Bo Diddley

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Bo Diddley

Born

December 30, 1928 (Age: 79)

Place of Birth

McComb, Mississippi, USA

Died

June 2, 2008

Known For

Acting

Also Known As

Elias Otha Bates
The Originator

Biography

Bo Diddley, born Elias Otha Bates, was an original and influential American rock & roll singer, guitarist and songwriter. He was known as "The Originator" because of the key role in the transition from blues music to rock & roll, influencing a host of legendary acts including Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones to name a few.

He introduced more insistent, driving rhythms and hard-edged guitar sound on a wide-ranging catalog of songs.