson and road manager Lee Threatt (husband to Joyce “Cookie” Threat, Koko’s daughter).

Louden, Kikuta, Nelson, Parker, and Banks all suffered broken bones and required surgery.  Hutson and Threatt were treated and released from the hospital

There were no life-threatening injuries and all are expected to make full recoveries.

Cards can be sent to individual band members care of Alligator Records, PO Box 60234, Chicago IL 60660.

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