JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Bo Diddley, a founding father of rock 'n' roll whose distinctive "shave and a haircut, two bits" rhythm and innovative guitar effects inspired legions of other musicians, died Monday after months of ill health. He was 79. Diddley died of heart failure at his home in Archer, Fla., spokeswoman Susan Clary said. He had suffered a heart attack in August, three months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa. Doctors said the stroke affected his ability to speak, and he had returned to Florida to continue rehabilitation. The legendary singer and performer, known for his homemade square guitar, dark glasses and black hat, was an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, had a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, and received a lifetime achievement award in 1999 at the Grammy Awards. In recent years he also played for the elder President Bush and President Clinton. http://apnews1.iwon.com//article/20080602/D9122UR80.html
Rock pioneer Bo Diddley dies... JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Bo Diddley, a founding father of rock 'n' roll whose distinctive "shave and a haircut, two bits" rhythm and innovative guitar effects inspired legions of other musicians, died Monday after months of ill health. He was 79. http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=317054>1=7702 RIP Bo the worlds gonna miss ya...
Man....I remember first seeing him perform at my elementary school, and then other places locally over the years. Not to be down on the man, but he had lost it over the years. Prob. the worst performance I ever saw of his was when he played w/ Bobby McFerrin in '04 or '05. There was a few sparse moments, but it seemed more a tribute that failed than an encore by a blues master. I'm glad he's finally at peace (he had been very sick the past 2 yrs). RIP.
That's a damn shame. Bo Diddley was great. Here's an awesome song Diddley shares with another Gainesville great. http://youtube.com/watch?v=YVRtQUTd7Gk
