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Bo Diddley | |
|---|---|
 Bo Diddley performing on-stage | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ellas Bates |
| Also known as | Ellas B. McDaniel Bo Diddley The Originator |
| Born | (1928-12-30)December 30, 1928 Pike County,Mississippi |
| Origin | McComb,Mississippi |
| Died | June 2, 2008(2008-06-02) (aged 79) Archer,Florida |
| Genres | Rock and roll,blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer,guitarist,songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals,guitar |
| Years active | 1951 – 2008 |
| Labels | Chess Records Checker Records |
| Website | Official Website bodiddley.com |
Bo Diddley (bornEllas Bates, December 30, 1928 inMcComb, Mississippi, died June 2, 2008 inArcher, Florida) was anAmericansinger,guitarist andsongwriter. He was one of the originalrock and roll musicians; he, along with others, createdrock music.
In 1955, he recorded and released his first songs. He is most famous for therhythm which he has made popular in many of his recordings. The rhythm has become known as the Bo Diddley beat. Some of the most popular songs which feature the Bo Diddley beat include "Not Fade Away" and "I Want Candy",George Michael's song "Faith" andU2's song "Desire". Bo Diddley is also famous for the unusual shapes of many of his guitars, for his exciting stage shows and for his use of female musicians.
Bo Diddley made many appearances onradio,television and in themovies. In 1956, he co-wrote the popular song "Love Is Strange" for the singing duoMickey and Sylvia.
Some of his most popular songs are: "I'm A Man" (1955), "Pretty Thing" (1955), "Bring It To Jerome" (1955), "Diddy Wah Diddy" (1955), "Who Do You Love" (1956), "Mona (I Need You Baby)" (1957), "Before You Accuse Me" (1957), "Crackin' Up" (1959), "Say Man" (1959), "Say Man, Back Again" (1959), "Road Runner" (1960), "Pills" (1961), "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover" (1962) and "I Can Tell" (1962).
Bo Diddley often sang simple or amusing songs about himself. Some of these songs are "Bo Diddley" (1955), "Diddley Daddy" (1955), "Hey Bo Diddley" (1957), "Bo Meets The Monster" (1958), "Bo Diddley's A Gunslinger" (1960), "Just Like Bo Diddley" (1989), "Bo Diddley Is Crazy" (1996) and "Oops! Bo Diddley" (1996).
His songs have been recorded by many other popular recording artists, includingAerosmith,The Animals,Eric Clapton,Creedence Clearwater Revival,Dr. Feelgood,The Doors,Buddy Holly,Chris Isaak,New York Dolls,Quicksilver Messenger Service,Rolling Stones,Bob Seger,George Thorogood and The Destroyers,The Who andThe Yardbirds.
In 2003,U.S. RepresentativeJohn Conyers paid tribute to Bo Diddley in theUnited StatesHouse of Representatives when he described him as "one of the true pioneers of rock and roll, who has influenced generations".
In 2005, Bo Diddley celebrated his 50th anniversary in music with successful tours ofAustralia andEurope and with coast-to-coast shows acrossNorth America.
On June 2, 2008, Diddley died from heart failure at the age of 79.
