In Memoriam
Bo Diddley
December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008 · aged 79
Rock and Roll · R&B · Blues
Ellas McDaniel, universally known as Bo Diddley, was a foundational architect of rock and roll. Born in Mississippi in 1928, Diddley introduced the African-based clave rhythm into mainstream American music—a syncopated, driving beat that became known simply as the 'Bo Diddley beat.' Playing his trademark rectangular cigar-box guitar, his heavy use of tremolo and distortion predated the aggressive sounds of 1960s rock by a decade. His influence is immeasurable, having profoundly shaped the sound of The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, and The Clash. Beyond his musical innovations, his swaggering, boastful lyricism laid early groundwork for the attitude of hip-hop. Diddley passed away from heart failure on June 2, 2008, at the age of 79. Though rarely enjoying the same commercial peaks as his peer Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley's rhythmic innovations remain the pulsing heartbeat of rock music.
Milestones
Bo Diddley, I'm a Man, Who Do You Love?
Also remembered in 2008
- Eartha Kitt (1927–2008)
- Isaac Hayes (1942–2008)
- Mitch Mitchell (1946–2008)
- Richard Wright (1943–2008)