Home » Jazz Musicians » Bo Diddley

Bo Diddley

Bo Diddley is recognized as one of the first and most influential rock guitarist and musicians. He was born in Pike County, Mississippi, on December 20, 1928. His birth name was Otha Ellas Bates. In 1934 his mother sent him to live with his cousin, Guisse McDaniel in Chicago. Later Otha changed his name to Ellas McDaniel Diddley. At the age of ten he became very interested in music. He began studying the violin and guitar at Foster High School . Bo was very active as a teenager and even took boxing lessons. He played violin for the Ebenezer Baptist Church Orchestra. Diddley played songs on street corners with his friend Jerome Green, and Diddley worked construction for extra money. By October, 1954, Bo had a group. He had bought himself an electric guitar, and Bo's career had begun. He hooked up with Jerome Green t o record two of what became Diddley hits The two hits were put out on Checker and sky rocketed all the way to number two on national R and B charts. Bo Diddley also appeared on Ed Sullivan television shows. Bo's first records showed him to be far ahead of his time in guitar playing. After he hooked up with Billy "Boy" Arnold and was released from Chess Records, Bo changed his entire playing method. Bo Diddley had a string of hits through the early 1960's. After losing favor in the U.S., he became popular in England. Years later, his influence on the British rock scene continued as he was invited to perform with Clash. Bo Diddley had many honors as a musician. In 1987 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Diddley's success heralded the beginning of the rock 'n roll craze. Not just blacks, but whites also found enjoyment in his music. Diddley was both a powerful singer and innovator who lived in Southern California for many years. .I'm an ordinary fellow," he has said. "But I have to be different in what I do...Because that's what keeps me in the music business." Today, according to Cort Chilldon of Gainesville, Florida, Bo Diddley lives in Archer, Florida. He says, " You [are] right about him being a normal guy. He is very down to earth and hates special treatment. I think that is why he live where he does."

Source: Carl Wilson

Tags

104

Obituary

Bo Diddley Beat Marked Rock 'N' Roll

Bo Diddley Beat Marked Rock 'N' Roll

Source: Michael Ricci

Diddley's swaggering stage presence influenced artists including James Brown, Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix. A primal guitar sound and stage swagger influenced music from Elvis to rap. But he never got the full rewards of a pioneer.

Primal rock and blues musician Bo Diddley, who helped cast the sonic template of rock more than 50 years ago with a signature syncopated rhythm that became universally recognized as “the Bo Diddley beat," died Monday. He was 79. The Bo Diddley Sound ...

75

Obituary

Bo Diddley Dead at 79

Bo Diddley Dead at 79

Source: All About Jazz

Legendary Guitarist Bo Diddley Dead at 79

Bo Diddley Bo Diddley, legendary guitarist and founding father of rock & roll, died on Monday (June 2) after months of prolonged health issues. He was 79.

Diddley died of heart failure in his Archer, Florida home. He had suffered a heart attack in August, three months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa; he had returned to Florida for rehabilitation.

Not only was Diddley's voice and 5/4 rhythm approach instantly recognizable, ...

113

Obituary

Bo Diddley His Life and Times

Bo Diddley His Life and Times

Source: Michael Ricci

Bo Diddley, a founding father of rock 'n' roll whose distinctive ”shave and a haircut, two bits” rhythm and innovative guitar effects inspired legions of other musicians, died Monday after months of ill health. He was 79. Diddley died of heart failure at his home in Archer, Fla., spokeswoman Susan Clary said. He had suffered a heart attack in August, three months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa. Doctors said the stroke affected his ability to speak, and ...

115

Obituary

Bo Diddley Dies

Bo Diddley Dies

Source: Michael Ricci

Rock Pioneer Bo Diddley Dies at age 79 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A spokeswoman says rock pioneer Bo Diddley has died.

The spokeswoman says Diddley died of heart failure today. He had suffered a heart attack in August 2007, three months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa. Doctors said the stroke affected his ability to speak, and he had returned to Florida to continue rehabilitation. Diddley was known for his homemade square guitar, dark glasses and black ...

86

Event

Bo Diddley's 77th birthday

Bo Diddley's 77th birthday

Source: All About Jazz

One of the founding fathers of rock & roll, BO DIDDLEY celebrates his 77th birthday on Friday December 30th 2005 and we encourage all his many fans around the world to sign the BO DIDDLEY-The Originator website Guestbook with their birthday greetings and messages.

As we always do at this time of the year, we are making special arrangements for BO DIDDLEY to view each and every one of your greetings. This is an opportunity for you to convey your ...

73

Event

Bo Diddley's 76th birthday

Bo Diddley's 76th birthday

Source: All About Jazz

We are delighted to be able to announce the details of BO DIDDLEY's forthcoming 76th birthday party! One of the undisputed legends of rock & roll and a true original, BO DIDDLEY will be celebrating his 76th birthday live on-stage at Berbati's Pan, 10 SW Third Avenue in Portland, OR on Thursday December 30th 2004. Further details can be obtained by calling the Box Office & Info. Line on 503-248-4579. The previous evening, Wednesday December 29th 2004, BO DIDDLEY will ...

"Bo Diddley is so cool, he's permafrost..." —Paul Gambaccini, BBC TV, 1998

Mike Felten
vocals

Photos

Music

Videos

Similar

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.