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.
Originally posted 2008-12-28 14:00:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
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...... -
John Wayne Movies Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia John Wayne movies have been a favorite of movie buffs, Western fans and those who like “tough guys” in their films, for many years. Though John Wayne has been gone for almost 30 years, his presence is still such a part of American culture that almost...... - 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......
-
Ballet Posters Memorabilia -> Music Memorabilia -> Classical, Opera, Ballet-> Posters For a budding ballerina, there is nothing quite like the inspiration that can come from looking at a ballet poster. These works of art inspire, and for collectors, they are a way of enjoying and expressing a love for this amazing......
Related Websites -
Music Monday: Before i Let You Go Before I Let You Go by FreeStyle. I so love this song as well as the band. I used to sing this song in a karaoke. I hope you like it too. Actually FreeStyle is a local band here in the Philippines - fyi for those who don't know them....... -
5 Tips for Acoustic Guitar Playing Here are a couple of acoustic guitar tips for free that every beginner should learn sooner than later. Some of it is harder to learn than it is for others; forewarned is forearmed. Guitar Tip #1 - You are incredibly unlikely to hear anyone ever say to themselves "It is...... -
2 Ways to Learn Acoustic Guitar When people are first learning to play the guitar, the acoustic type is generally recommended over the electric type. The main reason for this is that the strings of an acoustic guitar are tougher, so they build calluses better, and help build finger strength. As for the methods by which...... -
You may have heard this one before, but the message is still good...Life: Explained A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them. "Not very long," answered the...... -
Acoustic Guitar Tablature Acoustic music tablature has now become the preferred method for reading and playing guitar music among many of the people playing the acoustic guitar today. Even among those who are classically trained, who used sheet music during instruction, becoming more familiar with the art of reading and understanding guitar tablature......
