Bo Diddley (born Ellas Otha Bates) was one of the giants of twentieth century American rhythm and blues, being not only a songwriter and guitarist, but also an extraordinarily unique vocalist. Born in Mississippi and moving to Chicago at a young age, Bo Diddley’s early influences were the lively beats he heard in the Pentecostal churches of his youth. Inspired also by John Lee Hooker, Bo spent a good deal of time playing on street corners and pick-up bands before landing a spot on Chicago’s South Side. Along the way he adopted the stage name of Bo Diddley, for which we are all grateful. Making an appearance on the legendary Ed Sullivan show in 1955, Bo went on to ever increasing exposure and fame, recording, performing and touring both at home and abroad (and having as a supporting act in Britain in 1963 none other than The Rolling Stones). Over the years he appeared and recorded with a variety of stars, including Marvin Gaye, The Grateful Dead, Cheryl Crowe, Les Paul, Little Richard, The Everly Brothers and B.B. King. While he continued his musical career for almost his entire life, he also had the distinction of serving as a Deputy Sheriff in New Mexico in the 1970s! He died of heart failure at his home in Florida, and the accolades from around the world were overwhelming. The recipient of countless awards during his life and after, he was summed up by Mick Jagger, who said, “We will never see his like againâ€. We know, not the most original of quotes, but how many people have Mick Jagger commenting on their lives? We’ll venture to be just as banal by saying, sincerely, that he was one of a kind.
