Bo Diddley, Legendary Rock and Roll Pioneer, Dies Monday at 79

Bo Diddley, the legendary rock 'n roll guitarist, died Monday at age 79 in his Florida home. The cause of death was heart failure.

Diddley was as influential to the genesis of rock and roll as Chuck Berry, transitioning blues into what has transitioned into rock. Diddley's signature guitar rhythm, known as the "Bo Diddley beat", has earned him the title of being one of the greatest guitarists in 20th century music.

Several successful artists have openly admitted that Diddley was their inspiration and have imitated his style, such as Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Bruce Springsteen.

Diddley was born Ellas Otha Bates on December 28, 1928 in McComb, Mississippi, where he was raised and adopted by his mother's cousin, Gussie McDaniel, whose surname he adopted, later becoming Ellas McDaniel. At age 7, he moved to Chicago where he later began his musical career.

In 1955, Diddley signed with Chess Records. "Say Man" was Diddley's only Top 40 pop hit, but his other famous songs are "Bo Diddley" (1955), "Who Do You Love?" (1956), "Pretty Thing" (1956), "Say Man" (1959) and "You Can't Judge a Book By the Cover" (1962).

Bo Diddley was one of the first American musicians to have women in his band, including Peggy Jones (aka Lady Bo), Norma-Jean Wofford (aka The Duchess) and Cornelia Redmond (aka Cookie). He also set up one of the first home studios.

In 1986, Diddley was named to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. In 1996, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.

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