The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, like the rest of the world, was shocked and saddened on June 3 with the news of the death of blues legend and "Queen of the Blues," Koko Taylor. Not even a month had passed since her final performance, right here in Memphis, Tennessee, May 7 at the Blues Music Awards. Little did any of us know that her roof-shaking performance of "Wang Dang Doodle" would become a final, yet very special musical gift to each and every one of us, and just how appropriate was The Blues Foundation's recognition of her as "Traditional Blues Female Artist of Year." Only, perhaps, that "Year" might be too constraining! In the very short 6 years that I have had the opportunity to be at Rock 'n' Soul, loss seems enormous. Far too often have Rock 'n' Soul employees walked through the Smithsonian-developed galleries to see the faces or hear the music of those who had joined us for the museum's grand opening in 2000 or relocation in 2004, yet whose musical gifts and talents are only left for us on vinyl or CD, with their stage performances stolen from us too soon. The mission of the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum is to "preserve and tell the story of Memphis Music, and perpetuate its legacy." That should be a mission we all embrace, especially to perpetuate the legacy of artists who have given us so much. It is a shocking reminder when a school field trip tours the museum, and a young student stares at the image of a musical legend or listens to their music... and you can see in their eyes that there is no recognition. This is our heritage, folks. Every day we should build pride and creativity in the heads and hearts of our young people, teach them about Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam Phillips... and play for them the belting blues of Koko Taylor.