Bo Diddley

Ellas McDaniel (born Ellas Otha Bates;[1]^{[unreliable source?]} December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008), known professionally as Bo Diddley, was an American guitarist who played a key role in the transition from the blues to rock and roll. He influenced many artists, including Buddy Holly,[2] Elvis Presley,[3] The Beatles, The Rolling Stones,[4] The Animals, George Thorogood, and The Clash.[5]

Quick facts: Bo Diddley, Background information, Birth nam... ▼

Bo Diddley
Diddley in 1957
Background information
Birth name	Ellas Otha Bates[1]
Also known as	Ellas Bates McDaniel The Originator
Born	(1928-12-30)December 30, 1928 McComb, Mississippi, U.S.
Died	June 2, 2008(2008-06-02) (aged 79) Archer, Florida, U.S.
Genres	Rock and roll blues
Occupation(s)	Musician songwriter
Instrument(s)	Guitar vocals
Years active	1943–2007
Labels	Checker Chess RCA Triple X Atlantic
Website	BoDiddley.com

Quick facts: External video... ▼

External video
"Bo Diddley Talks About His Early Days, Including His Twelve Years of Classical Music Training". Interview, June 23, 2005. National Association of Music Merchants Oral History Library. NAMM.org

His use of African rhythms and a signature beat, a simple five-accent hambone rhythm, is a cornerstone of hip hop, rock, and pop music.[4][6][7] In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2003, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2017.[8][6][9] He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.[10] Diddley is also recognized for his technical innovations, including his use of tremolo and reverb effects to enhance the sound of his distinctive rectangular-shaped guitars.[11][12]