Monday, June 02, 2008

Another Talent Gone


I saw Bo Diddley one time, well after he was past giving his best to every performance.
Bo Diddley, the musical pioneer whose songs, such as "Who Do You Love?"
and "Bo Diddley," melded rhythm and blues and rock 'n' roll through a
distinctive thumping beat, has died. He was 79.

Rock 'n' roll pioneer Bo Diddley influenced generations of guitarists.

Diddley died Monday, surrounded by family and loved ones at his home in Archer, Florida, a family spokeswoman said.


The cause was heart failure, his family said.

The world-renowned guitarist's signature beat -- usually played on
an equally distinctive rectangular-bodied guitar -- laid the foundation for rock
'n' roll, and became so identified with him that it became known as the "Bo
Diddley" beat. It was unlike anything else heard in pop music.


He was still pretty good. And there's no denying his influence on rock and roll.

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