Bo Diddley

December 28th, 2008 | Bo Diddley, Celebrity, Celebrity Autographs, Guitars, Memorabilia, Music Memorabilia

Bo Diddley Autographed Signed Airbrush Guitar Proof PSA

US $1,678.65

Sale

BLUES BO DIDDLEY SIGNED STRATOCASTER GUITAR PROOF

US $1,499.99

Sale

Memorabilia -> Entertainment-Memorabilia -> Music-Memorabilia

Bo Diddley is a legend, both for his guitar playing and his role as one of the first influences in modern rock ‘n roll. Born Ellas Othas Bates in Mississippi in 1928, he later became known as the “originator” because he was one of the first to move from playing the blues to playing rock ‘n roll. He started out playing violin and trombone in his church’s orchestra, but became captivated by the guitar and rhythmic gospel music.

Inspired by the music of John Lee Hooker, he started playing the music he loved with his friends, sometimes performing on street corners or for tips in night spots. He became a regular at the same club where Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker regularly performed in 1951 in Chicago. Then in 1954, he put together a band and made some demo recordings. One of those songs, Bo Diddley, became a #1 hit R & B single in 1955.

The Bo Diddley beat was a distinctive rhythm he often used in his music, a rumba-like beat he became known for. He was also recognized for his innovations with the guitar. His music often followed the same chord throughout the song, but had unusual rhythms and changes that made it dynamic. He often played an unusual looking guitar shaped like a box that he built himself in 1958. He also played the violin on some of his recordings. The songs he wrote were often witty takes or humorous versions of folk music.

When he appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1955, Bo Diddley got himself banned from ever appearing again by going against the show’s wishes. He had been asked to sing a Merle Travis song, but instead sang his hit “Bo Diddley.” Despite Ed Sullivan’s anger and pronouncement that he wouldn’t last six months, Diddley had hit after hit through the 50s and 60s, and released 11 albums.

Bo Diddley wasn’t just a pioneer in musical styles or types of guitar, but in other areas, too. He was one of the first musicians to set up his own recording studio at his home. And he was also one of the first men to have women in his band. A woman led his band for the last 25 years he performed, in fact.

He went on to perform with well known acts, and receive numerous awards and distinctions from the musical community and from his fans. Bo Diddley appeared in a small part in the 1983 film Trading Places, and made commercials for Nike. His songs have been covered by a variety of acts over the years, and his birthplace has even been given a Mississippi Blues Trail historical marker to honor his contribution to the art form.

He’s only been gone since June, 2008, so his contributions to musical world continued until recently, even though he was less active in the months and years leading up to his death. eBay is a wonderful place to find Bo Diddley memorabilia like old vinyl albums and recordings.

Related Posts

Andy Warhol Paintings Memorabilia -> Entertainment Memorabilia Andy Warhol paintings today are housed in museums, owned by private collectors and released as prints for public consumption. He was born Andrew Warhola in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1928. Though he died in 1987 from complications after gall bladder surgery, his name is still well known......
The Eagles Shirt Memorabilia -> Music Memorabilia -> Eagles Band and concert shirts are one of the most popular forms of music-related collectibles, so the Eagles shirt is a highly collectible way to celebrate a band with an almost 40-year history. The Eagles formed in 1971, and have influenced rock music and the......
Grateful Dead Posters Memorabilia -> G -> Grateful Dead Grateful Dead fans, often called Dead Heads, and music memorabilia collectors can pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for items like handbills and Grateful Dead posters. Anyone not familiar with the band or the unique style of images and posters used during the......
Bruce Lee Movies Collectibles -> Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia Bruce Lee is a revered name in the martial arts community, and Bruce Lee movies are classics among action and martial arts fans. Lee was more than actor, he actually developed a martial art form called Jeet Kune Do, and popularized the sport in......
Fender Guitar Dealers -> Musical Instruments -> String A Fender guitar is one of the best guitars you can purchase in the world today, whether it's a new instrument or a vintage one. Fender began with Leo Fender releasing the Esquire model guitar in 1950, but production only lasted for about......

Related Websites

The Legacy of Jaco Pastorius - Joe Sinaguglia For over twenty years now, the planet has been without the presence of Jaco Pastorius, the revolutionary electric bass player of the 70s. He was a member of the group Weather Report and later led his own bands. Sadly, the lifestyle caught up to him in 1987. Despite his death,......
SamDee - Party Time SamDee is an upcoming Nigerian artist with a unique talent in that he writes, arranges, mixes, and produces his own music. Something that is rare among the numerous artists’ springing up in the evolving Nigeria music industry. “Party Time” is the first single from this bright mind, a song......
Musician Profile: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) Johann Sebastian Bach was born on March 31, 1685 and lived until July 28, 1750. He was regarded as a famous German composer and organist with sacred and secular works for orchestra, choir and solo instruments that brought the Baroque period to its ultimate level of maturity. He did not......
Tap dance (guitar) I really like this style of playing. Download his first two CDs for FREE here. You can also download the sheet music and a guitar tab for this tune at his website. He invented the harmonic capo, very neat, see it pictured at his website. This is the closest I......
The Next Tiger Woods ...