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 he had returned to Florida to continue rehabilitation.
The legendary singer and performer, known for his homemade square guitar, dark glasses and black hat, was an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, had a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, and received a lifetime achievement award in 1999 at the Grammy Awards. In recent years he also played for the elder President Bush and President Clinton.
Diddley appreciated the honors he received, "but it didn't put no figures in my checkbook."
[AP]
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Comments (1)
I always think of Bo Diddle... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Paul Hooson | June 3, 2008 6:41 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I always think of Bo Diddley as more of a blues musician who had a huge influence on rock including Buddy Holly and others. Even The Rolling Stones had a strong blues basis to their music as did the early Led Zeppelin and others. And certainly The Doors, Steppenwolf, Cream, Canned Heat, Ten Years After and many, many more were blues influenced as well. Bo Diddley was indeed a unique talent and major influence for many White acts with plastic drumsets who otherwise might not be so influenced by the blues had not great talents like Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and many more influenced them.
1. Posted by Paul Hooson | June 3, 2008 6:41 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on June 3, 2008 18:41