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Koko -

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By now, the world knows of the passing of Koko the gorilla.

She was a bridge between man and animal. Thanks to the help of her friend and keeper, Penny Patterson, she had developed a firm grasp on sign language. This was a huge leap in developing common ground between man and gorilla. We could communicate.

A few years ago, Emma and I both had the opportunity to be part of that bridge. With the help of guitarists, Jack Pearson (The Allman Brothers Band) and Dean Hall, we brought music to Koko’s world.

Using the classic, “Froggie Went a Courtin’”, I wrote lyrics to a song that would mirror a day in the life of Koko. This started out as a gift and a lesson to Emma about doing something nice, just to do it. From there, an EP was created by The Gorilla Foundation. “Koko’s Songs” was released and suddenly, we became part of a project that was bigger than us both.

Soon after, Koko received a Fender bass guitar from Flea, of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Music had turned Koko into a rock star. Not long ago, I had written an instrumental (Emma Enchanted) and had my friends, Eric Gales and Dean Hall put it together in the studio. The GF showed interest in using it in a video.

And now I find out that Koko had peacefully passed in her sleep. I can’t imagine the pain that Koko’s friends and family must be going through. I find myself deeply saddened by this news. But Koko’s life and death are not in vain. I celebrate her life as the beginning of a bigger and brighter future. Throughout the world, Koko will always be remembered for her love of others and her ability to grow and educate.

Below is a link to hear Koko (bluegrass). If you like it, it and the alternate version, Koko (country) are available for download at the Gorilla Foundation’s website: http://www.koko.org/music

Thank you Koko, for making my days brighter and helping me have some faith in a world that is in sharp need of it. Rock on!!!

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Koko -

Koko went playin' and she had fun uh-hu (3x)
Turn and a snort.
Growl and a grunt.
Koko went playin' and she had fun uh-hu

She tickles her friends and laughs a lot uh-hu (3x)
Chase her around and roll on the ground.
Koko has fun just jumpin' around.
She tickles her friends and laughs a lot uh-hu

She uses her hands to talk to you uh-hu (3x)
Talks all day to her kitten friends.
Tells them stories of jungle lands.
She uses her hands to talk to you uh-hu

Koko loves to drink her soda pop. (3x)
Orange and grape and apple too.
Drinks every drop until it's through.
Koko loves to drink her soda pop.

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From the nest…

jh

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©Jeff Hightower

100% of the profits go directly to The Gorilla Foundation.

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