- Born
- 30 December 1928, McComb, Mississippi, United States
- First work
- 1955: Bo Diddley
- Peak
- 1955 to 1962 (estimated)
- Last work
- 1996: A Man Amongst Men
- Died
- 2 June 2008, Archer, United States; aged 79; natural
Bo Diddley
Music: guitarist, singer, songwriter, United States
Bo Diddley was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose syncopated five-accent beat became one of the essential cornerstones of modern rock music. Born in McComb, Mississippi, in 1928, he moved to Chicago as a boy and mastered violin before building his own distinctive rectangular electric guitars. In 1955, he signed with Chess Records and debuted with the dual-sided triumph Bo Diddley and I'm a Man. His pioneering guitar tone, heavily amplified tremolo, and bold stage personality left an indelible mark on bands across the Atlantic and at home. He continued playing international concerts late into life before passing away in Archer, Florida, in 2008.
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Signature works
- Bo Diddley 1955
- I'm a Man 1955
- Who Do You Love? 1956
- Before You Accuse Me 1958
- You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover 1962
Honours
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, 1987
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, 1998