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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

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